Dry skin – What is it, what causes it, and what can be done about it?

Skin is one of our most important organs. It protects us against the environment and gives us our appearance and sense of touch. However, when skin becomes dry, it can feel rough and tight or even become chapped or itchy, and its ability to function properly is compromised.

Signs & Symptoms:

The skin on the face that is dry is uncomfortable and can make a person appear older. Dryness typically occurs around the eyes and on the cheeks and jowls. Lips also frequently become dehydrated, particularly in the winter.

Dry skin can occur anywhere on the body. Still, it is most common on the hands, feet, and shins. It is frequently exposed to external factors that can exacerbate the condition, like cold weather.

Skin dehydration can manifest in various ways, from the usual roughness, scaling, and small cracks to redness, inflammation, persistent tightness, and itching. However, this will differ based on the severity of the dryness and its location.

Dry skin can also be related to specific diseases.

Xerosis is the medical term for dry skin. It comes from Greek; ‘Xero’ means ‘dry,’ and ‘osis’ means ‘disease.’

Keratosis Pilaris (sometimes called ‘chicken skin’) is a common condition linked to dry skin. It is caused when too much keratin builds up in the skin’s hair follicles. Areas of affected skin – most commonly found on the back of the upper arms – are covered with many small white or slightly red spots, and the skin feels rough and uneven.

Atopic Dermatitis and Psoriasis are also linked to dryness. These conditions are genetic and can present other symptoms, such as inflammation and intensive itchiness.

Metabolic conditions such as Diabetes and kidney diseases can also affect skin moisture content and may be accompanied by severe skin dryness.

The relation between dry, sensitive, and hypersensitive

Avoid washing with harsh soaps, which can irritate dry skin.

Hypersensitive skin − or susceptible skin − is a common condition with both medical and psychological causes.

Dry skin is usually sensitive and may irritate when exposed to harsh detergents, soaps, or unsuitable cosmetic products. When the skin’s barrier function is disturbed, allergens, irritants, pollutants, and microorganisms can penetrate the skin more easily.

Avoiding skincare products that contain irritating ingredients, such as perfumes and colorants, is essential. Natural and Herbal products can be used as an alternative. Always check that the product has been dermatologically tested on sensitive skin.

Hypersensitive skin is a severe form of sensitive skin. It reacts quickly and strongly to triggers that are usually well tolerated by normal skin. These triggers include environmental factors (such as extreme temperature changes and atmospheric pollution), psychological factors (such as stress), and external factors (including spicy food, alcohol, detergents, and inappropriate skincare products)—contact results in unpleasant skin sensations such as stinging, itching, or burning. To manage hypersensitive skin, sufferers need to minimize exposure to known triggers and follow a unique, active skin care routine to increase skin tolerance, reduce irritation and restore skin comfort. Read more about hypersensitive skin in general or hypersensitive facial skin.