Almost all of us experience dry skin. In fact, there are certain areas around the body where dry skin is very common. This post lists some of the most common areas to experience dry skin and what causes this (as well as a few tips on how to make your skin smoother).
Hands
Our hands have a different skin structure to the rest of the body, which allows them to carry out a vast array of movements. When they get dry, this movement can be restricted and can cause discomfort.
There are a few reasons as to why people get dry hands. A lot of people in craft trades tend to get dry hands from handling rough materials and tools all day. Handling harsh chemicals may also cause hands to develop rough dry patches. On top of this washing hands too often can lead to dry hands.
Moisturising your hands can help to keep them smooth. Wearing gloves when handling certain materials and chemicals could also protect your hands.
Feet
Dry skin on the feet is very common. However, sometimes these dry skin build-ups can become more serious. This can lead to painful corns, calluses and cracked heels.
Such dry skin build-ups can be caused by regularly wearing uncomfortable shoes. Being on your feet for long periods can also increase the risk of this dry skin building up.
A pumice stone can be used to get rid of dry skin on the feet. To prevent future build-ups of dry skin, make sure that any shoes you wear are comfortable – swap out high heels for flats, and wear specialist shoes for activities like running and hiking.
Knees and elbows
The skin on our knees and elbows can often get quite dry. Dry knees are particularly common.
This dryness is often the result of friction from clothing. Those who live in cooler climates are more likely to experience dryer skin here as a result of constantly wearing long sleeve tops and trousers.
Using body scrubs and moisturisers can help to soften skin on knees and elbows. You can also reduce dryness by considering the fabrics that you wear – harsher fabrics like denim are more likely to cause dryness.
Lips
Our lips don’t contain oil glands. As a result, they’re more susceptible to getting dry and chapped than other parts of the body.
You’re likely to get chapped lips when spending long periods outdoors in cold, dry weather. Sun damage and dehydration can also cause lips to get dry.
Putting a lip balm on your lips such as vaseline can stop them from getting dry in harsh weather. It’s worth using specialist lip protection for the sun. Make sure that you are also drinking lots of water in hot climates to prevent your lips drying out.
Face
Many people experience dry skin on their face such as their cheeks, their forehead or philtrum. Constantly dry skin can increase the chance of developing facial wrinkles, so is something that you want to avoid.
Cold, dry weather can often cause skin on the face to get dry, as can harsh sun. If you smoke, you could also be more likely to experience dry skin on the face. Finally, dry skin on the face can be caused by friction such as blowing a tissue regularly.
Moisturising your face and using other rejuvenating skin products can help to prevent dryness. When using tissues to blow your nose, try to use soft tissues to prevent sores. Giving up smoking could also help to beat dry skin.
