Dry skin has too little fat and/or moisture. There may be several causes, such as a reduced sebaceous gland activity or an insufficient water-binding ability. Appropriate cleaning and care can help ensure that the skin is elastic and supple. If a serious disease e.g. Neurodermatitis, is suspected to be the cause of dry skin, a physician must be consulted. Approx.
30% of the population suffers from too dry skin. Although the term dry skin suggests a lack of water, this skin type is often lacking not only humidity but also fat. The skin is dull, rough, scaly and less elastic. In addition, a slight feeling of tension or itching may occur.
- the skin looks dull, rough and scaly
- low elasticity
- feeling of tension
- itching, especially after the cleansing
Itching may tempt affected people to scratching. Thus the skin is often slightly injured, and more vulnerable to harmful external influences such as pathogens, temperature fluctuations, UV rays, chemicals (e.g. detergents) or allergenic substances (allergens).
In addition, dry skin reacts more intensely to external influences as compared to normal skin. People with dry skin tend to get skin infections or eczema more frequently, that appear for example in the form of redness, vesicles or pustules.
Treatment of dry skin
The treatment of dry skin comprises three main strategies:
- the application of preventive measures to keep the skin condition from worsening
- the treatment of those affected with emulsifier-free skin care products
- medical treatment if the dry skin is associated with a chronic illness, e.g. neurodermatitis
Causes of dry skin
With the emergence of dry skin various internal and external factors play a role. Internal factors are mainly:
- genetic factors, that is, by nature an inadequate sebum production, a shortage of fats or a low water retention capacity of the skin
- hormonal changes during puberty, pregnancy and menopause
- the natural aging process of skin
- diseases that lead to dry skin, for example neurodermatitis, diabetes mellitus, biliary, liver or kidney disease
External factors include:
- frequent and too long washing, showering or bathing with too hot water (the water temperature should not exceed 32 degrees C°)
- use of unsuitable cleansing and hygiene products like soap, shower- and foam baths and creams with unfavorable ingredients such as:
- Emulsifiers (PEG compounds)
- Fragrances, perfume
- Silicones
- Dyes
- Preservatives (parabene, etc.)
- Mineral oils (paraffin, etc.)
- Animal constituents
that additionally dry out the skin. Always check the ingredients and do your skin a favour and forego the 4 Ps: PEG,
- perfume, parabene, paraffin.
- · extended stays in overheated or air-conditioned rooms
- · intense sun exposure, frequent visits to tanning booths
- · climatic factors such as cold weather or low humidity
- · job-specific skin strains, such as in hairdressing, bakery, catering or construction trades
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