The importance of keeping our skin moisturized.

[KY_EnviroGuy]

Skin moisturization:

Dermatologists tell us our skin has a protective oily & acidic layer that protects our skin from irritation and infections. When we use lots of soap, alcohols or other harsh chemicals on our skin, we can make things worst in the long run if we don't do proper follow-up care.

From Wikipedia on Sebaceous gland: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sebaceous_gland#Sebum

(snip)

Immune function and nutrition

Sebaceous glands are part of the body's integumentary system and serve to protect the body against microorganisms. Sebaceous glands secrete acids that form the acid mantle. This is a thin, slightly acidic film on the surface of the skin that acts as a barrier to microbes that might penetrate the skin. The pH of the skin is between 4.5 and 6.2, an acidity that helps to neutralize the alkaline nature of contaminants. Sebaceous lipids help maintain the integrity of the skin barrier and supply vitamin E to the skin.

This is a good primer on dry skin from Wikipedia as a starter:

Link: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xeroderma

Excerpt:

Xeroderma

Xeroderma, xerosis or xerosis cutis, or simply dry skin, is a skin condition characterized by excessively dry skin. The medical term xeroderma is derived from the Greek words meaning dry skin.

In most cases, dry skin can safely be treated with emollients or moisturizers. Xeroderma occurs most commonly on the scalp, lower legs, arms, hands, the knuckles, the sides of the abdomen, and thighs. Symptoms most associated with xeroderma are scaling (the visible peeling of the outer skin layer), itching, and skin cracking.

Causes

Xeroderma is a very common condition. It happens more often in the winter when the cold air outside and the hot air inside creates a low relative humidity. This causes the skin to lose moisture and it may crack and peel. Bathing or hand washing too frequently, especially if one is using harsh soaps, can contribute to xeroderma. Xeroderma can be caused by a deficiency of vitamin A, vitamin D, zinc, systemic illness, severe sunburn, or some medication. Xeroderma can be caused by choline inhibitors. Detergents such as washing powder and dishwashing liquid can cause xeroderma.

Prevention

Today, many creams and lotions, commonly based on vegetable oils/butters, petroleum oils/jellies, and even lanolin are widely available. As a preventive measure, such products may be rubbed onto the affected area as needed (often every other day) to prevent dry skin. The skin is then patted dry to prevent removal of natural lipids from the skin.

Treatment

Repeated application (typically over a few days) of emollients or skin lotions/creams to the affected area will likely result in quick alleviation of xeroderma. In particular, application of highly occlusive barriers to moisture, such as petrolatum, vegetable oils/butters, and mineral oil have been shown to provide excellent results. Many individuals find specific commercial skin creams and lotions (often comprising oils, butters, and or waxes emulsified in water) quite effective (although individual preferences and results vary among the wide array of commercially available creams). Lanolin, a natural mixture of lipids derived from sheep's wool, helps replace natural lipids in human skin and has been used since ancient times (and in modern medicine) as among the most powerful treatments for xeroderma. However, lanolin is a common allergen. Also, pure lanolin is a thick waxy substance which, for many individuals, proves difficult and inconvenient for general use on dry skin (especially over large areas of the body). As a result, many formulated lanolin products, having a softer consistency than pure lanolin, are available.

(cross-posting from GD)

Note that airway and dietary moisture (water or saline) and skin moisture (sebum, acids and lipids) are two totally different animals.

KY............

[ebbie15644]

1. Do to a spinal cord problem, I get really dry legs

I also have other areas that are very dry. I use two moisturizers. I have one I use in the shower and another I use is cerave

[KY_EnviroGuy]

2. 100% agree on Cerave.

Dermatologist recommended. I have a couple of versions (regular and exfoliating) and love the stuff........

[femmocrat]

3. A dermatologist told me to avoid anti-bacterial soaps.

They cause my hands to become red and flaky. Also anti-bacterial does not mean anti-viral.

And he said, “Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize!” Good advice!

[marble falls]

5. Why do you choose that brand?