It probably doesn't surprise you to know that physical health can have a huge impact on mental health. This applies when it comes to skin conditions like atopic eczema and psoriasis. Dry and itchy skin can cause stress and poor sleep, which in turn will make the symptoms of dry skin worse. It can begin to feel hopeless when this cycle just keeps going, and it can have a negative impact on self-confidence. So, what can you do to alleviate the physical and mental effects of your dry skin condition? Psychodermatologist Dr Anthony Bewley recommends creating a routine featuring the following five methods to ditch the itch.
Table of Contents
1) Restful Sleep
According to a consumer survey by Diprobase, almost a fifth of dry skin sufferers (19%) reported that the itchiness affects their ability to get a good night's sleep. Dr Bewley suggests preparing for bedtime as you would prepare for work. First of all, make sure that you are going to bed at a suitable time to allow you to get the recommended 8 hours of sleep. Secondly, set yourself a bedtime and stick to it so that you can get into the routine of getting ready for bed at a certain time. Avoid alcohol, caffeine, food, and technology in the hour before bed. Read a book and have a caffeine-free hot drink to wind down instead of watching TV.
2) Relaxation Techniques
As well as winding down before bed to make sure that you can get to sleep, you should keep practising relaxation methods throughout the day. At least two in five (44%) of people with dry skin problems say that they experience a higher daily level of stress, according to the Diprobase survey. Taking five minutes every now and then to simply breathe, meditate, or practise mindfulness can really help to reduce stress. This will help to reduce your dry skin condition. You can even relax by watching TV - just not before bed! You shouldn't stress out about trying to relax; just do whatever works for you, and keep doing it regularly.
3) Physical Exercise
Dr Bewley says that unhealthy living habits can exacerbate dry skin. Exercise not only improves your overall wellbeing psychologically and physically, but also encourages humectant production. These are molecules which hold in moisture, reducing the dryness of the skin. Exercise also helps to improve the immunological function of the skin as a barrier. As well as helping your skin feel better, exercise will make you healthier and feel better about yourself. Diprobase found that 1 in 10 people with dry skin (11%) avoid social events because of self-consciousness about their skin. Exercise will boost your confidence.
4) Soothing Skin Maintenance
One of the most important routines to get into to improve your skin and mind is taking care of your skin. This means maintaining it carefully rather than aggravating it by picking or scratching at it. If you keep on top of the dryness by moisturising your skin regularly, it will reduce the itchiness and the risk of flare-ups. Building positive habits regarding your skin, such as repeatedly soothing it, will help you to control your skin condition and take your life back. Diprobase Daily Moisturising Cream is ideal for this purpose. Enriching probiotics help to restore healthy skin and moisturise for 24 hours. It's even suitable for babies.
150ml RRP £10.00
5) Stop Scratching
Itchiness is the symptom of dry skin that bothers people the most, according to research by Diprobase. Luckily, they offer a Diprobase Itch Relief Cream which can relieve the itch of dry skin within 30 minutes. The cream is steroid-free and not only soothes the itch but helps to regenerate the skin barrier. This will prevent you from scratching at the itch and allow your skin to recover. Scratching just causes damage to your skin, so it is a habit that you need to break. Instead, get into the habit of using a cream to soothe the itchiness and soreness. You don't have to ignore an itch to avoid scratching, just relieve it in a better way.
20ml RRP £6.99
50ml RRP £12.99