The skin is our largest organ and strongly influences our well-being. Dry skin, also called xeroderma or xerosis, affects almost one third of all people in Germany. Then the skin itches and tightens and needs special care so that it can recover.
How do I recognise dry skin?
Dry skin shows itself through certain symptoms that are easy to recognise. Signs of such skin problems are:
- Tired and dull complexion
- Itching
- Roughness and dandruff
- Tightness
- Redness
- Extremely dry skin: cracking
Dry skin does not always have to show all the symptoms. Most sufferers experience at least three symptoms.
Which people suffer more often from dry skin?
Some groups of people are more prone to skin problems and dry skin. These include:
- Babies and young children
- Elderly people
- People who are exposed to wind and weather on a daily basis
- People who have a lot of contact with water at work
What are the causes of dry skin?
Normal skin contains a lot of water and is therefore soft and elastic. This is due to the lipid film on the skin, which consists of sebum, sweat, fats, amino acids and horny cell scales. This protects it from drying out, but also from germs and environmental influences. If this lipid film is damaged, the skin dries out.
What are the triggers for dry skin?
There are various triggers that negatively influence the lipid film. The causes are divided into external and internal influences. External triggers include:
- Low humidity: Dry indoor heating air, especially in the winter months, can dry out the skin.
- Frequent washing: Frequent washing with hot water and strong soaps can affect the skin's lipid film.
- Age: As we age, the skin produces less oil and moisture, causing the lipid film to weaken.
- Water: Frequent and prolonged contact with water, for example through swimming.
- UV radiation: Too much UV radiation from sunbathing can dehydrate the skin and impair the natural oil barrier.
- Atopic dermatitis: The disease is characterised by very dry skin with patches that are usually red and inflamed.
Internal triggers for dry skin can be:
- Diet: An unbalanced diet that is poor in nutrients can contribute to dry skin.
- Lack of fluids: If the body does not get enough fluids, the skin cannot maintain the lipid film. As a result, it becomes dry.
- Hormone fluctuations: During puberty, pregnancy or the menopause, the hormone balance changes, which also has a significant influence on the skin's appearance.
- Medications: Some medications, such as antidepressants, antihypertensives, diuretics and acne medications, can dry out the skin.
Dry skin often does not have just one single cause, but several factors can interact.
What problems does dry skin cause?
Patients with dry, itchy skin often tend to scratch, which can inflame the skin. In addition, the disturbed lipid film allows environmental toxins and chemicals, for example from cleaning products, to penetrate the skin. Dry, flaky skin on the face is perceived by many people as unpleasant and disturbing. The general well-being often suffers as a result. Therefore, dry skin should not be left unattended, but treated properly.
How is dry skin treated?
There are various measures to improve dry skin. The goal is to restore optimal skin hydration through an intact lipid film.
Which cream helps with dry skin?
For dry skin, thick moisturising creams should be preferred. Ointments or creams based on vaseline or oils are particularly suitable for this purpose. These should be applied at least after every bath or shower. For dry skin on the face, many patients want to avoid creams that contain fat. Lighter moisturisers with active ingredients such as ceramides, lactic acid, glycolic acid or salicylic acid can help.
Many creams contain alcohol to prolong the shelf life. This dries out the skin even more and makes the problems worse. Therefore, body lotion and face cream for dry skin must not contain alcohol.
What else helps against dry skin?
There are some helpful measures that can be taken to prevent or improve dry skin.
Use lukewarm water for bathing and showering, as hot water can dry out the skin.
- Mild soaps or wash lotions, are less likely to affect the skin's natural oil barrier.
- Set up humidifiers in case of dry heating air in winter.
- Always use sunscreen when outdoors and avoid sunbathing in high UV radiation.
- When applying make-up, products for dry skin should be used.
What home remedies help with dry skin?
Some home remedies can help with dry skin. Care should be taken to use pure products without artificial additives.
- Oils and butter: Oils such as olive oil, jojoba oil, almond oil and shea butter can be used to nourish and hydrate the skin. They should be applied to the skin after showering or bathing when the skin is still damp.
- Milk and honey: A bath with milk and honey can soothe and hydrate the skin. This is done by adding a cup of milk and a teaspoon of honey to the bath water. The bath should be taken for 15-20 minutes at moderate temperatures.
- Witch hazel, also known as witch hazel, soothes and tones the skin and is often used for dry, sensitive and irritated skin. Witch hazel also stimulates circulation, which can help to tighten and smooth the skin. Witch hazel can be used as a wet compress, facial toner or as a cream.
How do I care for dry skin in babies?
As a preventive measure against dry skin in a baby or toddler, bathing should not be done more than twice a week. As a bath additive, a bag of bran has a moisturising effect. In addition, babies with dry skin should be creamed with a moisturising and greasing lotion immediately after the floor. If the infant's dry skin is accompanied by red patches, a doctor should check the baby for dermatitis.