The Effect of Exposure of Human Skin to a Dry Environment

Dry skin is often caused by exposure to low-humidity environments. For example, the cold and dry air in wintertime is one of the most common causes of dry, flaky skin.

Stratum Corneum

Dry, hot places will zap water out of your stratum corneum.

The amount of water in the stratum corneum (i.e. the skin's outer layer) changes depending on the humidity of the surrounding environment. As it would seem, low humidity levels cause the stratum corneum to dry out. The humidity level is determined by the weather as well as indoor conditions (e.g. air conditioning, heating, etc.).

Desert Climates

Dry, hot climates take a toil on the skin (and the air conditioning exacerbates the matter!).

The hot and incredibly dry air of the desert can cause dry skin. The air conditioning that is used in these climates contributes to drying because it removes water from the indoor air and makes the skin dry.

Cold Northern Climates

Snowflakes are pretty - skin flakes not so much. Protect your skin in cold dry climates by wearing protective clothing.

The cold, dry air of the winter in many northern climates is another big cause of dry skin. The central heating used in these climates makes matters worse by making the indoor air as dry as the outdoor air. The term "winter itch" has to do with dry skin caused by the climate/heating relationship.

Effects

Use warm water instead of hot water when you shower and bathe.

Basically, any dry environment will have a negative effect on the stratum corneum because it interferes with its barrier function. Weather and indoor settings greatly contribute to the barrier breakdown, but hot showers and baths also damage the stratum corneum, making the water in the skin move towards the surface where it evaporates. Skin that lacks water becomes dry, flaky skin.

Considerations

Itchy is cute when animals do it.

All skin loses water, but it's abnormal when water loss exceeds water replacement. When the stratum corneum's water falls below 10 percent, the result will be dry and flaky skin.

Prevention/Solution

If you have dry skin, hydrate with water.

Wear gloves in cold, dry climates and apply hand cream after washing hands. Don't skimp on hand cleaning because you think it'll dry out your skin; hand washing removes viruses and bacteria. Also remember that moisturizer doesn't moisturize skin, but it traps water that is already in the skin. So make sure you are drinking at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water per day to maintain your skin's moisture.

References

• PDR Health. Dry Skin: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment
• Skin Care Physicians: Dermatologists' Top 10 Tips for Relieving Dry Skin