By Tope Ojo

Dry skin, in most cases, is due to lack of moisture, usually caused by factors like hot or cold weather, low moisture in the air, and soaking in hot water.

Your first thought when one experiences dry skin may be to pile on moisturisers. While that’ll help and one will likely see changes within a few minutes, it is a temporary solution.

If you’re looking for remedies for dry skin, check out this list, whether one of these causes may be to blame, and find out how to combat these dehydrators.

1. Long, hot showers can contribute to skin dehydration

Soaking in the tub or showering for long periods can dry out the moisture in your skin. Also taking long and steaming showers can also cause skin dryness. Pools and hot tubs that have a lot of chlorine in them are bad, too, because the chemical dries out the skin.

Limit showers to no more than five minutes and keep the water temperature warm, not hot. Afterwards, apply a moisturising cream within one minute of getting out of the shower

2. Ageing can increase skin dryness

As one gets older, the skin produces less oil and gets drier. For women, it could also be due to the hormone changes associated with menopause.

To fix it, moisturise every day, or multiple times a day if needed.

3. Soap may remove moisture from the skin

Many soaps, detergents, and shampoos reduce moisture from the skin and scalp, as they are formulated to remove oil. Using only moisturising body wash is better than a bar of harsh bar soap. Similarly, avoid harsh detergents if you have dry skin. Instead, look for gentle laundry soaps

4. Your job

One is more likely to get dry skin and chronic skin conditions if you work with certain chemical and biological materials, or with extreme temperatures. This may include food service, cosmetology, health care, agriculture, cleaning, painting, mechanics, printing, and construction.

You can use protective gear, and try to be exposed to the materials as little as possible, especially if you see symptoms of dry skin or atopic dermatitis.

5. Certain medical conditions/medications can cause dry skin

Skin issues such as psoriasis and eczema can make one’s skin more prone to dryness. Also blood pressure drugs, cholesterol medications, acne treatments and wrinkle creams, when taken long-term, are all medications that cause dry skin.