The BEST Remedies for Dry Skin, Eyes, and Mouth

Dry, flaky skin can be uncomfortable and even painful. It can range from slightly rough patches to severe cracking and bleeding, impacting your overall health.

Understanding dry skin causes is the first step towards finding relief and restoring normal skin. This post explores common and lesser-known reasons for dry skin, helping you discover lasting solutions.

My own struggles with dry, itchy patches, especially dry eyes, inspired me to research this topic.

Through years of research and personal experience, I've uncovered some surprising dry skin causes that often go unnoticed.

We'll cover those here, along with practical tips for restoring your skin's natural moisture.

Dry Skin Causes: Dehydration and Beyond

Dehydration is an obvious culprit behind dry skin. Not drinking enough water deprives your skin of essential moisture, leading to that dry skin feel.

But dry skin causes are not solely related to water intake; certain beverages, like alcohol, can also dehydrate your skin.

Alcohol directly dehydrates the body, contributing to rough skin and cracking skin. Another surprising cause? Tap water.

The chlorine and fluoride in tap water can dry out your skin.

Your Shower Routine Might Be the Problem

While showers are crucial for hygiene, excessive washing strips your skin’s natural oils. These vital fats, including vitamins A, D, and E, help retain moisture.

Soaps and harsh detergents are major offenders, disrupting the skin’s delicate balance.

Consider using gentler cleansers and reducing shower time to help prevent infection and dry skin. Hot water can also exacerbate the problem.

Lukewarm water is best for retaining your skin's natural moisture.

Medications: The Hidden Dry Skin Cause

Many medications list dry skin as a side effect. Over 500 drugs, including some for high blood pressure and mental health, can contribute to dryness.

If you experience unusually dry skin after starting a new medication, talk to your healthcare provider. Discuss any possible link between your dry skin and the new prescription.

This conversation can clarify whether dry skin is a common reaction to the medication. Your provider can suggest adjustments or steps to alleviate this symptom.

You might also want to discuss with your provider if your current medication plays a part in any hair loss you are experiencing.

Underlying Health Conditions Can Lead to Dry Skin

Sometimes, dry skin can indicate a deeper health issue, such as kidney disease. Diabetes and autoimmune diseases like lupus often exhibit dry skin as a symptom.

Lupus causes internal inflammation, which can manifest externally as dry eyes, mouth, and dry skin. Liver problems, like cirrhosis or a fatty liver, can also manifest as dry skin.

Gut imbalances disrupt the absorption of nutrients vital for skin health. Adding a probiotic to your daily routine might help improve your gut health and, in turn, your skin.

Environmental Factors and Dry Skin Causes

Environmental factors play a significant role in dry skin issues. Besides lifestyle choices around health and hygiene, the environment can worsen existing symptoms.

Two key environmental factors to consider are dry air and sun exposure.

Dry Air and Harsh Weather

Arid climates and cold weather remove moisture from the air. This leaves your skin dry and parched, especially during the winter months.

A humidifier can help, and keeping indoor temperatures below 70°F can also contribute to better moisture retention.

Cold climates are particularly harsh on skin. These weather conditions require regular moisturizing.

Even your belly button can become dry and irritated in cold, dry weather.

Sun Exposure and Dry Skin

While sunshine feels good, the sun is a major culprit in drying out skin. Overexposure leads to more lines, sunspots, and changes in skin texture due to collagen loss.

Collagen keeps skin looking and feeling youthful. Protecting yourself with sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) can significantly reduce these dry skin symptoms associated with harmful UVR.

Wear sun-protective clothing, like light-colored hats with a full brim, to maintain healthy-looking skin throughout your life.

Lifestyle Choices That Contribute to Dry Skin Causes

Beyond medical conditions and environment, lifestyle significantly impacts skin hydration. Habits and dietary factors can inadvertently lead to dry skin.

Dietary Factors

A proper diet is essential for maintaining healthy skin moisture. Essential fatty acids (found in fish oils and plant-based oils) and vitamins are important for skin structure and barrier function.

Vitamin deficiencies can cause dry skin.

For example, a vitamin A deficiency can cause dry, irritated eyes and vision problems. Insufficient vitamin D intake can affect overall skin health and its ability to stay moisturized.

While they seem unrelated, dry eyes, dry mouth, and dry skin can share dietary links. It is also believed that there may be a link between vitamin deficiencies and scalp psoriasis.

Ensuring a diet rich in essential vitamins can improve these symptoms. Coconut oil can be beneficial as well due to its anti-inflammatory properties and it can help skin that's dry.

Menopause, Hormones, and Dry Skin

Menopause disrupts hormone balance. Shifts in estrogen and, especially, the decline in progesterone affect collagen production and moisture retention.

This can lead to thinner, less hydrated skin, particularly in women experiencing sudden dryness. For some women, menopause significantly worsens existing skin conditions, like eczema.

Practical Tips for Preventing Dry Skin

Now that we understand dry skin causes, let's discuss preventative measures. These tips can help address emerging signs of dryness and enhance treatments recommended by dermatologists.

Understanding the root cause allows for a more mindful approach to skincare.

Hydration and Nutrition

Hydration starts from within. Drink plenty of water and avoid excessive alcohol. Consider healthier beverages like herbal and ginger root tea, which contain natural minerals.

Nutrient-rich foods with omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins support healthy skin function and optimal moisture balance.

Optimize Your Shower Routine

Soap contains detergents that disrupt your skin's natural pH and moisture levels. Implement practical improvements in your personal hygiene routine, focusing on gentle cleansing.

Gentle Cleansing Practices

Limit shower time and use gentle cleansers instead of harsh soaps. Lukewarm, short showers preserve your skin’s natural oils.

Moisturize regularly after showering to support skin hydration and protect against external dry skin causes.

Conclusion

Dealing with dry skin can be challenging, but understanding its causes empowers you to reclaim hydrated, healthy skin. By addressing the underlying causes and adopting simple lifestyle changes, you can achieve noticeable improvements within weeks. 

The next time you experience skin tightness, flaking, or general dryness, consider the environmental, lifestyle, and potential health conditions impacting your skin.

Incorporate healthy habits alongside professional protocols for optimal moisture and overall well-being. This knowledge is key to keeping your skin looking great.

Remember that proper medical advice from a qualified doctor should always be sought to correctly diagnose dry skin.

FAQs about dry skin causes

Which deficiency causes dry skin?

Deficiencies in vitamins A, D, and essential fatty acids can contribute to dry skin. A lack of these nutrients can impair the skin's barrier function and reduce its ability to retain moisture. This can also worsen the effects of atopic dermatitis.

How do I stop my skin from being so dry?

Address dryness internally by hydrating properly, eating nutrient-rich foods, and managing stress. Avoid harsh soaps and hot showers. Protect your skin from the sun and dry air. Include mustard in your diet. Mustard contains skin-benefiting nutrients.

Consider adding hyaluronic acid or petroleum jelly to your skin care routine to lock in moisture. In some instances, a collagen-building cream can help too.

You may want to explore options such as coconut oil, which many people use for hair loss and other health conditions, as a possible treatment option.

Always discuss any sudden changes in your skin with your primary care provider. Skin cancer is often misdiagnosed initially as a rash or dry patch of skin so getting professional input into your own particular dry skin symptom is very important.

What habits cause dry skin?

Excessive bathing with harsh soaps, prolonged sun exposure, and not drinking enough water can cause dry skin. Over-washing strips the skin of its natural oils, while sun exposure and dehydration deplete its moisture content.

Try to incorporate drinking plenty of water throughout the day, avoid sunbathing for hours and minimize shower or bath time. Keeping baths and showers to no more than 15 minutes using cooler, lukewarm water, can help skin's overall moisture.

Why is my skin so dry even when I moisturize and drink water?

If your skin remains dry despite moisturizing and drinking water, several factors may be at play. Underlying medical conditions like hypothyroidism or diabetes can cause dry skin.

Certain medications, such as diuretics and some acne treatments, can also contribute to dryness. Dietary deficiencies in essential fatty acids and vitamins can impair skin barrier function.

Harsh environmental factors, like cold, dry air, can exacerbate the problem. Consulting a healthcare professional can help identify the cause of persistent dryness.

Additionally, be sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day as this keeps the skin internally hydrated.