On the surface of the skin exists an oily barrier, and if this is cracked, the result is dry and sensitive skin. Genes, allergies, premature aging, or excessive sun bathing can all lead to cracks in that protective layer.

This leads to the weakening of the skin structures, in turn making it more vulnerable to other irritants like cold temperature, artificial clothing, and chemical ingredients contained in most hair care products and skin creams.

Skin diseases such as dermatitis, psoriasis, rashes, rosacea and eczema are also a threat when the skin structure is weakened.

Eczema

Eczema is characterized by itchy, dry, scaly and red areas on the skin. Eczema affects between 10 - 20% of the world's people. Extreme pain and an extreme desire to scratch at affected areas of the skin are common to people who suffer from eczema. Oozing pus infected pustules can be a result of the worst cases of eczema. Unfortunately for some, permanent skin damage can occur from eczema.

Eczema and Sports

Sweating seems to trigger eczema in some people. When there is high humidity this is especially true.

Sweating is a natural reaction of the body as it helps to reduce its temperature when it gets too heated. But, sweat is salty and this dehydrates the skin, triggering eczema.

There are more factors in sports that irritate the skin:

- Team sports t-shirts: sports jerseys are made of synthetic materials that make the skin sweat even more

- Hot showers after doing exercise: the hot water dries the skin further

- Shampoo and soap which is chemically based: dries out the skin even more

- Swimming pools full of chlorine: irritates the skin

- Bacteria: locker rooms are a haven for microorganisms, these cause infections in already weakened skin

- Poor skin care: showering too much, not showering enough, and rubbing the skin too violently with a towel, all damage the skin

Dry Skin Relief

1. Lower the number of times you work out, and the intensity of each session.

2. Pilates and Yoga are two activities which do not cause so much sweating, incorporate this into your exercise routines.

3. Exercise in well ventilated areas with low humidity.

4. Apply only natural skin care products to your skin. Stop further irritation by using all natural products.

Short of giving up sports completely, the best thing to do is to use only natural products.

The key to natural skin care is all natural yet potent ingredients. For dry skin relief choose products with naturally moisturizing elements such as rose hip oil. Known in South America for decades as 'rosa mosqueta', rose hip oil has been used to moisturize the driest skin. An excellent choice for an eczema treatment would include rose hip oil and a regenerative substance to stimulate new cell growth in damaged skin. Just because a product is all natural does not mean it works, choose carefully.