Faced with dry skin? This common phenomenon, also called xerosis, can affect different parts of the body, from the legs to the hands to the face. Conditions such as hypothyroidism, psoriasis, eczema and diabetes can cause dry skin. Fortunately, there are many solutions to treat this condition and effectively hydrate the skin. Find out how to take care of your skin on a daily basis and protect it against dry skin.
What are the most common causes of dry and sensitive skin?
Cutaneous xerosis, a medical term for excessive dryness of the skin, can cause various discomforts such as itching or tightness. With age, this barrier weakens, making the skin more vulnerable. Xerosis often results from an alteration of the hydrolipidic film, which protects the skin from external aggressions.
It can also be caused by external factors:
- Use of aggressive soaps
- Excessive exposure to hot water
Adopting a suitable skincare routine and avoiding irritants can significantly improve skin comfort (pssst, our anti-blemish routine is still available!). Finally, a diet rich in essential fatty acids and water is crucial for maintaining good hydration.
Dry and sensitive skin can be caused by a variety of factors. Extreme weather conditions play a major role. Extreme weather conditions such as cold, wind and dry air can damage the skin barrier, making the skin vulnerable.
Unsuitable skin care products are also to blame. Harsh soaps or lotions containing chemicals can unbalance the physiological pH of the skin.
Other causes include hormonal changes, especially in postmenopausal women. These fluctuations can reduce sebum production, making the skin more vulnerable.
Finally, excessive hygiene can remove the skin's natural oils, increasing the risk of dryness. Adopting the right habits is essential to protect and hydrate the skin for a long time.
Dry skin and its links to menopause and pregnancy
Hormonal changes during menopause and pregnancy often influence skin dryness. During menopause, the decrease in estrogen and progesterone reduces sebum production, which dries out the skin. This can lead to unpleasant sensations such as tightness and itching.
During pregnancy, hormonal changes can also affect the skin's moisture balance. Pregnant women may experience dry skin, although some notice oilier skin. A proper skincare routine , including moisturizing products, is essential to protect the skin and improve skin comfort.
Here are some practical tips:
- Use moisturizers rich in ceramides and fatty acids like our Go For Protection facial treatment (in the morning) and our Time To Repair regenerating treatment (at night)
- Prefer lukewarm showers over hot ones
- Wear clothing made from natural fibers to minimize irritation
These simple actions help prevent dry skin and improve daily comfort.
Location of xerodemia: face, hands, feet and legs
Areas most affected by xeroderma are often those exposed to the elements, such as the face, hands, feet, and legs. Facial skin, for example, is particularly vulnerable to external stresses such as wind and sun, which can lead to excessive dryness.
For hands, frequent washing and the use of aggressive cleaning products can alter the hydrolipidic film, which is essential for skin protection. As for feet, the constant friction of shoes and the pressure exerted when walking promote the appearance of calluses and dryness. Legs, often neglected, can have crocodile skin due to insufficient hydration.
To restore hydration, use moisturizers rich in emollients and essential fatty acids, which strengthen the skin barrier.
Identify the symptoms: flaking, scales and plaques
Skin flaking often manifests itself as fine, dandruff-like scales. These scales, visible on the surface of the epidermis, are often a sign of excessive dryness.
Plaques, on the other hand, can be more extensive and often take on a reddish appearance, particularly in cases of dermatitis or psoriasis. These skin conditions cause a build-up of dead cells, forming thick, rough plaques.
People affected by these symptoms may experience itching and constant discomfort. Proper hydration with emollient creams can help reduce these signs and improve the condition of the skin.
If symptoms persist, consulting a dermatologist is essential to obtain an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Diet and dry skin: is there a link?
Nutrition plays a key role in skin health. An imbalance in your diet can make your skin dry. Essential fatty acids, such as those found in oily fish and vegetable oils, are crucial for keeping your skin hydrated.
It is also important to consume enough zinc and vitamins, especially vitamin A, to promote good cell regeneration. Here are some foods to favor to prevent dry skin:
- Oysters and offal for zinc
- Butter and eggs for vitamin A
- Oily fish and flaxseed oil for essential fatty acids
To learn more about vitamins to take for glowing skin, click this link.
Drinking between 1.5 and 2 litres of water per day is also essential for optimal hydration. A varied and balanced diet can therefore be a valuable ally against dry skin.
Treatment of severe dry skin: Dexeryl cream and other solutions
Dexeryl cream is often recommended to treat severe dry skin, thanks to its ability to moisturize and restore the skin barrier. It contains key ingredients like petrolatum and liquid paraffin, which create a protective film on the skin, reducing water loss.
For best results, apply the cream to clean, dry skin once or twice a day. You may also want to consider using other moisturizing solutions, such as oils rich in essential fatty acids. Here are some options:
- Argan oil : Known for its nourishing properties.
- Sweet almond oil : Ideal for soothing irritations.
- Jojoba oil : Similar to natural sebum, it penetrates easily.
Additionally, make sure you drink enough water to support your skin's internal hydration. Adjusting your skincare routine and diet can also help improve the condition of your skin.
Itchy dry skin: how to relieve it?
To relieve itching caused by dry skin, it is essential to use suitable products that strengthen the skin barrier. Choose emollient creams that provide intense hydration and relieve feelings of discomfort. Daily application of these creams helps soothe irritation and reduce redness.
Also consider using essential oils with soothing properties. For example, lavender essential oil is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and can be applied to itchy areas. To avoid making the situation worse, avoid baths that are too hot and opt for lukewarm showers.
Here are some additional tips to adopt:
- Wear cotton clothing to allow the skin to breathe.
- Stay hydrated by drinking water throughout the day.
- Limit exposure to overly dry environments by using a humidifier.
These actions help relieve itching and restore comfort to your skin.
How to moisturize extremely dry skin?
To moisturize extremely dry skin, essential oils can be an effective solution. They should be diluted in nourishing carrier oils to ensure safe and beneficial application. Here are some essential oils to consider:
- Palmarosa essential oil : It helps restore the skin's hydrolipidic film, essential for maintaining hydration.
- Ylang-Ylang essential oil : Known for its moisturizing and regenerating properties, it is ideal for dry skin.
- Lavender essential oil : Soothing and healing, it relieves irritation caused by dryness.
To maximize the benefits, mix a few drops of these oils with a vegetable oil such as avocado or jojoba oil, known for their richness in essential fatty acids. Apply this mixture in the evening to allow optimal absorption during the night.
Daily Tips for Treating Dry Skin
To effectively treat dry skin on a daily basis, focus on simple but impactful actions. Remember to limit exposure to hot water, which can accentuate dryness. Opt for lukewarm showers and use mild, fragrance-free soaps. After showering, generously apply an emollient cream to strengthen the skin barrier.
Hydrate your skin from the inside out by drinking enough water every day. Eating a diet rich in essential fatty acids, such as vegetable oils, can also help. Here are some things to incorporate into your routine:
- Lipid-enriched creams : they help maintain hydration
- Vegetable oils : like our Sculpt & Glow facial care oil
- Cotton clothing : they irritate the skin less than synthetic materials
By combining these habits, you will help your skin regain suppleness and comfort, thus reducing feelings of tightness and discomfort.
What diseases cause dry skin?
Certain diseases cause dry skin. Dermatological conditions such as psoriasis, eczema and atopic dermatitis are often associated with dry skin. These conditions affect the skin barrier, making the skin more vulnerable to moisture loss.
To learn more, check out our article on how to protect your skin from eczema.
Other systemic diseases can also cause this phenomenon. Among them, diabetes and kidney failure are common causes. These diseases disrupt blood circulation and sebum production, contributing to dry skin.
It is also important to note that some medications, such as those used for severe acne, can make skin dry. Medications that reduce the activity of the sebaceous glands, such as isotretinoin, can cause unwanted side effects, including very dry or flaky skin.
Dry skin, although common, can be effectively managed by understanding the underlying causes and adopting an appropriate skincare routine. Whether it is external factors such as the climate or internal conditions such as hormonal disorders, there are various solutions to hydrate and protect the skin in the long term. By combining appropriate skincare, a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle habits, it is possible to restore the comfort and radiance of your skin, and prevent the discomforts associated with xerosis.
