Our dermatologist Doctor Bav Shergill has answered your questions on dry skin. We’ve published the questions and answers below.

The information and advice given by dermatologist (Dr. Bav Shergill) is for guidance only. Where suggested or if in doubt regarding any condition, you should always seek the professional medical advice of your GP.

 

1. Hi
I have heard a lot about Aveeno and would like to find the right product for me. I have very, very dry skin and lots of wrinkles around my eyes and crow’s feet. I also have very dry skin all over, even on my scalp. I have tried many products to put moisture back into my skin (face), but nothing seems to really work. Do you have a regime I could follow to put back moisture into my skin and reduce wrinkles? I am female, 60 years old.
My dry skin is not because of too much sun.
Susan

Bav says…

As we get older our skin tends to become drier - therefore needs more care and nourishment. Cleansing and moisturising are key to keeping your skin healthy and glowing. Cleansing twice daily removes dirt, oil and impurities from the skin, gets rid of dead cells off the surface of the skin, and improves the circulation leaving the face softer and brighter. Gentle, soap-free cleansers are the best, as they provide effective cleansing with ultimate skin comfort.

It is also important to ensure your skin is properly moisturised. Well hydrated skin will reduce the appearance of fine lines and keep your skin soft and supple. Different moisturisers contain various agents to hydrate the skin, for example, paraffin based moisturisers act as ‘occlusion’ agents which prevent water leaving the skin. They are very effective but can clog pores and look greasy. Humectant moisturisers draw fluid towards them from deeper down the skin up to the upper skin layers to rehydrate the outer skin cells. These moisturisers are often cream based and would be the best option for someone like yourself. Try to find one containing an SPF of at least 15, as sun exposure can damage the skin causing it to lose its elasticity and be prematurely aged.

Finally a good diet and regular exercise is essential to maintaining healthy skin. This combined with effective products designed specifically for your skin type gives the best results. A healthy life style; good balanced diet, regular exercise, modest alcohol consumption and avoidance of tobacco are all crucial.

2. Hi
I am suffering with Eczema Polly something. I have had steroid cream, which made the situation worse and also caused me to get blistered and was very painful, I have stopped taking that cream, and now it is very dry. I was wondering what advice you can give to me, I have only had these symptoms for three months. Can you help?
Michelle

Bav says…

You may be referring to pompholyx eczema. This is a sub-type of eczema that affects the palms and soles, characterised by small blisters. It is difficult to make a definitive diagnosis so you should consult your GP or specialist. I am concerned that steroid cream seems to make it worse. In my experience, I usually see this type of reaction in 2 different circumstances:

  • You may have a fungal skin infection. This can look like eczema but usually affects one patch of skin only. If you apply a steroid cream to a fungal rash it will make it much worse and you could get a blistering reaction.
  • Very rarely, you may have had an allergic reaction to some constituent of the steroid cream. This will require further investigation by a dermatologist.

It sounds like you may need a bit of further investigation by your doctor.

3. Hi
I am emailing in regards to my mother who is 48 years old, she has very dry skin on her face especially in the T- Zone area where she actually has skin flakes falling off her face. Her face is also very red and blotchy. She also has very dry skin on her body but her hair gets very greasy quickly.
We have tried so many products but nothing has seemed to help so I was hoping that you could help me it would be so appreciated.

Bav says…

When dry flaky skin occurs in the areas you mention it is often referred to as seborrhoeic dermatitis. Hydrocortisone cream, is commonly prescribed to help ease the symptoms and soften and smooth the skin, however, if used regularly, the cream can cause reddening and thinning of the skin. It is advisable to be careful and to take the advice of your doctor over the strength, frequency and duration of hydrocortisone usage, particularly on the folds of skin around your nose. There are newer treatments such as pimecrolimus that are not steroid based but are as equally effective as hydrocortisone.

This problem especially the symptoms you describe of suffering from greasy hair can sometimes be associated with seborrhoeic dermatitis. This condition is a very common and mild allergy to benign yeasts that live on the skin. An alternative treatment that should be considered if you are not making any progress with hydrocortisone related products is a ketaconazole shampoo. Other shampoos containing coal tar, coconut oil, sulphur and salicylic acid may also be prescribed, or are available over the counter and should be beneficial.

4. Hello.
As a sufferer of a very itchy skin condition which can keep me awake at night I have talked to my GP who prescribed some cream which had no effect at all, I am asking for help to get some relief, my skin condition is compounded also by many warts and a rash which also add to the misery of this, my GP tells me that Dermatologists in general cannot be bothered to treat people for these problems. Please can you help me in this matter?
Regards,
Lawrence.

Bav says…

Chronic itching is a miserable condition. Dermatologists are very interested in treating any person with this symptom, though finding an underlying cause can be difficult. I am sure that your GP will refer you to a dermatologist when you tell them that your sleep is being disturbed and previous treatments have failed.

You mention that you have many warts on your skin. Most itchy warts are actually seborrhoeic keratoses. These are not virus-based warts but are skin growths that develop on either sun-exposed skin or in skin folds. They are unsightly and can be very itchy. Symptomatic seborrhoeic keratoses can be removed by minor surgery or can even be frozen off using a liquid nitrogen spray. I would recommend re-visiting your GP to fully explain your symptoms and to request a referral to a dermatologist so your condition can be treated appropriately.

5. Hi
My skin is very dry and dull and I have blackheads on my nose and chin and open pores. Please tell me what to do for healthy and glowing skin.

Bav says…

Suffering from dry dull looking skin is not uncommon especially as you get older as your skin doesn’t naturally exfoliate at such a fast rate. Skin can also become dull when blood flow and oxygenation of skin cells is reduced. This is particularly common in smokers who tend to develop dry, dull skin with fine lines. If you suffer from dull, lifeless skin, there are some simple steps you can take to brighten and rejuvenate your complexion:

If you are a smoker then stop smoking. The nicotine found in tobacco constricts blood vessels which decreases blood flow and oxygen and nutrient delivery to the skin cells. Leaving your skin dull, lifeless and with grey undertones.

Exfoliate - Regular exfoliation can remove the dead skin cells on your face that dull your complexion. Try to exfoliate on a regular basis and you will develop a healthier looking complexion. You may also want to consider microdermabrasion or a superficial peel performed by a dermatologist or aesthetician.

Stay Well Hydrated - When you become dehydrated, your skin looses its fullness and natural glow. Try to drink six to eight glasses of water a day to keep skin tissues well hydrated. Avoid excessive alcohol which can contribute to the problem of dull, lifeless skin.

Replace Moisture - Skin is particularly prone to looking dull in the cold, winter months when the sebum barrier is broken down due to the harsh climate. This results in a loss of moisture which gives skin a dull, parched look. To relieve this problem, avoid using hot water when cleansing your face and immediately follow cleansing with the application of a moisturiser- moisturisers containing colloidal oatmeal are particularly beneficial as they are proven to soothe dry skin.

Blackheads are a type of acne and are caused by excess oils accumulating in your pores, so you need to make sure you keep your skin cleansed and exfoliated to help keep it looking its best.

6. Hi,
I have got brown stains on the skin of my belly. They appeared about a year ago but were very light so I thought they would come off, however, they became brown. I don’t even feel as if I have got them. It just looks like is some kind of allergy but it doesn't feel itchy. I used to tan a lot 3 years ago but I haven’t exposed my skin to the sun for 2 years and my skin is really white now.
Please give me some advice on what it can be.
Thank you.

Bav says…

The brown markings are likely to be the result of past sun damage and are called solar lentigos – they look like large freckles. However, unlike freckles they don’t fade away over the winter.

It is important in future that you keep your skin covered in these areas to avoid any further scarring or skin damage. These marks can be treated using lasers to remove the pigment. Some creams can also be helpful: Vitamin A helps even out skin tone so try intense moisturisers containing this; creams and lotions containing Hydroquinone -an effective ingredient in bleaching the skin can also help, but can have some side effects so consult your GP before application. Finally, I would recommend that you show these marks to your GP or Dermatologist to confirm that they are benign.

7. Hi
I’ve been told that the acid mantle and moisture barrier of my facial skin has been damaged, my skin is also dry, dehydrated and sensitive what can I do to repair it?
Any advice?

Bav says…

The natural pH of skin is 5.5 – a weak acid. What you are describing is skin that is damaged and inflamed. The best approach here is to repair the skin by protecting the barrier and rehydrate. I would recommend using a good moisturiser twice daily, oat-containing moisturisers have an additional anti-inflammatory property to soothe the skin. Avoid over-cleansing the skin. These products can strip essential oils from the skin and leave it broken and inflamed.

Visit the sensitive skin page for further information.

8. Hi ,
When exercising my face turns extremely red and it’s not just a light blush, its deep red and all over my face. I have a medium skin tone and dark hair, I don’t get sunburn, and people with a lighter skin tone do not get my problem.
Please give me some advice on what it can be.
I know that it’s a sign that my body isn’t functioning properly but I was just wondering if there are any products or if there is anything I can do to decrease the effect or stop it all together. I also keep hydrated properly and even at low temperatures, this still occurs.
Thank you for your help

Bav says…

It is likely you suffer from very sensitive skin, which is a fairly common skin condition. You don’t have a medical problem per se but are at one end of the normal spectrum of cutaneous circulation. Put simply, your thermostat is set higher than most people and your skin flushes very easily. There are some medical conditions that are associated with skin flushing but these are rare and the flushing would occur spontaneously and not just after exercise, however, do see your GP if you are concerned.

Although there is no 100% cure for this, there are some simple things you can do to help:

  • Avoid extreme temperatures, even in cleansing and showering.
  • Don’t over stimulate the skin with massage, rubbing, or over cleansing and don’t use exfoliators
  • Make sure you use a hypoallergenic sunscreen lotion when outside. Sunburn, or even mild sun exposure could make the redness worse.
  • Care for your face with mild cleansers and lotions and look for products that say they are for sensitive skin. Ingredients such as soy, aloe and vitamin E will help soften and soothe your skin

Be aware that heat will dilate the vessels in your cheeks that make them red. Try to stay cool when possible and keep a cold drink and a fan on hand if you think there is a chance you could get overheated, for example when exercising or playing sport.

9. Hi there
I have dry itchy skin on my face especially on my forehead. I have used many moisturising creams but none seem to work they just seem to give me spots! I get slight eczema on my body but have tried the creams that I use for them as well but they don’t seem to work either. After I have washed my skin feels immediately tight and itchy. I was wondering if you knew what I should do, or what I should use.
Beth

Bav says…

Dry skin may occur when the dermis does not secrete enough oil to the surface of your skin to keep it well hydrated or if you strip oils from the skin by over-washing. This results in your skin becoming dry and flaky and prone to irritation. Dry skin can be exaggerated by weather but the cause of dry skin can also be due to a number of factors, e.g. nutritional deficiencies-lack of vitamin A and B vitamins, genetics, stress, cold weather, central heating, or a reaction to a product you have put on your skin. It is important to try and identify the cause of your dry skin to know how to best treat it.

Here are a few things you can try to combat the signs and irritations of dry skin:

  • Make sure you never leave the house without wearing sunscreen. Sun damage dries your skin and makes it less able to hold moisture or feel smooth.
  • Moisturise: use a good moisturiser specific for dry skin, if your skin really is dry you can't use too much. Whenever your skin starts feeling dry just put more on.
  • Avoid products that are drying: don’t use soap, cleanser or any product that leaves a dry feeling on your skin and avoid products with drying ingredients such as alcohol. Look for body washes that are specially created for dry skin.
  • Avoid taking long showers: Too much water is bad for your skin. It breaks down the skin's protective covering and will dry it out. Pat skin dry after a bath or shower and don’t rub.
  • Exfoliate: this increases skin cells’ turnover giving a more natural, youthful appearance, removing the build-up of old skin cells and replacing them with newer, smoother ones.

The distribution of the flaky skin that you describe may be consistent with a pattern of eczema known as seborrhoeic dermatitis. This condition is a very common and mild allergy to benign yeasts that live on the skin. Although the majority of people keep their skin in good condition by taking the simple measures outlined above, please see your GP or Dermatologist as some prescribed medicines may help.

10. Dear Sir or Madam,
I hope you can help. We have a 7 month old baby and he has quite bad skin. He has been on formula since about 3 weeks old and his skin got worse. We have recently taken him off milk products and his skin nearly cleared. In the last couple of days in the heat his skin has flared up. We use quite a lot of diprobase as we were advised not to rub it on. Is there any rule of thumb as to a moisturizing routine, and could we be over moisturizing him?
We would like to trust our GP but they don't seem to care and are as much use as a chocolate teapot.
Kind regards.
Ben.

Bav says…

Based on what you have described, I assume you are referring to a rash. In this age group, the most likely diagnosis is a type of eczema. You seem to have identified that milk products are associated with the rash and you are avoiding them, resulting in an improvement, which is a good start. The commonest food intolerances that any eczema sufferer may have are; milk, wheat, soya and egg and unfortunately there are no reliable tests other than avoidance to determine if there is a food intolerance.

In an infant or child, adequate nutrition is of paramount importance. Before avoiding any foodstuffs it is vitally important to seek advice from a dietician and paediatrician. I am confident that if you outline the above issues of nutrition, food intolerance and eczema and clearly state that you wish to see either a paediatrician or a dermatologist about this – you will be referred. Your health visitor can also act as an advocate on your behalf.

Using diprobase, it is unlikely that you will over-moisturise. Applying moisturiser 2 to 4 times a day is sufficient. After your child’s daily bath (tepid water only) you should pat the skin dry and then apply moisturiser to the slightly damp skin. The skin should look shiny after application. If you are applying too much moisturiser it will stay on top of the skin as a white cream.

11. Hi
I have recently developed dry skin around the eye area. I went to the doctor who said it is Blepharitis.
Is there anything I can use around my eyes the area that is dry.
Aziza

Bav says…

Blepharitis is a very common eye problem, and is the medical term for inflamed eyelids. The inflammation is like eczema of the skin and causes your eyes to become tired, red and itchy. Once you get blepharitis you'll probably have recurring outbreaks, but don't worry, it isn't serious and won't affect your eyesight. There aren’t any effective dry treatments unfortunately but it can be kept in check by bathing your eyes daily with a clean flannel dipped in very warm water. If your eyelid becomes infected antibiotic drops or ointment will clear it. It can be associated with other skin conditions such as rosacea and I would recommend that you go back and see your GP about your symptoms in case he/she may be able to prescribe treatments that could help you to control this problem.

12. Dear Sir or Madam,
Please help, I have small white spots all over the tops of my arms from my shoulders to my elbow, these are filled with a fluid that can be squeezed out, I have had them for years. The sun seems to help but I’m not sure what I can do. Please help
Fiona

Bav says…

This sounds like Keratosis Pilaris, which causes small, acne-like bumps to appear on the upper arms, legs or sometimes buttocks. It is a very common, inherited condition. Unfortunately there is no single thing that cures this condition but a combination of self-care measures and medicated creams will help to improve the condition of your skin.

Be gentle when washing your skin. Vigorous scrubbing will only irritate your skin and aggravate the condition. After washing or bathing, gently pat or blot your skin dry with a towel so that some moisture remains on the skin. Apply moisturising lotion while your skin is still moist from bathing.

You could also speak to your pharmacist and apply an over-the-counter product that contains urea or lactic acid one to two times daily. Urea and Lactic acid help remove extra keratin from the surface of the skin, which in turn should lessen the roughness of your skin. Brands such as Calmurid or Eucerin would be an appropriate choice.

13. What is best for Psoriasis?
Ian

Bav says…

Psoriasis is an inflammatory non-contagious skin condition that causes red scaly lesions on knees and elbows and can start any time in life. Approximately one in fifty people suffer with this condition in the UK alone. It is causes by accelerated skin cell production that results in a build up of cells on the surface.

Psoriasis can vary in severity and type and therefore is something you should consult your GP regarding as your treatment will be personal, dependent on age, state of health and nature of the psoriasis.

Generally, moisturisers are an important factor in treatment for psoriasis and may be all that is needed for mild psoriasis. They reduce dryness, cracking and scaling of the skin.

Specific local treatments include creams and ointments containing coal tar, dithranol, tazarotene or vitamin D-related compounds, e.g. calcipotriol , calcitriol or tacalcitol.

Special lotions are available for scalp treatment. These often contain salicylic acid, coal tar, sulphur or corticosteroids.

Phototherapy (ultraviolet B, UVB) and photo chemotherapy (psoralent ultraviolet A, PUVA) are both used for widespread psoriasis. Many patients find that natural sunlight also helps. These treatments are prescribed by dermatologists only. A dermatologist may also prescribe immune modulating tablets such as methotrexate or ciclosporin which can significantly improve psoriasis.

14. My baby has eczema and I wondered which cream to use?
Sara

Bav says…

Choosing a cream for baby eczema is really about personal preference. If there is no sensitivity to a chosen cream then regular application is often more important than what you apply.

There are two main types of cream. Mineral based petroleum products and plant based oils and butters. Any cream emollient can cause skin problems in people sensitive to one or another of the ingredients, so with any product it’s always important to patch test a small area first. Try a small amount of cream on normal, eczema-free skin before trying it on any inflamed areas.

Tips on applying creams:

  • Creams should be applied at least twice daily, even when the skin looks fine because preventing flare ups is much easier than settling them back down.
  • Cream should never be rubbed into the skin as this can cause redness/itching. Instead gently smooth them on in the direction the hair grows.
  • Apply extra cream at any sign of redness or itching, and after a bath as this helps to seal in the moisture from the water.
  • Keep a cream with you wherever you go so you always have some to put on at the first sign of redness, rash or itching.

15. Dear Sir/ Madam,
I was wondering if you could advise me on what moisturising product would be best for my skin type. My skin is oily at the t-zone, and dry. It is dehydrated as well as being sensitive. I am having difficulties in finding a suitable product for my skin type.
Please could you help me?
Gemini

Bav says…

The T-zone is often oily, as the percentage of oil glands in this area tends to be higher than on the outer cheeks. Oily areas of the face are more prone to blackheads, whiteheads and large pores - all the things that lead to acne. You can help manage your skin’s condition in the T-zone area in several ways:

  • Keep your hands and your hair off the skin. They bring extra oil and dirt to the area, which further clogs the pores.
  • Use a mild cleanser twice a day.
  • Cleansing products that contain salicylic acid or alpha hydroxy acids (e.g. glycolic acid) can reduce the amount of oil on your skin and if you have blackheads, such products can help keep your skin clearer.
  • Even after using these products, it is important to moisturise your whole face with a light, cream-based moisturiser. Otherwise your skin will become very irritated.
  • Be careful of the chin area, which tends to get especially dry with these products.

16. I am desperately looking for some help, I gave birth to a gorgeous little girl 2 months ago, basically after the pregnancy my skin has gone rather dry, so I am looking for some products that will improve the condition of my skin, and was wondering if you had any products that I would be able to test and some information that you could possibly forward to me.
Best Regards
Imogen

Bav says…

It is common for your skin to change during and post pregnancy. Stress, hormonal swings and the fatigue brought on by new parenthood are common factors. Many new mothers find that their hands become cracked and dry from the repeated washing required when handling their babies. Be sure to use a mild cleanser and moisturiser, specifically for dry skin to re-hydrate your skin. Look for glycerine and urea-enriched moisturisers; these are both soothing and intensively moisturising.

As your hormones begin to settle in the months following birth your skin will also settle and even out and return to its natural and regular complexion.

It’s important to note however that dry skin can be a symptom of an under active thyroid, a condition that affects about 2 to 5 percent of new mothers during the year after they give birth. Your GP can do a quick blood test to find out whether you have this condition.

17. Hi,
My toddler who is 2 years old has a constant rash on her neck, arms, wrists, tops of legs and face. This seems to flare up more when she has been swimming or wears long sleeved clothes.
Is Aveeno suitable for her or can you recommend another cream?

Bav says…

She is probably experiencing irritancy to chlorine rather than a true allergy. Individuals can show signs of irritancy or undue sensitivity to many common day to day items and substances like washing powders, soaps and detergents. This is more common in individuals who are prone to eczema, asthma, and hay-fever.

A very greasy moisturiser can help, try an aqueous cream or hydrous ointment (your GP can prescribe these items) applied before swimming, as this will help to keep skin protected from the drying effects of the water. Some individuals prefer a glycerine based product as these will soothe dry and chapped skin, providing comfort and restoring moisture levels. Aveeno is a popular choice amongst parents of children with dermatitis.

It does sound as if she may have a background of atopic eczema too. The irritancy from long sleeved clothing is often seen in eczema sufferers who find that wool can irritate the skin. I would suggest checking with your GP or Dermatologist to confirm the diagnosis and to make a treatment plan which may include anti-inflammatory creams as well as moisturisers.

18. Hi
I have a 3 week old baby, and she has extremely dry skin on the face, hands and feet.
For the hands and feet we use olive oil, but I am after something for the face.
Can you suggest one of your creams?
Regards

Bav says…

Olive oil is perfectly fine for your baby’s hands and feet but I would recommend using a light cream on your baby’s face. A light and non-greasy moisturiser will be absorbed quickly. Some examples of these types of cream include aqueous cream and Doublebase cream. This will help to prevent water evaporating from the skin surface, so the skin won’t become dehydrated and should help it stay soft and supple.

It is unusual for such a young baby to have extremely dry skin so if it does not seem to settle within a few weeks I would recommend that you see your GP or Dermatologist to exclude any underlying skin condition.

19. Dear Sir/madam
I have had dry itchy sensitive skin now 4 a few years, it’s mostly when I shower. Although when I have a bath I am normally fine.
I have started using Simple shower gel and this was working when I had a shower but I have recently moved house and the shower there now makes me itch regardless of using simple shower gel. Although I use the bath and I don't itch.
Could it be the temperature of the water? Could it be the air within the bathroom?
I itch through the night and as it's starting to get warmer I am sweating through the night which is making my skin dry and itchy.
I would be grateful if you could advise what I could use or do to assist with this condition.

Bav says…

It is unlikely that the cause of your dry skin is the air in the bathroom but is more likely to be the temperature of the water you use in the shower. As tempting as a hot shower is it can dry your skin out, use lukewarm water instead and try to keep your showers to a minimum-if you stay in the shower for a long time this will remove the natural oils in your skin, disrupting your skin’s moisture barrier, leaving it more susceptible to dryness.

Once you’re out of the shower, avoid rubbing your skin dry as this will irritate it, instead gently pat dry with a soft towel; this is particularly important for delicate facial skin.

It is important to be careful with deodorant soaps and detergents as they can remove the skin’s natural protective oils too leaving it dry and irritated. If using cleansing products, use a mild moisturising or glycerin soap and avoid scrubbing with a washcloth as this will remove oils and irritate the skin.

Moisturising is the final step to combating dry and itchy skin. Immediately after showering and towel drying, while the skin is still damp, apply a moisturiser. Ideally, moisturisers should be applied twice daily, morning and evening. If a rash is present, a topical non-steroid anti-inflammatory lotion or cortisone cream should be applied before the moisturising cream or lotion. Try to avoid moisturisers with strong perfume smells, as this may also cause irritation.