“My skin is a mess after resting”… What if it keeps itching and pulling?

The cool mornings and evenings are definitely autumn. At this time of year, if there is one area that immediately notices the change in weather, it is the skin. When humidity disappears and the air becomes dry, moisture is lost from the skin. If the skin lacks moisture, dead skin cells or itchiness occur on the face or body. As we age, the functions of the sweat and sebaceous glands in the skin decrease, which tends to make dryness worse.

At this time, proper moisturizing and self-care are essential to prevent dryness, maintain skin moisture, and maintain a healthy state. Let’s find out the causes of dry skin based on information from WebMD, an American health media outlet.

Dry skin means that it feels itchy along with a tight feeling. It can appear flaky or scaly, and in severe cases, the skin can crack. This symptom is more common in areas with fewer sebaceous glands, such as the face, elbows, calves, hands, and feet. If dry skin is left untreated, it can become itchy, cause scratching, and lead to skin damage, which can increase the risk of infection. There are five main reasons why skin is dry.

Environmental factors= One of the main factors that causes dry skin is the external environment. Strong sunlight, cold weather, dry indoor heating, and low humidity take away moisture from the skin and make it dry. In order to protect the skin from these environmental factors, it is necessary to apply sunscreen when going out and maintain indoor humidity.

Excessive cleansing= Using strong cleansers or washing your face frequently can remove the skin’s natural protective layer and worsen dryness. Taking long showers with hot water can also cause dry skin. To prevent this, you should limit shower time to 10 minutes or less and use a gentle cleanser. After showering, it is important to apply moisturizer while your skin is still wet to maintain moisture.

Aging = As you age, your skin’s sebum secretion decreases, which makes your skin more dry. Especially after your 40s, your skin may become drier due to a rapid decrease in sebum secretion. This is why you need to take care of your skin, such as replenishing moisture more thoroughly, as you age.

Smoking = Smoking is one of the main causes of premature aging and dry skin. The chemicals in cigarettes take away moisture from the skin and reduce elasticity. Women in particular should be careful because smoking can worsen dryness by lowering estrogen levels.

Inflammatory skin disease = Inflammatory skin diseases such as atopic dermatitis can cause dry, itchy skin due to damage to the skin barrier. Scratching the skin can make the condition worse and increase the risk of infection. Psoriasis is also an inflammatory skin disease that occurs when the skin is dry, and requires proper treatment and management.