Have you ever felt the discomfort of dry patches on the skin?
If so, you’re not alone. Many of us have experienced the frustration of dealing with these pesky spots that seem to appear out of nowhere and disrupt our otherwise smooth appearance.
Whether it’s a small spot on your cheek or a larger area on your arms or legs, dry patches can be a source of annoyance and self-consciousness. Understanding the causes and how to prevent and treat them can help you regain your skin’s natural appearance.
Common causes Dry patches on the skin
Dry patches on the skin can be caused by various factors, both internal and external.
Lack of moisture
One of the main culprits is a lack of moisture. When your skin dries out, it loses its ability to retain moisture, leading to dryness and flaking. This can be worsened by environmental factors such as cold weather, low humidity and excessive exposure to sun or wind.
Aging can also cause your skin to dry out more quickly than it used to. As we age, our skin does not produce as much sebum (natural skin oil) as it did when we were younger. This decrease in oil leads to dryness and a rough texture. The skin also becomes thinner with age because collagen and elastin production decreases. This makes it more susceptible to dryness and dehydration.
Compromised barrier function
Another common cause of dry patches is a disruption of the skin’s natural barrier function. This can occur as a result of harsh skin care products, over-exfoliation, or certain medical conditions such as eczema or psoriasis. When the skin barrier is compromised, it becomes more susceptible to moisture loss and irritation, resulting in dry, rough patches.
Aging can also affect the skin’s barrier function. The skin barrier consists of a layer of lipids (fats) that help retain moisture and prevent water loss. As we age, this lipid barrier can become less effective, leading to increased transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and dehydration. Factors such as sun damage, environmental pollutants and harsh skin care products can further weaken the skin barrier, worsening dry skin problems.
Lifestyle factors
Lifestyle factors such as poor diet, stress and lack of sleep can also contribute to dry patches by affecting the overall health of your skin. Consuming a diet low in essential nutrients and antioxidants can deprive your skin of the nutrition it needs to stay hydrated and supple, while stress and lack of sleep can disrupt your body’s natural balance and impede your body’s ability to produce skin cells to repair and regenerate.
Skin conditions
Skin conditions such as psoriasis, eczema and contact dermatitis can all contribute to the development of dry patches on the skin due to their underlying inflammatory nature and disruption of the skin’s barrier function.
Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by the rapid turnover of skin cells, leading to the formation of thick, red, scaly patches known as plaques. The excessive shedding of skin cells in psoriasis can disrupt the skin’s barrier function, allowing moisture to escape, leading to dryness and flaking. Additionally, inflammation associated with psoriasis can further compromise the skin’s ability to retain moisture, worsening the symptoms of dry skin.
Eczema
Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a chronic inflammatory skin condition characterized by dry, itchy and inflamed skin. Defects in the skin barrier allow irritants and allergens to penetrate the skin, causing an immune response and inflammation. This inflammation disrupts the skin’s natural moisture balance, leading to dry patches that can become red, rough and cracked. Persistent scratching can further damage the skin barrier, worsening dryness and increasing the risk of infection.
Contact dermatitis
Contact dermatitis is a form of skin inflammation that occurs when the skin comes into contact with an irritant or allergen. The inflammatory response can disrupt the skin’s barrier function, leading to dehydration, redness and the development of dry patches. Continued exposure to the irritant or allergen can prolong inflammation and slow the skin’s healing process, perpetuating the symptoms of dry skin.
How to prevent dry patches on the skin
Regardless of the type of skin you have, there are several steps you can take to prevent the formation of dry patches.
1. Hydrate from within
Drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your body and skin hydrated. Consider including hydrating foods in your diet, such as water-rich fruits and vegetables.
2. Choose gentle skin care products
Opt for mild, fragrance-free cleansers and moisturizers that won’t strip your skin’s natural oils or cause irritation. Look for products that contain ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, glycerin and ceramides, which help attract and retain moisture.
Our CV Skinlabs products are specially created to address skin barrier issues and help the skin retain moisture. All are perfect for sensitive skin and, when used regularly, can help reduce inflammation and restore hydration and glow.
3. Protect your skin from the elements
Wear sunscreen daily to protect your skin from the harmful effects of UV rays, and use a humidifier to add moisture to the air in dry indoor environments. When outdoors in cold or windy weather, cover exposed skin with protective clothing to prevent moisture loss.
4. Practice gentle exfoliation
While exfoliation can help remove dead skin cells and promote cell turnover, overuse can damage the skin barrier and worsen dryness. Limit exfoliating to once or twice a week and choose gentle exfoliants that won’t cause irritation or inflammation. Avoid harsh crystal and nut scrubs and choose gentle exfoliating acids such as malic, glycolic, salicylic and lactic acids.
5. Choose a healthy lifestyle
Manage stress through relaxation techniques such as meditation or yoga, prioritize sleep for optimal skin regeneration, and maintain a balanced diet rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants to support overall skin health.
How to treat dry patches on the skin
If you’re already suffering from dry patches, don’t despair. There are several steps you can take to relieve symptoms and restore moisture to your skin.
1. Moisturize regularly
This is one of the most important steps you can take right away. Immediately after showering or bathing, apply a rich, soothing moisturizer to affected areas to lock in moisture and prevent further dryness. Then apply during the day as needed.
Look for products formulated specifically for dry or sensitive skin, and consider using a thicker cream or ointment for extra hydration. We recommend our Restorative Skin Balm as it is specially formulated to soothe severely dry and chapped skin. Perfect for eczema, dermatitis and other types of dry patches, it helps reduce inflammation and heal the skin, while creating a soothing barrier to retain moisture.
Apply the balm to dry areas at least twice a day and then use our regular Calming Moisture and Body Repair Lotion on facial and body skin in the morning and evening.
2. Avoid aggressive ingredients
Avoid skin care products that contain alcohol, fragrances, or other potentially irritating ingredients that can further dry out your skin or cause inflammation. Instead, opt for gentle, hypoallergenic formulations that won’t aggravate existing dry patches. All our CV Skinlabs products are perfect for treating dry patches.
3. Try soothing remedies
In addition to frequent moisturizing, try natural remedies such as oatmeal baths and Epsom salts to help soothe dry, irritated skin and promote healing. For an immediate, cooling treatment, we also recommend our Rescue + Relief Spray. Take our travel size with you and spray on areas that feel dry and tight at any time.
4. Protect the skin
In order for dry patches to heal, you need to take care of them. Cover them when you go out into the sun, wind or cold weather, and consider covering them at night as well. Apply our Restorative Skin Balm to the hands and/or feet and then wear soft cotton gloves or socks to bed. If you have dry patches on your arms or legs, consider wearing long-sleeved, pants-style pajamas to bed until your skin begins to heal.
If the dry spots are on your hands and you wash them regularly, moisturize afterwards every washNo exceptions!
5. Seek professional help
If dry patches persist despite your best efforts, consider consulting a dermatologist for personalized treatment recommendations. A dry spot on the skin can sometimes be a sign of skin cancer or a pre-cancerous condition. Doctors can help you identify any underlying medical conditions that are contributing to your symptoms and prescribe appropriate medications or therapies to effectively address them.
Do you suffer from dry patches on your skin?
Featured image by Alexander Gray through Unsplash.
