How To Manage Dry And Itchy Skin

Some people have skin that is prone to dryness all year long, but others experience temporary dryness only during the dry, harsh Harmattan months. Whether dry skin is ongoing or temporary, the symptoms are often similar: rough, flaky, and ashy-looking skin that feels tight, itchy, and sensitive.

While some cases of dry skin may require the help of a dermatologist, there are many effective ways to remedy dry skin and achieve better hydration levels at home. In today’s article, we’ll talk about how to manage dry skin on your entire body and discover which Kanda products can help you achieve smoother, healthier-looking skin.

Causes Of Dry and Itchy

Dry and itchy skin happens when necessary moisture evaporates off the skin’s surface too quickly. Why does this happen? Various people may have various reasons why their skin may not be holding onto water effectively. Some reasons for this could include:

• Dry skin issues: Skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis can cause chronic dry skin and red, itchy rashes. If you suspect that you may have a dry skin condition, it’s important to consult a dermatologist as soon as you can.
• Weather: Dry skin is more common when temperatures get cold and there’s less moisture in the air to keep your skin adequately hydrated. That’s why cases of dry skin-related issues increase during the Harmattan season.
• Age: As you age, your skin produces less sebum (natural oils) and loses the ability to hold onto water as effectively, especially after 40 and beyond. So, it’s advisable to re-moisturise the skin repeatedly throughout the day as you age, especially if you already have dry skin.
• Improper skincare: There are a few skincare practices that may strip your skin’s natural oils and worsen dry, itchy skin—including over-cleansing, washing with harsh soaps, and taking excessively long, hot showers. 
• Lifestyle and health factors: Nutritional deficiencies, smoking, and certain chronic conditions (like diabetes) may also cause your skin to be prone to dryness.

How To Treat Dry And Itchy Skin

The ideal remedy for dry and itchy skin will depend on what’s causing your dryness. In some cases, dry skin may require the help of a dermatologist. In this case, we recommend consulting a dermatologist if your dry skin is painful, interferes with your daily activities, or doesn’t improve with the daily use of moisturisers. That said, there are a few steps you can take at home to help relieve dryness on your entire body—starting with these three basic dry skin tips.

• Apply a hydrating moisturiser daily:

Keeping your skin moisturised is the best way to combat dryness and itchiness. We recommend applying moisturiser after bathing (when your skin is still damp) and before going to bed at night. The right moisturising routine for dry skin can help improve your skin’s hydration levels and support softer, smoother, and healthier-looking skin. 

• Avoid common dry skin triggers:

In addition to regularly applying moisturiser, it’s also a good idea to avoid common dry skin triggers. So, keep showers short (no more than 10 minutes long), use warm water to bathe, and opt for gentle, fragrance-free cleansers. For dry hands, it can also be beneficial to limit contact with potential irritants or products with high alcohol content, like some hand sanitizers.

• Care for the skin’s protective barrier:

Dry skin can be a sign that your skin’s natural protective barrier is damaged. When your skin barrier is compromised, it may not be able to keep moisture in your skin as effectively. One way to help restore a healthy skin barrier is with moisturising products, such as Kanda’s oils and balms, which are made with natural oils that are a key component of your skin’s natural barrier. All Kanda products contain a blend of essential oils and butters that are important for the health of your skin. 

Additional Skincare Tips To Treat & Prevent Dry And Itchy Skin

• Choose hydrating cleansing and moisturising products that contain beneficial ingredients for dry and itchy skin, such as natural butters and oils.
• To help soothe and protect dry, rough hands, invest in a nourishing emollient product like the Kanda Body Balms.
• Apply an ointment on rough, flaky patches of skin before heading to bed. Ointments with occlusives (like butters) create a physical barrier on your skin that helps seal in moisture and prevent water loss.
• Consistency is key when combating dry skin. Look for gentle, hydrating products, and apply them regularly as part of a morning and evening dry skin routine.