Dry skin, also known as xerosis, is a very common condition characterised by insufficient hydration of the epidermis, the outermost layer of the skin. The skin appears fragile and cracked and can give an uncomfortable ‘skin pulling’ sensation. However, by adopting a few good practices and maintaining constant and careful skincare, it is possible to preserve the health, hydration and firmness of the skin. Let’s discover the causes of this disorder and practical tips to include in your daily routine.
How dry skin manifests itself
The skin is the largest organ in the human body. It serves as a protective barrier between the inside of the body and the outside environment, regulating body temperature and protecting the body from microbes and external agents. Healthy skin, therefore, not only improves our outward appearance, but also plays a crucial role in protecting us from infection and regulating our body’s vital functions.
When the water and lipid content of the stratum corneum decreases, the skin is dehydrated, rough and lacks elasticity. In this context, the sebaceous glands play a key role, producing sebum, a lipid compound that helps maintain the skin’s natural moisture content and form a protective barrier, thus preserving skin softness and elasticity.
Among the most frequent signs and symptoms accompanying dry skin are:
- feeling of tight skin, particularly after bathing or showering
- itching
- redness
- cracking
- flaking
- formation of wrinkles
- dull complexion
Dry skin can affect the entire body, but the areas most affected, which therefore require special attention in the skin care routine, are:
- Hands: frequently exposed to water, soaps and atmospheric agents, hands quickly lose their natural oils, becoming chapped and itchy.
- Feet: subjected to constant pressure and friction, especially on the soles and heels, feet tend to have thickened and cracked skin, sometimes with callus formation.
- Face: continuous exposure to environmental factors such as sun, wind and pollution, as well as the use of cosmetic products that are aggressive to the skin, can compromise the protective barrier of facial skin.
- Legs and arms: compared to other parts of the body, these areas, especially the calves and forearms, have a limited number of sebaceous glands, resulting in a greater propensity to dryness.
Causes and risk factors
To effectively treat dry skin, it is essential to understand its causes and the factors that can lead to reduced sebum production and damage to the skin’s protective barrier:
- Age: sebum production tends to decrease with age. After the menopause, in particular, women may notice a significant reduction in sebum production due to hormonal changes. In particular, the skin around the eyes tends to dehydrate more easily, leading to the formation of wrinkles.
- Hormonal factors: hormones regulate sebum production. Therefore, during periods of life when hormonal imbalances occur, such as at puberty and menopause, sebum production may be reduced for women. This may also occur as a result of the use of certain hormonal drugs.
- Medical conditions: certain diseases, such as hypothyroidism, can reduce sebum production. When thyroid function is low, the sebaceous glands are less active. Disorders such as atopic dermatitis, eczema or psoriasis may also predispose to increased skin dryness.
- Environmental factors: Cold or dry climates, low humidity in the living environment and prolonged exposure to the sun can rob the skin of moisture.
- Nutrition: A poor diet without sufficient healthy fats can also negatively influence sebum production. Dietary advice for dry skin therefore includes the inclusion in one’s diet of foods rich in fatty acids such as fish and dried fruit, and vitamins C, E, D and A, found in abundance in fruit and vegetables.
- Skin care products: excessive use of harsh products and cleansers that remove the skin’s natural oils can also temporarily reduce sebum production, leaving the skin dry and irritated. Taking baths or showers that are too hot can also damage the skin barrier. Prolonged exposure to hot water can lead to increased evaporation of moisture from the skin, especially after a shower or bath.
- Stress and insufficient sleep: these factors have a significant impact on the well-being of the skin. Lack of sleep produces increased levels of cortisol, known as the stress hormone. The increase in cortisol, in turn, interacts negatively with the production of collagen and lipids, which are essential for the strength of the skin barrier, thus increasing the risk of dehydration of the skin. During sleep, there is also an increase in blood flow to the skin, which is essential for the transport of nutrients and oxygen, which help to maintain healthy and resilient skin.
Remedies for dry skin
Dry skin can be treated with products such as body and hand cleansers and moisturising creams and emulsions based on vegetable oils, which protect and moisturise, including:
- Jojoba, castor, linseed and evening primrose oils, which are intensely nourishing and restore elasticity and softness to the skin.
- Mimosa tenuiflora extract: known for their soothing properties, they are ideal when the skin is sensitive and irritated.
- Liquorice extract, which offers soothing benefits due to its anti-inflammatory properties. Liquorice also contains antioxidants, which protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals and environmental exposure such as pollution and UV rays, helping to prevent premature ageing.
- Hyaluronic acid, extremely effective in treating dry skin. When applied to the skin, it forms a moisturising film that retains moisture, keeping the skin hydrated and full.
For the treatment of dry skin, especially when unusual or persistent spots appear, a medical examination is advisable. A doctor can prescribe specific medicines, available in pharmacies, that can be applied at night to improve the skin condition. In addition, for a child with dry skin, it may be useful to consider a spa treatment, recommended by the paediatrician as part of a more natural and gentle approach.
Prevention and practical advice
Skincare cannot be the same all year round: during periods when the weather is colder and drier, such as in winter, special attention should be paid to skin care. To treat dry skin and prevent its reappearance, dermatologists recommend the following:
- Limit the time in the shower or bath to 5 or 10 minutes.
- Close the bathroom door to prevent moisture from escaping.
- Use lukewarm water instead of hot.
- Wash with a mild, unscented cleanser in sufficient quantity to remove dirt and oil, but avoid using so much product that it creates a thick lather.
- Dry the skin by patting it gently with a towel, avoiding rubbing which damages the skin.
- Apply an emulsion or moisturising cream immediately after drying. These products act by retaining skin moisture. The same applies when washing face and hands. That is why it is advisable to always carry a non-greasy hand cream with you and apply it after every wash, even when out and about.
- Protect your lips regularly with a lip balm.
- Check the labels of the products you use and apply only mild, fragrance-free skin care products. The wording ‘odourless’ is no guarantee of the absence of irritants such as alcohol and retinoids, as the product may contain chemicals that neutralise or mask the odours of other ingredients.
- Wear gloves. The hands are often the first place on the body where we notice dry skin. It is therefore appropriate to wear gloves in various situations: when going outdoors during the winter months to protect yourself from the biting cold, when carrying out household or professional work that requires contact with water, such as washing dishes or cleaning surfaces, or when handling chemicals, such as during DIY or car maintenance.
- Use non-irritating clothes and laundry detergents. When our skin is dry and irritated, clothes and detergents can also be irritating. It is therefore preferable to wear cotton or silk in contact with the skin and to use a laundry detergent labelled ‘hypoallergenic’.
- Avoid sitting too close to fireplaces or other sources of direct heat. Sitting too long in front of a fire or near radiators can dehydrate and dry out the skin.
- Before leaving home, always apply sunscreen with at least SPF 30 to protect your skin from the harmful effects of UV radiation.
- In closed rooms, if the air is very dry, use a humidifier to maintain optimal humidity and prevent further dehydration of the skin.
Sources:
https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-basics/dry/dermatologists-tips-relieve-dry-skin
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dry-skin/symptoms-causes/syc-20353885
