A Dermatologist Addresses 3 Common Misconceptions About Dry Skin

WORDS LIM TECK CHOON

FEATURED EXPERT
DR FELIX YAP BOON BIN
Consultant Dermatologist
Sunway Medical Centre
MISCONCEPTION 1
DRY SKIN IS NOTHING SERIOUS.

Dr Felix Yap Boon Bin points out that this is not always true.

“Lack of water or skin dehydration will cause dry skin to peel, crack, irritate, itch and become sensitive,” he explains. “If we scratch the itch, it may lead to damage of the skin’s epidermis, causing it to become thinner or eventually recede away.”

Our skin consists of three layers: the epidermis, the dermis, and the subcutaneous layer. Click on the image for a larger, clearer version.

“When the epidermis is compromised, germs and dust can penetrate into the second layer of the skin or dermis, causing inflammation, in addition to causing other skin problems, such as eczema and psoriasis,” Dr Felix shares.

A comparison of healthy and dry skin. Click on the image for a larger, clearer version.

What causes dry skin?

Dr Felix says that being under the hot sun for a long period of time can cause dry skin.

Being in an air-conditioned room for long periods of time can also be a factor, as air conditioning can cause the skin to dry.

However, many cases of dry skin are due to genetic factors. “Some individuals are born without a protective skin layer, causing their skin to be easily dehydrated,” Dr Felix says. Therefore, it is possible for someone to develop this condition without spending much time under the sun or air-conditioning.

Additionally, the use of improper skincare products can lead to dry skin. Dr Felix cites the frequent usage of body scrubs or soaps with a higher pH level (pH above 7) as an example.

If you spend much time under the sun or in air-conditioned rooms, Dr Felix recommends, applying moisturizers regularly to ensure that the skin is healthy and has a good level of hydration. “However, if dryness is at a serious level, it is recommended to use medicated moisturizers,” he says.
MISCONCEPTION 2
ANY SKIN MOISTURIZER WILL DO.

Not true. 

“For dry skin types, oil-based moisturizers are more suitable because the oil content will moisturize the skin and reduce itching or peeling,” Dr Felix explains.

He adds: “Individuals with oily skin can choose oil control moisturizers to prevent acne growth.”

For sensitive skin, Dr Felix recommended the use of specialized moisturizers, products without fragrance or chemicals produced by certified medical brands.

Hence, he reminds everyone to identify their own skin type before choosing their skincare products, in order to ensure that these products are suitable for long-term use.

MISCONCEPTION 3
DRINKING A LOT OF WATER AND EATING VEGETABLES REGULARLY CAN HELP THE SKIN STAY HYDRATED

Research has proven that this assumption is inaccurate.

“Lack of water in the body will certainly affect the quality of the skin, but drinking a lot of water at one time does not help the skin to stay hydrated,” Dr Felix elaborates.

“Also, consuming a lot of vegetables does not necessarily help to hydrate the skin. Healthy and hydrated skin requires a balanced diet, which includes a variety of nutrients and not just vegetables,” he adds.

BONUS: DR FELIX’S TIPS TO PROTECT YOUR SKIN

“The water content in our skin will also decrease as we age,” Dr Felix reminds us. “The protective layer will become thinner and its efficiency to trap water will also become lower when we reach between 40 to 50 years old.”

Therefore, he offers some tips to help us take care of our skin in order to avoid skin problems in the future.

  • Sleeping for 7 hours a day and have a consistent bedtime, preferably before 12 midnight.
  • Lead an active lifestyle to improve the immune system. Low immunity can cause skin diseases such as eczema.
  • Use moisturizers before going to bed, especially in rooms with air conditioning.
  • Apply sunscreen before leaving the house.

A Dermatologist Shares Essential Skincare Tips for People with Diabetes

WORDS DR GAN TECK SHENG

FEATURED EXPERT
DR GAN TECK SHENG
Consultant Dermatologist
Tung Shin Hospital

The stakes are high when it comes to diabetes management.

High blood sugar is not just a number; it affects various bodily components, including your skin.

For many, a skin problem serves as an early warning sign of diabetes. Those elevated glucose levels are often the culprits behind the dry, itchy skin.

But here is the lifestyle twist–many individuals living with diabetes are not aware of the vital role that proper skin care plays. It is not just about administering insulin and watching your diet; it is about a comprehensive approach to well-being that includes your skin.

GENERAL SKIN CARE
Use gentle cleanser when bathing or showering.
  • Avoid bar soaps as they strip away natural oils and disrupt skin barrier function.
  • Also avoid cleansers that contain perfumes and harsh detergents as they may cause irritation and redness to the skin. Instead, use gentle cleansers to help maintain hydration and prevent skin dryness.
Bathe or shower the right way.
  • Use lukewarm water as hot water strips away natural oils and damages the skin.
  • Keep your baths or showers short, ideally no longer than 10 minutes.
Dry your skin carefully.
  • After a bath or shower, dry your skin with gentle pats.
  • Remember to dry the skin between your toes, armpits and other skin folds. Intertrigo—rashes and inflammation caused by skin-to-skin friction—occurs more easily in warm moist environments.
Apply moisturizer every day.
  • Keep your skin moisturized and prevent cracks that lead to infection.
  • Pick a hypoallergenic, fragrance-free moisturizing cream or ointment.
  • Apply after bathing or when your skin is dry or itchy.
FOOT CARE
Check your feet daily.
  • First, dry your feet carefully.
  • Make sure to check between your toes and your feet for rashes, cuts, sores, or any other changes to the skin.
  • Use a mirror if you cannot see your soles.
Wear shoes that fit well.
  • Always wear shoes and socks to avoid injury.
  • Wear closed, well-fitting shoes with cushioned sole.
  • Check if there is any object or pebble inside your shoes before putting them on.
Treat dry, cracked heels.
  • Apply urea cream on dry, cracked hills every day before getting into bed. This will help in preventing the development of non-healing sores and serious skin infections.
Take care of your toenails.
  • Keep your toenails short and trim them straight across.
  • Gently smooth any sharp edges with a nail file.
  • Do not let the sides of your toenails grow into the skin.
See a doctor for treatment of corns and calluses on your feet.
  • Do not remove corns or calluses with sharp objects. Any skin injury on the feet may increase the risk of ulcers and infection, especially patients with diabetic neuropathy.
  • Be cautious when using over-the-counter products, as these products may irritate your skin.
Treat all wounds immediately.
  • Wash wounds with antiseptic and water.
  • Only apply antibiotic cream if recommended by your doctor.
  • Cover the wound with an adhesive bandage.
  • Perform daily dressing to help your skin heal.
SEE A DOCTOR IF YOU EXPERIENCE ANY OF THE FOLLOWING
  • Reddish and swollen skin.
  • Pain or tenderness.
  • Honey-coloured crusts.
  • Change in the colour and temperature of your feet.
  • Wound that is weeping or leaking pus.
  • Thickened or discoloured nails.