How to recognize dry skin? Understand it, prevent it, and take care of it
Marie ARNOULT
7 min
Summary
While oily skin is often cited as the most pervasive skin problem , having dry skin is just as unpleasant to live with. Tightness, flaking, skin reactions, redness... Dry skin is a skin problem that affects an average of 24% of French people !
Do you feel like you're constantly slathering your face with cream, and even a shower is enough to cause itching? This article is for you.
Characteristics, causes and solutions: we give you concrete tips to save dry skin! 🙌
Dry skin: what are its characteristics?
Far from being a simple temporary lack of hydration, dry skin reflects a lack of essential lipids ( but not only that). Here's how to recognize it and not confuse it with oily or combination skin.
A constant lack of sebum
It is characterized by the lack of that touch of natural shine that makes it soft and luminous: sebum.
Dry skin produces less sebum, the lipid film that provides natural protection and hydration to the skin. Without this oil, the skin is more vulnerable to irritation and dehydration , making it more sensitive to external aggressions ( pollution, temperature changes, wind, etc.).
A rough texture and dull appearance
Dry skin is characterized by its rough texture and tendency to peel. It often lacks radiance, with a dull and uneven appearance, far from the natural glow of healthy skin!
👉 The areas of peeling are mainly located on the cheeks or around the nose! Far from the famous glow that everyone is looking for.
An annoying pulling sensation
Dry skin is often accompanied by a feeling of tightness, especially after showering or in dry environments.
This feeling that the skin is too tight, even uncomfortable, results from a lack of flexibility and comfort.
A predisposition to fine lines and premature aging
Unlike oily skin, dry skin is a breeding ground for the premature appearance of fine lines.
👉 Without sufficient hydration and nutrition, the signs of aging appear faster. Those affected are more prone to the early appearance of fine lines and signs of aging . Indeed, the lack of hydration and lipids weakens the skin barrier, promoting the appearance of fine lines, especially around the eyes and mouth.
What causes dry skin?
Reducing the cause of dry skin to simple dryness would be to ignore the many factors involved. And while there are many, here are the ones that most influence the condition of the skin.☝️
The genetic factor, the gift of our ancestors
If you've heard your parents complain about their dry skin, chances are you've inherited this gift! Heredity is common to many skin conditions, so don't be surprised if you have the same skin type as your family members.
👉 For other people, sebum production is naturally lower , their skin is more vulnerable to dryness and dehydration.
Internal causes and hormonal fluctuations
Hormonal fluctuations (especially during menopause) , aging, and even stress can affect the skin's ability to retain moisture.
With age, the drop in estrogen in women leads to a slowdown in cell renewal and a decrease in sebum production by the sebaceous glands. Psychological stress can also alter the skin barrier and cause irritation.
👉 Certain diseases such as hypothyroidism favor this type of skin: dry skin is linked to a decrease in the secretion of sweat glands (responsible for perspiration) . Studies reveal that people affected would be prone to dehydration of the skin, but also to brittle hair and nails.
Diet and vitamin deficiencies
Our skin is always a reflection of what we eat! If our diet lacks essential fatty acids, vitamins A, C, E or zinc , it will suffer. This is an opportunity to focus on avocados, nuts and other oilseeds, oily fish like salmon and green leafy vegetables!
The environment and climate, the invisible enemies of the skin
Dry and cold climates are the worst enemies of dry skin : the temperature differences between overheated buildings and freezing streets put the skin under strain and tend to aggravate the sensitivity of the skin barrier.
👉 In winter: our heating systems tend to dry out the air and the skin in the process.
👉 In summer: air conditioners, the sun and salt water from swimming in the sea accentuate skin dehydration.
Aggressive and unsuitable skincare products: the skin's false allies
Just like oily skin, using harsh and unsuitable products makes dry skin... even drier! However, many skincare products contain ingredients that are unsuitable and harsh for all skin types.
👉 This is the case with treatments based on alcohol and abrasive ingredients, as well as scrubs.
What are the common discomforts of dry skin?
Beyond the visible symptoms, having dry skin is not the most pleasant thing and brings its share of discomfort on a daily basis.
Increased sensitivity and skin in defensive mode
When the skin barrier dries out, it becomes hyperreactive. People with dry skin regularly experience burning, tingling, and redness, similar to an allergic reaction or contact dermatitis .
Peeling of malnourished skin
Skin flaking, the tiny dead skin cells that accumulate, is actually a loss of the surface layers of the epidermis. This is neither aesthetic nor pleasant!
➡️ If the skin does not receive the necessary lipid intake and hydration, it is a vicious circle, and the condition of the skin continues to deteriorate.
A rough feel and lack of comfort
Rough texture is common in people with dry skin . Where it should feel soft and comfortable, it has an uneven, rough surface to the touch, sometimes visible despite makeup or full-coverage foundation.
Frequent itching and irritation
The increased sensitivity of undernourished skin has the direct effect of sending a warning message to the brain: the urge to scratch!
👉 The drier the skin, the more it itches. And when you scratch, you make the situation worse! Itchy skin is common in cases of eczema, psoriasis, xerosis (dry skin), which can lead to skin lesions ( swelling, scales, scabs, scars, etc.)
Our tips for managing dry skin and finding greater comfort
It's time to bring you some concrete tips and solutions to put an end to dry skin. Or at least, help it regain suppleness and shine! 😌
Hydrate vs. nourish: be careful not to confuse
Dry skin and dehydrated skin are two different things! Dehydrated skin lacks water, while dehydrated skin lacks lipids.
The skin must be both nourished and hydrated, first from the inside! While we can't control the climate, we can act through diet and lifestyle. 😌
Nourish the skin with suitable products: the best allies for dry skin
In the skincare department, dry skin needs hydration and nutrition:
👉 Focus on natural oils and creams rich in ceramides, vegetable butters and essential fatty acids which help restore the skin barrier and strengthen the lipid barrier.
👉 Opt for argan oil, sweet almond oil and hyaluronic acid serums to hydrate the skin's surface.
Daily tips for dry skin
✅ Avoid showers that are too hot : heat tends to dissolve the little oil present on the skin and accentuates skin dryness. Choose a lukewarm temperature (34-35°C) and limit the duration (good eco-friendly action as a bonus!)
✅ Humidify the ambient air: This advice is even more valid in winter. A humidifier helps maintain optimal hydration of the environment while also being good for the skin.
✅ Apply sunscreen: Dry skin is not immune to UV rays. In both summer and winter, choose skincare products containing suitable sunscreen.
Dry skin is certainly capricious, but with the right actions and the right products, it can become more supple and luminous. Our last piece of advice? Perseverance and gentleness, and your skin will thank you! 🙂
