Understanding Dry & Itchy Skin - Causes, Solution and Role of Body Lotion
| Authored by: Sanjana Tharwani |
| Reviewed by: Kapil Dhameja |
| Estimated Reading Time: 6 minutes |
Winter is finally here! And do you know what that means? This is the season of cozy vibes, warm hot chocolates, trendy jackets and coats. UNFORTUNATELY, this is also the season of dry skin.
Do you believe you are the only one who struggles with dry and itchy skin, whether in winter or not? Think again!
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Believe me when I tell you that dry and itchy skin is more common than you think. It may appear to be a minor issue at times, but it also has the potential to drive you insane at others. Not only that, it also impacts your comfort and confidence.
But wait a minute. It is not just the doing of the winter. Did you realise there are several other reasons? Keep reading to find out!
Winter isn’t the Sole Culprit. Here are some of the common causes of Dry and Itchy Skin
1. Skin Conditions: Maybe the reason your skin is dry is not because you’re not taking enough care of it but because it’s a genuine medical issue. It can be because you have psoriasis, eczema, hives, scabies, etc.
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Psoriasis is an autoimmune disorder characterized by an overproduction of cells that rapidly accumulate on the skin's surface. This leads to irritated, scaly regions of skin.
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Eczema or Atopic Dermatitis is a chronic skin condition that causes the skin to become red, dry, and itchy.
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Hives are raised bumps or patches of skin which are red and itchy.
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Scabies is an itchy rash caused by mites that dwell under the skin. It spreads by live contact.
2. Vitamin Deficiency: Lack of specific vitamins, such as A or C, could also be the reason for this.
3. Allergic reactions to certain foods, clothes, harsh chemicals in soaps, shampoos, or detergents, makeup etc may also cause rashes and dry skin.
4. Environmental factors like low humidity and cold weather strip the skin of its natural oil, leading it to become dry.
5. Lifestyle Factors such as not drinking enough water, having a poor diet, extreme hot showers, and high-stress levels also affect the skin.
Ayurvedic Insights: Understanding the Root Causes of Dry & Itchy Skin
According to Ayurveda, dry skin is unable to moisturize itself due to certain internal or external reasons.
The internal reason can be attributed to excess Vata. Vata Dosha is simply an amalgam of dryness, coolness, movement, roughness, and clarity. Ayurveda claims that excess Vata gets aggravated during colder months and manifests as thinner blood, dry and rough skin. Excess Vata also causes dry mucus, chapped lips, insomnia, bloating, gas, confusion, restlessness, anxiousness and inflammation etc.
Dry, cold, and rough foods, erratic sleep habits, and exposure to harsh weather may all contribute to Vata imbalance.
To reverse this 'Vata Dosha', we must use treatments that promote opposite traits such as softness and warmth.
The skin requires both hydration and moisturization; without either, the aim is defeated. As a result, to maintain the skin's water balance, drink plenty of water and consume thirst quenchers such as coconut water, as well as herbal infusions containing rose, khus, kokum, and sandalwood. Following that, for moisturization, body lotions free of harsh ingredients and containing floral mists like rosewater, jasmine water, or khus water are ideal. They not only treat dry skin, but also promote skin health and restore radiance.
To tame ‘Vata Dosha’, we must also be accustomed to a routine, especially a proper sleep routine.
Preventing Dry and Itchy Skin Naturally - The Nature’s Way
1. Stay Hydrated by drinking 8-10 glasses of water daily and consuming hydrating foods like cucumbers, oranges, and watermelons.
2. Moisturize Regularly by applying natural oils such as coconut oil, almond oil, or olive oil. It's ideal to use them after a shower to retain moisture. Alternatively, body lotions packed with such natural components provide moisture as well as irritation alleviation.
3. Use Gentle Cleansers such as natural soaps infused with aloe vera, shea butter, or glycerin instead of soaps with harsh chemicals or artificial fragrances.
4. Opt for Lukewarm Showers over hot showers/baths. Limit the duration to 10 minutes or less.
5. Use humidifiers to maintain moisture in indoor air, especially during winter months.
6. Diets rich in Omega-3 fatty acids and Vitamins A, C, and E, repair the skin and hydrate it.
7. Natural remedies such as oatmeal baths, honey masks, and aloe vera gel, soothe the skin, reducing irritation and providing hydration.
Body Lotion: The Secret to Soft, Hydrated, and Itch-Free Skin
Imagine going to a war without armor or a shield to protect yourself from the enemy’s attacks. Survival seems impossible, doesn’t it?
Every day, your body also goes to war and the ultimate armour it needs to win this battle against dryness and itchiness is body lotion.
Here’s everything body lotion does and wins the battle:
1. Restores Moisture: Body lotions help in replenishing the moisture that is lost due to hot showers or cold temperatures.
2. Strengthens the Skin Barrier: Body lotion supports the skin’s natural barrier and shields against environmental irritants.
3. Soothes Irritation: Lotions rich in aloe vera or oatmeal extracts reduce redness and irritation.
4. Regular use of lotion helps keep the skin smooth and prevents cracks.
5. Long-Lasting Hydration: Lotions offer moisture and provide relief throughout the day.
Bonus Tips:
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Apply immediately after showering to lock in moisture.
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Choose lotions best suited to your skin type.
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Opt for lotions without any artificial fragrances or harsh chemicals.
Beyond Body Lotion: Essential Skincare Products to Prevent Dry & Itchy Skin
1. Use gentle, sulfate-free, and hydrating cleansers.
2. Incorporate a good, natural body oil in your skincare routine.
3. For intense hydration, use moisturizing creams rich in hyaluronic acid and shea butter.
4. You can never go wrong with nature’s soother and hydrator - aloe vera gel.
5. Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or more which has moisturizing properties as well.
6. Use face and body masks with honey or aloe vera for a deep moisture boost.
7. Use oatmeal-based products for inflammations and itchiness.
8. Lip Exfoliator, Lip Oil, and a hydrating and nutrient-rich Lip Balm are a must!
Thus, dry skin is as common of a situation as it is controllable. The first step always remains to identify the root cause of it, whether internal or external. Another important thing to take care of is to embrace natural solutions as much as possible and include key skincare products in your routine. All of this will not only help heal your skin but also protect it from further dryness or itchiness. As with all things, even for this, consistency is the key. As you pay more attention to what your body needs, the rewards you reap in the form of glow will be more.
Recommended Products by Blue Nectar:
Niraa Shea Butter SPF 30 Face & Body Lotion | Skin Brightening & Sun Protection
Niraa Cocoa Butter Stretch Mark Body Lotion for Skin Firming and Moisturization ( 12 herbs, 200ml)
Balalakshadi Jasmine Bath & Body Massage Oil | Skin Hydration & Relaxation
Shubhr Lip Balm & Gloss with goodness of Ghee for Dry & Chapped lips
Related Articles:
Body Lotion for Dry Skin for Winter Care
How to Tackle Dry and Dull Skin with Face Serum for Dry Skin
Why should you use body lotion with Body Butter for dry skin?
References:
https://artoflivingretreatcenter.org/blog/ayurveda-for-dry-skin/
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