What Causes Dry Skin and What Can You Do to Fix It?

Tight, parched, scaly, flaking: We know the feeling of dry skin all too well. If your skin frequently dries out despite diligently moisturizing, you might be left wondering what causes dry skin and what you can do to lock in hydration.

Let’s break down the root causes of dry skin and science-backed solutions to quench it. 

What Causes Dry Skin?

Dry skin can be caused by environmental triggers, lifestyle habits, underlying conditions, and even the natural aging process. 

• Environmental triggers: Chilly temperatures, low humidity, and high winds can all wick away moisture from your skin, leaving it dry and vulnerable. 

• Lifestyle habits: From taking hot showers to not drinking enough water to neglecting a proper skincare routine, daily habits can add up to dehydrated skin. 

• Sun exposure: Basking in the sun without enough SPF can quickly dry out your skin.  

• Underlying conditions: Eczema, psoriasis, and dermatitis are just a few of the many underlying health conditions that can leave you vulnerable to dry, irritated skin. 

• Aging: Skin naturally loses moisture with age as oil production declines. Hormonal changes, like menopause, can also contribute to drier, thinner skin. 

How to Cure Dry Skin Overnight

While there’s no sure-fire cure for every case of dry skin, taking these steps can support your skin’s overnight healing process:

• Avoid hot water exposure, as it strips your skin of its natural, hydrating oils. Use lukewarm water to shower and wash your hands.

• Promptly after cleansing, apply a thick, emollient-rich moisturizer. Emollients are hydrating ingredients that create a protective layer over the skin’s surface. One nourishing option is our Daily Moisturizing Body Cream or our Lavender Body Cream—they are free of harsh, potentially irritating chemicals and contains a blend of plant-based oils, butters, and other emollients to deeply quench your skin. 

• After giving your moisturizer a few minutes to absorb, follow it up with a skin-safe oil. Oil helps seal in moisture, creating an extra layer of protection against dryness and irritation. Try our Essence Body Oil, a rich, non-greasy blend of sweet almond, avocado, olive, and moringa oils. 

• Use a humidifier to add moisture to your home’s air, ensuring your skin isn’t exposed to dry, irritating air as you sleep. This step is particularly helpful for those living in dry climates and during the wintertime, when heating systems circulate dry air throughout your home. 

Tips to Prevent Dry Skin

While the steps listed above can help quench skin in a pinch, it’s best to prevent dry skin before it starts with these tips:

• Exfoliate regularly to remove dead skin cells, promote skin regeneration, and boost your skin’s absorption of hydrating skincare products (our plant-based body polishes are a natural, non-irritating choice). But don’t over exfoliate—around once per week with a gentle exfoliant is ideal for dry skin types. 

• Moisturize ASAP after cleansing to lock in moisture, ensuring it doesn’t evaporate from your skin. 

• Hydrate from the inside out by drinking plenty of water. If you struggle to hydrate throughout the day, try bringing a water bottle with you on any excursion, and make your sips more enjoyable with healthy beverage options like lemon water or kombucha. 

Embellish Skin Care is here for your dry skin needs with a comprehensive collection of natural, plant-based products with rich, hydrating formulas. Browse our dry skin essentials online today!