What should you know about sun dried skin?

Sun, heat, wind and frequent washing can increase water loss from the skin surface. You may notice tightness, scaling, itch, fine cracks or sensitivity to products. A sunburn can add redness and tenderness. Persistent or severe dryness may also occur with eczema, psoriasis or another condition, so the trigger and appearance matter when deciding whether you need an examination.

Take cooler, shorter showers and use a fragrance-free cleanser only where needed. Apply a thick moisturiser or ointment soon after washing, then repeat when the skin feels tight. Emollient therapy can support the barrier, while shade, protective clothing and sunscreen reduce further exposure. Avoid scrubbing, picking flakes and fragranced products on irritated areas. Drink normally; extra fluids do not replace moisturising the skin surface.

Arrange medical advice if dryness persists despite gentle moisturising, spreads, cracks deeply, oozes, becomes painful or interferes with sleep. Seek prompt care for marked swelling, blistering, fever or signs of infection such as increasing warmth and discharge. A clinician can distinguish simple dryness from asteatotic eczema, atopic dermatitis or psoriasis.

Which ingredients should I choose or avoid? How often should I use an emollient? Does the pattern suggest eczema, psoriasis or another cause, and would I need a prescribed treatment?