Dry skin: How to recognize it and take care of it?

24/10/2024

La peau sèche : Comment la reconnaître et en prendre soin?

Problématiques cutanées

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Dry or dehydrated skin? That is the question. Knowing how to distinguish dry skin from dehydrated skin allows you to choose the most appropriate dermatological care. Although these two skin concerns have similar or very similar symptoms, their causes and needs are nevertheless very distinct.

In this article, we take stock of this type of skin: what is dry skin? What are the causes and factors of dry skin? And above all, how to take care of this skin by choosing the most suitable products?

What is dry skin?

Dry skin , also called xerosis cutis , is a lifelong condition (skin type) often linked to genetics. It is characterized by a lack of lipids (fats) in the surface layer of the skin. This deficiency results in skin that appears rough, dull , and often flaky .

By altering cellular cohesion, this deficiency in fatty substances weakens the skin barrier and promotes water loss from the skin. Thus, dry skin is also very often dehydrated.

How to recognize dry skin?

Dry skin is identified by typical characteristic signs ¹ that can be felt, touched, and seen. Here are the main signs of dry skin:

Appearance : Visually, the complexion is dull , the pores are tightened , the skin may have more or less extensive patches of dryness , and sometimes, scales (dead skin) come off on the surface. Redness may also appear.
Touch : under the fingers, the skin is thin, rough, it lacks suppleness and softness.
Feeling : On a daily basis, the skin is uncomfortable and tight .

Why do we have dry skin?

The causes of dry skin can be multiple, with internal factors (biological) and external factors (environment, lifestyle habits, etc.)¹.

Biological factors

The skin naturally produces fatty substances in the epidermis and stratum corneum, such as ceramides, cholesterol, fatty acids, and sebum synthesized by the sebaceous glands. These different lipid compounds participate in the skin's barrier effect , regulate its hydration mechanisms and give the skin suppleness and softness.

Several conditions can explain a natural deficit in the skin in fatty substances:
- Genetic predispositions : that is to say that the skin naturally produces few lipids.
- Age : As we age, our skin produces less and less lipids.
- The case of skin pathologies : such as eczema and psoriasis.
External factors
- Using overly aggressive care products : such as soaps and detergents which remove the skin’s natural fatty substances.
- Cold and dry environment : cold temperatures combined with a dry atmosphere alter the stratum corneum , further promoting dehydration of the skin.
- Baths that are too hot and too frequent : although hot water is conducive to relaxation, remaining immersed in it for a long time does not do the skin any good by eliminating its naturally protective fatty substances .

How do I take care of my dry skin?

To support your dry skin, you need to provide it with nourishing elements . To do this, certain ingredients and formulations are particularly suited to dry skin.

Gentle cleansing : use soap-free cleansers that respect the skin's hydrolipidic film. Choose richer formulas such as cleansing oils or milks. Formulated with fatty substances, they provide softness and comfort , leaving the skin soft and supple after rinsing.
Serum : before your day and night care , it is interesting to apply an aqueous serum . Indeed, by moistening the skin, it will promote the absorption of the fatty substances contained in your cream applied afterwards.
Rich care : morning and evening , apply creams and balms rich in nourishing agents such as vegetable oils, butters (shea) and waxes (beeswax, carnauba, etc.).
Protection : Use a sunscreen product to protect skin from UV rays, which can make dryness worse.

As you will have understood, if dry skin is often confused with dehydrated skin and vice versa, these two skin problems nevertheless result from the alteration of very distinct mechanisms.

Overall, dry skin mainly lacks fatty substances , and can also lack water .
It is therefore important to identify it correctly in order to choose appropriate care.

In case of dry body, TOPICREM recommends its iconic range: ULTRA-HYDRATING . We also have what you need for the face with our HYDRA+ range of facial care products.

TOPICREM formulas have all been designed with the aim of providing protective hydration and preserving the skin barrier of sensitive skin for the whole family.

To do this, the laboratory relies on its expertise derived from pharmaceutical excellence:
Selection of high tolerance ingredients with proven effectiveness,
Development of clinically tested formulas on sensitive skin,
Effectiveness proven by science and approved by consumers.

Through the comfort and emotional well-being they provide, our treatments help you feel confident with your skin and with yourself, to better reveal yourself to others, and thus to fully enjoy every moment of life. .

¹ Lodén M. Role of topical emollients and moisturizers in the treatment of dry skin barrier disorders. Am J Clin Dermatol 2003;4:771-88.