{"id":3223,"date":"2025-09-17T07:33:17","date_gmt":"2025-09-17T06:33:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/e45.com\/uk\/?p=3223"},"modified":"2025-11-13T06:29:36","modified_gmt":"2025-11-13T06:29:36","slug":"managing-dry-skin-with-mediha-sarwar","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/e45.com\/uk\/e45-about-skin\/expert-insights\/managing-dry-skin-with-mediha-sarwar\/","title":{"rendered":"Managing Dry Skin"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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\"Mediha-Sarwar\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Managing Dry Skin: The Importance of Moisturisation<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

An Interview with Mediha Sarwar<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

ABPI qualified GPhC registered pharmacist, Medical Advisor, Karo Healthcare<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Many of us experience dry skin at some point\u2014whether it\u2019s from long, hot showers, environmental factors or simple genetics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mediha Sarwar explains what really causes dryness, why finding the right moisturiser can make all the difference, and shares simple, science-backed tips to keep your skin barrier healthy and comfortable, no matter the season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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How common is dry skin, and what are its main causes?<\/h2><\/summary>
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Dry skin affects a large portion of the population, particularly in climates where cold weather and low humidity strip moisture from the air.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Genetics also play a role, and many people with atopic dermatitis<\/a> experience persistent dryness. In these climates, even those without a predisposition can see their skin become rough or flaky<\/a> simply due to environmental factors.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/details>\n\n\n\n

What symptoms do people with dry skin experience, and how can these worsen if left untreated?<\/h2><\/summary>
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Common symptoms include tightness, rough or scaly patches, and increased sensitivity\u2014especially on the face. Untreated dryness can progress to inflammation or true eczema, characterised by redness, itching and sometimes cracks or fissures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once eczema develops, you may need anti-inflammatory treatments on top of moisturisers, so it\u2019s best to prevent that stage altogether.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/details>\n\n\n\n

What are the key do\u2019s and don\u2019ts for managing dry skin<\/a>?<\/h2><\/summary>
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  1. Do use a moisturiser daily<\/strong>. This is non-negotiable if you want to maintain a healthy skin barrier.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Don\u2019t rely on water alone<\/strong>. Some believe that skipping soap and just using water keeps skin healthier, but water actually washes away natural moisturising factors, worsening dryness\u2014especially on hands.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Do avoid extreme temperature changes<\/strong>. Rapid transitions from warm indoor air to cold outdoor air can aggravate dryness.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  4. Do be mindful of stress<\/strong>. High stress levels increase transepidermal water loss (TEWL), weakening the skin barrier and triggering inflammatory responses.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div><\/details>\n\n\n\n

    Which ingredients should people look for in moisturisers for dry skin?<\/h2><\/summary>
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    Look for products that mimic the skin\u2019s natural lipids<\/strong> and combine different functional components:<\/p>\n\n\n\n