Certain activities also contribute to dry skin, especially in conditions when temperatures and humidity levels rapidly drop down. The heat from wood-burning stoves and fireplaces also contribute to skin dryness. Moreover, skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis (eczema) or psoriasis make one prone to acquiring dry skin.

Risk Factors for Developing Dry Skin

Although anyone can all develop dry skin, some factors can make others more prone to develop the condition than others. These include:

1. Age – The likelihood of acquiring dry skin increases with age. More than 50 percent of older adults, particularly those in their 40s and older, have dry skin.
2. Environment – Living in areas with dry, cold or low-humidity climates are more at risk in developing dry skin. A great example of this is air-conditioned rooms.
3. Nature of Work – A job that involves immersing your skin, such as nursing, dishwashing, and hairstyling are more prone to having dry skin.
4. Chemical contact – If certain activities include exposure to chemicals, such as swimming in chlorinated pools, then one is at risk for developing dry skin.

Best Dry Skin Care Tips

There are many ways to treat dry skin, which is basically to retain and minimize the loss of moisture in the skin. Below are some helpful tips to prevent and treat dry skin:

1. a) Take brief baths and showers – hot bath or shower will wash away the natural protective layer of oil on our skin. Baths should be kept brief between 5-10 minutes.
2. b) Avoid hot water – hot water removes the natural protective layer of oil on our skin more quickly than warm water.
3. c) Use a mild soap or soap-free body cleanser – soap that is too harsh will wash away not only dirt and grime but our natural protective layer. Try gentle skin cleansers, cleansing creams, and shower gels with added moisturizers.
4. d) Moisturize immediately after bath – moisturizing creams should be applied after bath when the skin is still moist. Ointments and creams are effective for trapping water in the skin. Additionally, moisturizers seal skin and also functions to keep water from escaping.
5. e) It is important to keep our body hydrated. Eat a balanced diet of more fruits and vegetables to help keep our skin healthy and smooth. It is vital to drink lots of water to help hydrate not only our body but also our skin. Avoid alcohol and caffeine because these substances have a diuretic effect, causing the body and skin cells to lose fluids and essential minerals.
6. f) Cover as much skin as possible – Wear a scarf, hat, and gloves when you go out during winter and wear rubber gloves to protect your skin when immersing your hands in water or using harsh cleansers.

Dry Skin Treatment Products and Facilities

Over-the-counter urea or lactic acid-based products are easily accessible to cure severe dry skin symptoms – both these agents help the surface of the skin hold water. A serious case of dry skin can lead to a condition called dermatitis which refers to an inflammation of the skin.

One of Singapore’s pioneer and well-established doctors in aesthetic medicine, Dr. Komathy Rajatnam, recommends two products for healthy and hydrated skin in an article by The Lifestyle Clinic Singapore. These are:

1. Atopiclair 
2. Physiogel AI

When it comes to dry skin on the face, sometimes moisturizers and face masks are not enough to give you supple skin, so Singapore has different dry skin facial facilities to take care of you and your skin care needs. Some of the best featured clinics include Tudor Laurel, Absolute Skin, Beyond Beauty Natural, Jyunka, and Bio Aesthetic Medispa.