Overview
Dry skin makes the skin look and feel rough, itchy, flaky or scaly. It's a common condition that affects people of all ages. Keeping your skin hydrated is very important, especially when caring for dry skin. Water moves sequentially from the dermis to the surface, moisturizing the different layers of the epidermis and completing its journey in the stratum corneum. And it is the stratum corneum of the epidermis, together with the sebum that coats it at the surface, that acts as a barrier that stops water in the skin from evaporating. Protection against water loss is one of the most important physiological functions of the skin. Transepidermal water loss increases with age. In addition, the activity of fibroblasts decreases with age, resulting in reduced hyaluronic acid production. Dry skin unfortunately ages very quickly and wrinkles and dark spots are most noticeable on it.
Reasons for dry skin.
Age - this is the main reason
Use of specialized care - dryness can occur, for example, after acid treatments or after using cosmetics with retinol.
External factors - sun, cold or hot air, frosty wind, staying in air-conditioned rooms.
Improperly chosen cosmetics - cosmetics with alcohol, excessive cleansing.
Medical treatments
Other skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis (eczema) or psoriasis
Diseases such as diabetes and thyroid disease.
Don't confuse dry skin with dehydrated skin.
Dry and dehydrated skin often have similar signs and sensations. It can then be accompanied by a feeling of stretching and roughness, persistent itching of the skin and its flaking. The skin is more sensitive to the adverse effects of external factors. Despite these similarities, dry and dehydrated skin have slightly different requirements and care needs.
Dry skin is one of the basic skin types. Due to its thin hydrolipidic barrier and naturally low sebum production, it is not very flexible, prone to irritation and excessive dryness. It is also prone to premature ageing. Skin can be dry all over the body, not just on the face.
Dehydration reflects the condition of the skin. It's a problem we can all experience - even with combination to oily skin. Skin dehydration can accompany us temporarily or for a long time. The main cause of skin dehydration is its insufficient hydration. It can also be the result of inadequate or overly aggressive skin care, poor diet and other factors.
In this article we focus on how to care for dry skin
Best skin care routine for dry skin on face:
Cleanse
For dry skin, it is recommended to use creams, lotions and hydrophilic oils for washing. They do not leave the skin stretched and do not cause irritations, even when washed off with water. Your next step is to choose a hydrating cleanser. You want a cleanser to remove dirt and oil without causing a disruption to the outer skin layer.
Toner
An important element in caring for dry skin is providing it with a slightly acidic environment. With a deficiency of ceramides and sebum, an acidic environment is basically the skin's only protection against microbes. Therefore, use gentle alcohol-free toners with a slightly acidic pH after each wash.
Serum
This step helps to target specific skin concerns. The skin needs to be hydrated. In some cases dry skin is accompanied by hyper-pigmentation, acne, and etc.
It is important to choose the right product.
Moisturizer
Make sure you apply moisturizer morning and evening.
People with dry skin may feel that they need extra care during the day because the skin has become stretched. Therefore, in such a case, using creams during the day is not a mistake in care, provided of course that the skin is cleansed of dirt, sebum and makeup.
In the case of very dry skin, it is best to use a hydrating serum immediately after cleansing and only then a rich moisturizer or nourishing cream.
Protect
Daily sunscreen use prevents harmful UV rays from damaging the skin.
What to watch out for when caring for dry skin?
Avoid
Alcohol-based cosmetics
Chemical peels
Harsh exfoliating products
Glycolic and salicylic acid
Benzoyl peroxide
Fragrance
Preservatives
Large amount of powder - it is better to choose a creamy face base
Environmental factors: UV radiation, polluted (urban) air, extreme temperatures,
Cigarette smoke
In the case of dry skin that lacks moisture in its outer layer, it can crack and become infected. If you don't take care of your dry skin it may lead to:
Atopic dermatitis (eczema)- If you're prone to develop this condition, excessive dryness can lead to activation of the disease, causing a rash and cracking skin.
Infections- Dry skin may crack, allowing bacteria to enter, causing infections.
So maintaining hydration is very important!
If you have more prominent skin conditions or areas of concern, we recommend talking with a dermatologist.