Unfortunately, the only truly flawless people are the airbrushed images we see on social media. In real life, people have breakouts, ingrown hairs, calluses, and other forms of rough skin. While all of these are normal and mostly harmless, they can make you dyahe to wear dresses, shorts, or sleeveless tops. Read on to learn more about areas prone to roughness and how to care for them.
Face
Your nose, eyebrows, ears, neck, and the area along your hairline are all prone to getting dry and rough. The rough skin on this part of the body can be due to skin conditions, such as acne or eczema.
The environment is another factor. In hot climates like the Philippines, the dry air draws moisture from the skin, making it dry and irritated. , such as cigarette smoke, smog, and automobile exhaust, also pose risks to your skin. Since the face is the most exposed part of your body, it is more prone to damage. You can get breakouts and irritation, which can make your skin rough.
Smoothen your skin by keeping it clean and hydrated. Drink plenty of water. Cut down on sugary and caffeinated drinks. Use moisturizer and sunscreen daily.
Hands
The hands have some of the thickest skin in the body, but because we use them so much, they are bound to become rough. Exposure to harsh chemicals and frequent handwashing can cause rough hands. Certain chemicals in products such as perfumes or alcohol-based sanitizers can further add to the drying and roughness of the skin.
Wear rubber gloves when doing household chores like washing the dishes or cleaning surfaces. Wash your hands immediately with a gentle cleanser afterward. Apply moisturizer or lotion to replenish moisture.
Elbows
The elbows are one the most neglected areas of the body. You’re likely to get rough skin if you like to rest on your elbows. Constant friction from fabrics and surfaces can thicken the skin. You could also develop chicken skin or keratosis pilaris, the buildup of keratin in the hair follicles. The elbows are also prone to skin diseases like eczema and psoriasis.
Exfoliate once a week to help remove dry and dead skin cells. Follow up with a creamy moisturizer or lotion. To avoid irritation from clothes, opt for those made of natural fibers such as cotton and linen.
Arms
Did you know that the skin on your arms is thin? Skin that contains hair follicles and sebaceous glands is thin, while the skin on the palm of your hands or the soles of your feet is thick. Exposing your arms to harsh environments, UV rays, and chemicals can cause rough skin.
The skin on the arms is prone to developing skin conditions, too. Chicken skin is a common cause. It's harmless, but it does make your skin look bumpy. It can't be cured or prevented, but you can treat it with moisturizers and prescription creams to help improve the appearance of the skin.
Underarms
Underarm skin is sensitive and prone to irritation, which means it can develop bumps and roughness. Contact dermatitis can occur if you use a harsh product. Allergens can be in the form of cosmetics, fragrances, plants, chemicals, and rubber. Symptoms can include dryness, flaking, itching, or blisters.
can also make your underarms rough. Recurring inflammation of the hair follicles, also known as , can worsen the condition. The most common culprit is shaving, which leaves the skin open to bacteria and irritation. To avoid this, soften the skin with lukewarm water before shaving, and always use a clean razor. Follow proper removal methods to take care of this sensitive area.
And when taking baths, limit bathing time to 10 minutes or less, and use gentle soaps or cleansers. Try Dove Gentle Exfoliating Beauty Bar. It contains ¼ moisturizing cream that cleanses and nourishes the skin. It also gently exfoliates, leaving your skin smooth and soft.
Legs
The skin on your legs is prone to dryness and roughness because there are fewer oil glands in that area. Aside from skin issues and loss of moisture, health conditions, insect bites, allergies, and shaving are also common causes.
One side effect of shaving on the legs is , a type of folliculitis that leaves your follicles reddish and bumpy. Using dull razors and shaving against the grain can contribute to rough legs. Avoid this by regularly exfoliating your skin to loosen the hair and get rid of dead skin cells. Moreover, apply lotion regularly to keep your legs soft.
Feet
Your feet are the most susceptible to roughness because of wear and tear. The irritation comes from standing too long or from wearing poorly fitting shoes. It puts constant pressure on your feet that causes friction to the skin, thus becoming dry, calloused, or cracked. It doesn’t help that they have fewer oil glands, which makes them even more prone to dryness.
can make the feet vulnerable to infection, while callused feet can make walking difficult or uncomfortable. Exfoliation using foot scrubs, brushes, pumice stones or foot files, or AHAs can remove the dead layer of the skin. Coat them with a thick layer of and cover them with socks to lock moisture in.
Having rough skin is not easy. It’s not just an aesthetic issue – it can get painful, too. If your skin gets too thick or develops inflammation, consult your doctor for the best treatment.