Do you feel itchy skin on your face and body? This could be an annoying and uncomfortable side effect of winter dryness or something else entirely. Read on to uncover the root cause of your problems and learn about skin care solutions to ease the discomfort you may be feeling from dry, itchy skin.
What causes itchy skin?
Figuring out the cause of your itchy skin can be a bit of a scavenger hunt as there are all sorts of potential culprits. Some of these issues are environmental—like seasonal changes (especially in winter), bug bites, or irritants like poison ivy—while others are allergic reactions to things like food or animals. Still others may be blamed for skin conditions such as dermatitis, eczema and psoriasis.
Weather
Itchy, dry skin is very often caused by the weather and the environment. In winter, when the air is dry and cold, we often make things worse by turning up the heat and taking long, hot baths. This combination can do a number on the skin. And it’s not just in winter. Any seasonal change can disturb the skin and lead to inflammation. Vacations in the arid desert can suddenly dehydrate the skin, as can the hot sun (and sunburn) or other sudden changes in air temperature and humidity levels.
Allergies
Another common problem that can occur on the skin is an allergic reaction. Certain foods and medications, pet dander, and fabrics could send your skin into the red zone. It may feel itchy and dry and may also develop hives, rashes or a burning sensation. Other symptoms such as swelling of the face or airways can be dangerous and you should consult your doctor if you are concerned.
Age
Wisdom comes with age. Unfortunately, so does dry skin. Over time, hyaluronic acid reserves in the skin decrease as a result of the body’s natural aging processes. This natural substance, which attracts and retains moisture, is vital in keeping the skin soft and supple. Without lipids or sebum, dry skin cannot stay lubricated, compromising the skin barrier. Since skin gets thinner with age, this can be a recipe for disaster.
Other Lifestyle Factors
Skin that feels or looks dry can also be caused by lifestyle factors. Dehydration can happen when you don’t drink enough fluids and it can show on your face. Everyone is susceptible to dehydrated skin because, unlike dry skin (which lacks oil), dehydrated skin (which lacks water) is caused by external factors like what you eat and drink.
Not getting enough fluids in your diet can lead to skin dehydration. This can appear as dark circles under the eyes, scaly patches, dull skin and sensitivity. An unhealthy diet can also lead to skin dehydration. Fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as healthy fats such as salmon, nuts, avocado, olive oil, eggs and grass-fed meat, can make a big difference. These foods include essential fatty acids and monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats that contribute to both your skin and overall health.
Skin conditions
Some common conditions that cause dry and itchy skin include dermatitis, psoriasis and eczema. Dermatitis it can exist in many forms and can appear on the skin as dryness, itching, rashes and sometimes swelling. Causes include environmental triggers, stress, hormonal changes, and irritation from things like detergents and certain ingredients in beauty products, contact with irritating plants like oak, poison ivy, and certain grasses.
Eczema is a chronic skin disorder that includes itchy, scaly rashes. The causes are not easy to identify (many blame irritants that can cause an overreaction of the immune system). Triggers can include stress, food sensitivities, temperature changes, and contact with certain chemicals or preservatives.
Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease that causes skin discoloration and irritation in the form of scaly, dry, and itchy skin on the hands, feet, neck, scalp, and face, among other areas of the body.
If you’re concerned that your dry, itchy skin is more than just a reaction to the weather or intrinsic factors, relying solely on skin care or skin care products may not be the answer. We recommend seeing your doctor for a diagnosis and products to help treat these conditions.
Products to treat dry, itchy skin
If your dry skin is not due to a medical condition, it can cause discomfort as well as further problems. Dry skin can be irritated, especially when accompanied by itching. The skin on the face and body may become raw and red, and may even crack. That’s why it’s important to treat dry skin and make sure it’s done with the right products.
Body
Since harsh product ingredients cause skin dryness and itchiness, it’s important to be aware of what you’re using on and near your body. From laundry detergents to body washes, lotions, facial cleansers and treatments, there are plenty of opportunities to make things worse. In the Eminence Organic Skin Carewe have always been committed to creating products that are free of harsh chemicals.
When it comes to the body, removing dry skin with a scrub or exfoliant is the first step. Once the skin is plumped up and the top layer is removed, it’s much easier for moisturizers and moisturizers to absorb. Stone Crop Revitalizing Body Scrub is a great choice for full body exfoliation. It uses both natural cane sugar granules and mineral-rich sea salt to exfoliate skin, as well as hydrating stone and antioxidants from lemon peel and green tea.
The Coconut Sugar Scrub is another product that uses sugarcane granules to exfoliate and plump the top layers of the skin, while coconut oil deeply hydrates and replenishes.
Once the dead skin is removed, the skin on the body is ready for moisture. Stone Crop Body Lotion is formulated with stone, lemon and bioflavonoids to enrich, support and hydrate the appearance of skin.
To combat itchy skin at night, Monoi Age Corrective Night Body Cream does the trick. This ultra-rich body lotion locks in moisture to reveal firm, velvety skin by morning. Lightly scented with monoi, this body cream helps relieve itching due to dry skin.
For something a little lighter that’s still heavy on moisture, try Strawberry Rhubarb Hyaluronic Body Lotion. Contains aloe, panthenol and hyaluronic acid to deeply hydrate, retain moisture in the skin and protect the skin’s moisture barrier. All this, plus a great scent and creamy feel.
And finally, if you want to leave it to the pros and get a good moisture reboot that you can extend at home, the body wrap is a great option. Mango Enzyme Body Wrap contains active enzymes and vitamins that infuse the skin with moisture and gently exfoliate to leave a renewed look. You will leave the spa with smooth and hydrated skin.
Face
As mentioned, dry, itchy skin on the face can be attributed to a variety of causes, but if you’re looking to add moisture and restore softness, bounce, and shine to your dry skin, we’ve got a few suggestions.
Before nourishing skin with a moisturizer, an exfoliating treatment can help remove the top layer of dry, itchy skin and make it easier for your products to absorb. Avoid exfoliating if skin is irritated or feeling sensitive, but if you’re a little tight and rough, a mild exfoliant is a good first step. We love Stone Crop Oxygenating Fizzofoliant for this. With its light foaming action, this revitalizing formula gently tones skin and removes impurities to reveal beautiful, more radiant skin that’s ready for a dose of hydration.
Another treatment that will help prepare the skin on your face to accept moisture is the Calm Skin Chamomile Exfoliating Peel. It contains chamomile, to balance the appearance of the skin, and lactic acid, which exfoliates and provides intense hydration. Plus, it’s gentle enough to use up to three times a week.
Oil-based ointments, creams and lotions that are rich in essential fatty acids can compensate for the lack of oils and lipids in dry skin. They lubricate the skin’s surface as well as strengthen the skin’s moisture barrier to replenish and seal in essential moisture. “When choosing a moisturizer for dry skin, aim for a heavier formula and look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid…” she explains Dr. Human Khorasani, a quadruple board certified dermatologist and cosmetic surgeon in New York. “Other ingredients to look for are shea butter and lactic acid, which provide hydration and exfoliation.”
Our Coconut Age Corrective Moisturizer includes deeply hydrating coconut oil and shea butter. Shea butter, in particular, is an excellent emollient for the skin, as it is rich in triglycerides and fatty acids that restore and retain moisture.
Some other deep hydration options include Strawberry Rhubarb Hyaluronic Moisturizer. Contains powerful ingredients such as panthenol, which boosts skin hydration and prevents moisture loss by protecting the skin’s moisture barrier, and Botanical Hyaluronic Acid Complex, a unique blend of multi-weight hyaluronic acid and marshmallow root that deeply hydrates and locks in moisture on the skin. Firm Skin Acai Moisturizer is a nourishing choice for aging skin. Contains deeply moisturizing shea butter and sea buckthorn berry oil for maximum moisture.
If you want to target the neck and face during the night, use Monoi Age Corrective Night Cream for Face and Neck as it reduces the look of fine lines and wrinkles so you wake up looking more refreshed. Customer, Dana C.is a fan, saying in a review on our website: “This cream… is my favorite. Firstly, the texture is so soft and smooth, thick but not too thick, smells divine, goes on and absorbs perfectly and hydrates. Well, my skin is still soft in the morning. I’m almost 60, I was a sun worshiper in my youth and I’ve never found a moisturizer that worked well until this time.”
Facial moisturizer should be applied morning and night. Applying it to wet skin (after misting or toner, or right out of the shower) can help moisture absorb more effectively.
Looking to add some hydration to your skin and not sure which products will work best for your unique complexion? Visit your local Eminence Organics Spa partner to find out how.
