We all hate dry skin, but some of us are at higher risk than others. Could your job be drying your skin out while you work?
How often do you find yourself suffering from dry skin? Depending on your occupation, it might be a lot more than it should be. Most of us keep a bottle of lotion handy, but rarely think about how our job affects our skin or how to change that. Here are four ways your job might be contributing to dry or flaky skin—and solutions for each one:
- Working outside. For many people, working outside is a dream come true: you get all the sunshine and fresh air you want, plus in many cases the beauty of nature, and you get to be physically active throughout the day. However, whether you are a traffic cop or a gardener, working outside can be rough on your skin. This is especially true in winter, when cooler temperatures and lower humidity levels mean that the air effectively sucks the moisture out of your skin. But even on balmy days, the sun can still dry out and damage your skin. The best solution is to make sure you have adequate sun protection, wear gloves whenever possible, and moisturize daily during dry seasons.
- Too much hand washing. Whether you are a waitress or a heart surgeon, hand washing is essential to many jobs. It kills germs, gets rid of dirt and protects the health of those you serve. But that doesn’t mean it’s great for your skin. Repeated hand washing, especially with thorough scrubbing, can damage the epidermis and lead to dry and cracked skin. In general, use water that is warm rather than hot, scrub gently, and use a soap that is gentle on the skin. If your job allows, moisturize after washing your hands.
- Extreme heat/cold. Outdoors isn’t the only place where temperatures can be rough on your skin. If you sit directly below the heat/AC register, or if your office is particularly toasty or chilly, you will likely experience dry skin. See if you can adjust the thermometer to a more moderate temperature, or reposition yourself away from the direct flow of air.
- Not enough water. Often, what we consider “dry” skin is actually dehydrated skin. Most people do not drink enough water and their skin is more vulnerable as a result. Drink water—not soda or coffee—throughout the day, roughly a glass an hour to protect your skin and your health.