Care for dry skin: features and basic rules

Features of dry facial skin

Dry skin is often confused with dehydrated skin. However, these concepts have fundamental differences. Dehydrated skin looks loose and is characterized by deep and long wrinkles. She suffers from a lack of moisture due to changes in the intercellular matrix of the dermis. But this problem can occur with both normal and oily skin.

Dry skin has impaired barrier properties, so it lacks not only moisture, but also fatty lubrication. In addition, dehydration can be eliminated, while skin type is determined at the genetic level.

Although in both cases the skin feels a lack of water, the methods of moisturizing will be radically different. This is due to the level of external influences and structural changes that led to the shortage.

Treatment

You can often hear that if you are faced with a similar problem, the most important thing is to achieve proper, deep and constant hydration. However, this is not the only recipe for getting rid of difficulties. In general terms, the line of behavior is correct, but often it is necessary to get rid of the factor that provokes the deterioration of the situation, and this is why tests are prescribed and examinations are carried out.

After diagnosis, the doctor will draw up a list of measures on what to do if your body skin is very dry. As a rule, it begins with drawing up a balanced diet and establishing a drinking regime. You should also try to avoid the influence of negative environmental phenomena: do not wash your face with hard water, avoid exposure to direct sunlight, and do not be in the wind.

It is important to remember that lifestyle changes, including quitting smoking, also have a beneficial effect on the condition of the epidermis.

If dryness is associated with disruption of any organs and systems, including endocrine and digestive, treatment is carried out by a specialized specialist in contact with a dermatologist.

Signs of dry facial skin

One of the main indicators of dry skin is the absence of oily shine. Try going without makeup or skincare products for a few hours, and then pat your skin dry with a tissue. If there is no oily shine, most likely you have a dry type. There are other signs that point to it:

feeling of tightness,
high sensitivity,
severe dryness in winter,
invisible pores
no rashes, pimples,
frequent peeling
early signs of aging (wrinkles).

Constant peeling

If you experience persistent discomfort, it is necessary to undergo a diagnosis because:

it can be a consequence of various diseases, including endocrine ones;
stable peeling occurs in places that are subject to regular mechanical stress (for example, knees and elbows);
persistent dryness may be the result of an allergy that is not seasonal.

So the question of why the skin on the body dries so much and what to do if the epidermis continues to deteriorate should lead you to a dermatologist’s office, who will prescribe a comprehensive examination.

Causes of dry facial skin

Dry skin is characterized by tightness, flaking, dull tone, regular irritation and a finely porous structure. These features are genetic and associated with insufficient production of sebum and low activity of the sebaceous glands.

This is why dry skin has a very thin hydrolipid barrier. It consists of water, fatty acids and in normal condition protects the skin from negative factors. But in the dry type, this barrier functions poorly, which leads to negative consequences: disruption of the lipid and water barrier, weak functioning of the sweat and sebaceous glands, and a slightly acidic pH reaction (acid-base state).

Despite the fact that your skin type is given at birth, you can choose the right skin care products and get rid of the negative features inherent in dry skin.

How to care for dry skin

Rules for caring for dry skin involve internal and external effects on the body. You should add to your diet dishes with vitamin E (radish, nuts, corn), A (fish oil, broccoli, tomatoes), and group B: fish, dairy products, bread.

It is also important to take care of the outside of your skin. Use special products regularly: they have a cumulative effect, so interrupting care is not recommended.

Always cleanse your skin of makeup.
Use skin care creams not only for your face, but also for your hands and feet.
You need to moisturize your skin twice a day: in the morning (at least half an hour before going outside) and in the evening, an hour before bedtime.
During sleep, skin cells are restored, and due to lack of sleep, the barrier function deteriorates, hydration decreases, and tone changes. So don't neglect your sleep.

Features of seasonal skin care

Daily care for dry skin is the main guarantee of freshness and tone at any time of the year. However, specific care is largely related to humidity, temperature and other weather conditions.

in winter

During this period, the most dramatic temperature changes begin: it is cold and windy outside, and the air at home is hot and dry. Therefore, the skin dries out even more and needs intensive care. Apply the cream daily, and at least half an hour before leaving the house, use skincare products so that they are better absorbed.

in spring

In the first half of spring, frost and wind persist, and therefore intensive protection is still important. Products with a lighter texture are suitable. It’s also worth buying a cream or lip balm: they need care all year round, but in the spring they become chapped especially badly.

In summer

In summer, ultraviolet radiation has a particularly strong effect on the skin. Use skincare products for regeneration (for example, with aloe vera extract) and moisturizing: it is best to apply it in the evening.

in autumn

After a hot summer, skin care is especially important: it suffers from increased dryness. We need to prepare her for the coming cold weather. At this time, nourishing and moisturizing products are suitable.

Mistakes in caring for dry skin

Not everyone understands how to care for dry skin. Of course, dryness is aggravated due to sea and chlorinated water, natural factors such as wind, cold, dry air, exposure to ultraviolet radiation, as well as a deficiency of vitamins A, B, E. But some reasons are related to a person’s lifestyle. Check if you are making any mistakes:

often go to the solarium or to the beach,
have bad habits: alcohol, smoking, caffeine addiction,
wash your face with hot water or take an excessively hot bath,
do strong peelings or use cleansing masks,
use alcohol lotions and alkaline soaps,
limit yourself in every possible way in your diet,
You don't moisturize your skin at all.

Proper care and a healthy lifestyle will relieve your skin of tightness, flaking and discomfort. But incorrect care for very dry skin will only worsen its condition.

Dry sensitive cracking skin: causes

Dry skin can be caused by a variety of factors:

deficiency of vitamins A, B, E;
disruptions in the functioning of the endocrine system;
negative climatic and atmospheric influences;
improper diet and imbalance of water balance in the body;
chronic sleep disorders, etc.

The skin also often becomes dry due to age-related hormonal changes. Signs of dry aging skin:

loss of elasticity and sagging – primarily in the cheeks, neck and chin;
grayish tint;
the appearance of pigmentation;
the appearance of wrinkles.

Irritated skin, when it dries out, also often flakes and causes itching. What to do in such a situation? Pay special attention to facial care - independently and with the help of professionals.

How to choose dry skin care products

Proper care for dry skin is largely due to the lack of necessary care products.

Look for the inscription “For dry skin”: these products contain the most useful substances.
Avoid products with alcohol, alkalis, aggressive surfactants, and mineral oils: they make the skin drier and cause a feeling of tightness.
Also, do not use products with clay: it draws out moisture.
Use products that contain antioxidants, ceramides, glycerin, and natural oils - they moisturize the skin well.

Ceramides must be included in skincare products for dry skin. They are the key elements of the stratum corneum. These natural lipids, along with fatty acids, form the lipid layer of the skin. They, like cement, connect the cells of the epidermis and hold water molecules, thereby maintaining the moisture of the stratum corneum.

Thanks to their properties, ceramides fight damage to the cell structure. This applies to defects caused by external factors and skin diseases: psoriasis, atopic dermatitis. In this case, you should use different skincare cosmetics for different parts of the body - face, lips, hands and feet.

The thin skin on the lips reacts most quickly to environmental influences. So lips need special attention and careful care. Ultra-hydrating Cera Lip Balm with Vitamin E nourishes delicate skin, protecting it in any weather. It prevents the appearance of cracks, promotes regeneration and is suitable as a base for lip makeup - so you can use the balm at any time of the day.

Lack of moisture causes dryness, discomfort, and loss of elasticity of the facial skin. Therefore, it is important to provide her with water. Ultra-moisturizing Cera Cream for face and body restores the protective layer, soothes the skin and serves as an excellent base for makeup.

The skin of the hands is exposed to the highest stress. It is affected by water quality, sunlight, and mechanical work. Ultra-moisturizing hand cream with ceramides is suitable for sensitive, very dry and irritation-prone skin. It reduces the feeling of discomfort, is quickly absorbed and does not leave a sticky film.

The skin of the feet has the least amount of sebaceous glands, which is why it is most susceptible to dryness. Due to constant stress, the skin of the feet becomes rough and the heels crack. Ultra-moisturizing cera cream eliminates cracks and corns, moisturizes and softens rough skin.

Review of products for dry skin from La Roche-Posay

Micellar gel for face and eyelids Rosaliac Gel

ROSALIAC GEL

Micellar gel

Provides instant hydration, effectively removes makeup and gently cleanses sensitive skin.

RUB 1,935 more details

Moisturizing emulsion for skin prone to redness Rosaliac UV Legere

ROSALIAC UV LEGERE

Moisturizing emulsion

Moisturizes and softens the skin, strengthens the walls of blood vessels and soothes reactive skin of normal and combination types.

RUB 1,846 more details

Intensive moisturizer for dehydrated skin Hydraphase Intense Riche

HYDRAPHASE INTENSE RICHE

Moisturizer

The formula based on hyaluronic acid and glycerin of plant origin, vitamin E and shea butter intensely moisturizes, instantly eliminates the feeling of tightness and discomfort, and smoothes out dehydration creases.

RUB 1,933 more details