Dry facial skin
Dry skin on the face is particularly uncomfortable, and may lead to premature ageing. The dryness usually appears on the cheeks/jowls and around the eyes. The lips often also become dry, especially in winter.

Dry skin on the body
Dry skin on the body most frequently occurs first on the feet and shins, as these areas have less sebum glands and are often more exposed to the environment, although it can occur anywhere on the body.

Dry skin can also be related to certain diseases

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

Atopic Dermatitis and Psoriasis are also linked to dryness, although these conditions have a genetic disposition and can show other symptoms like inflammation and intensive itchiness.

Metabolic conditions such as, diabetes mellitus and kidney diseases can also have an influence on skin moisture content and may be accompanied by severe skin dryness.

Close-up from red and dry skin with plaques — Some diseases, such as Atopic Dermatitis or Psoriasis are linked to dry skin.

The relation between dry, sensitive and hypersensitive

Dry skin is usually sensitive, and might react with irritation if in contact with harsh detergents, soaps or unsuited cosmetic products. When the skin’s barrier function is disturbed, allergens, irritants, pollutants and microorganism can penetrate the skin more easily.

Sensitive skin is not always related to dryness. In either case, it is important to avoid skin care products that contain irritating ingredients such as perfumes and colourants. Always check that the product is dermatologically tested on sensitive skin. Read more about sensitive skin in general or specifically on face or body.

Women washing her face with water — Avoid washing with harsh soaps - as dry skin can be sensitive, parabens, colorants and perfumes might be irritating.

Woman touching her face — Unlike many skin conditions hypersensitive facial skin can have no visible signs despite being intensely uncomfortable for sufferers.

If you are worried or unsure about your symptoms, or they are becoming worse, we recommend you see your doctor or dermatologist for a face-to-face consultation.

If you need further information to help you identify the cause of your skin complaint, and which treatment route to take, the skin test may be a useful diagnostic tool.

CAUSES & TRIGGERS

What causes dry skin?

Dry skin is caused by both exogenous (external) and endogenous (internal) factors. A person may be affected by more than one of these factors, and the severity of dry skin will increase with the number of compounding causes. An understanding of which factors influence dry skin will help with the prevention and treatment of dry skin.

The evaporation of moisture and important substances that trap and bind moisture in the skin is due to a deficiency in these hygroscopic (water-binding) substances, which occur naturally in the skin (natural moisturizing factors, NMFs).

The first step in the moisture loss process is the loss of surface lipids that form a natural barrier on the skin to prevent water evaporation.

Once this lipid barrier is broken, moisture can evaporate and the vital moisture-binding substances are easily washed out. As these natural moisturizing factors are missing, the skin cannot hold as much water and becomes dry. If this condition persists, the moisture networks in the deeper layers of the skin can become compromised, reducing the natural upward flow of moisture into the upper layers, resulting in very dry skin.

Illustration of natural moisture factors evaporating out through the skin — When skin´s natural barrier function is compromised, moisture can more easily evaporate, leaving the skin dry, tight and rough.

Illustration of limited number of Aquaporins. — Skin´s reduced moisture level due to a limited number of Aquaporins.

External triggers

External triggers compromise the natural skin barrier, thereby initiating the moisture-loss process.

The main external triggers are:

Environmental

Harsh weather conditions - hot, cold and dry air.
Seasonal changes - signs of dry skin often worsen during either the winter or summer.
Ultraviolet (UV) light can increase the rate of skin ageing, and skin becomes more prone to dryness as it ages. Read more about age-induced dryness.

Skin care

Frequent washing, or long, hot baths or showers, removes the lipids that make up the skin barrier.
Inappropriate skin care routine – It is important to follow a routine, and use products, that are suitable for dry skin. It is especially important not to use strong soaps that strip away natural skin lipids.

Medication
Certain medications and medical treatments (as radiation therapy, dialysis or chemotherapy) are known to cause dry skin as a side effect. Medications that control blood pressure, known as diuretics, are known to have this side effect.

Woman protecting her face from sun — UV rays can lead to skin ageing and consequential to skin dryness.

Woman eating pill — Some medication can lead to dry skin.

Always check with a doctor or pharmacist if you are concerned a medication may contribute to dry skin.

Internal factors

Genetic influences
Moisture levels in the skin are partly determined by genetics. Some people are genetically predisposed, and inherit a tendency for dry skin. Under identical conditions, different people will have different skin types. Fair-skinned individuals seem to be more prone to dry skin than people with darker complexions. Diseases such as Atopic Dermatitis, Psoriasis, diabetes and ichthyosis have a genetic predisposition.

Hormonal influences
Hormonal changes, such as pregnancy or menopause, can result in skin becoming dry.

Age
As people get older their skin’s ability to produce sweat and lipids is decreased due to the reduction in the function of sebaceous and sweat glands in the skin. Dry skin and ageing are interrelated, and can form a vicious cycle. Read more about age-induced dryness.

Diet
A lack of nutrients, unsaturated fatty acids and vitamins can contribute to dry skin. Vitamin C and E are also involved in maintaining healthy skin.
Read more about factors that influence skin.

Baby in mothers arm — Sometimes babies are affected due to their genetic predisposition. They can develop skin diseases e.g. like atopic eczema with the main symptoms itchiness and dry skin.

Elderly woman´s face — As skin ages, its elasticity and density reduces and skin looses its youthful look.

CONTRIBUTING FACTORS

Factors that can contribute to dry skin

Healthy skin is well-moisturised with an intact skin barrier. The main contributing factors of dry skin are discussed above; however, several other factors also affect the severity of dry skin.

Lack of effective treatment
Lack of effective treatment can also contribute to the severity of the dryness. When dry skin is not treated properly, the dryness can progress and negatively influence the moisture network in the deeper layers. Therefore, a moisturiser that also addresses this fact would help to improve symptoms. Most moisturisers only work to restore the surface barrier function and rely on the moisture network below to supply the moisture to the upper layers.

Sun exposure
Excessive sun exposure can also contribute to skin dryness. A sunscreen for dry skin should contain moisturizing ingredients in addition to an appropriate Sun Protection Factor (SPF), thus rehydrating the skin. It is also important that the sunscreen, and any other skin care products used on dry skin, do not contain irritating perfumes and colourants, as dry skin, especially dry facial skin, is more prone to irritation than normal skin.

Occupational hazards
Certain occupations can also increase the risk of dry skin. Typically these are occupations that require working in hot or cold conditions (farmer/fisherman), frequent use of detergents (doctor/ nurse/ hairdresser), or exposure to chemicals (mechanic/cleaner).

Woman wearing a bikini, sitting on sand — Sunscreens addressing dry skin should be applied regularly to protect skin from damaging UV rays.

Hands getting washed with soap — Frequent hand washing might lead to dry skin, try to avoid soaps with harsh detergents.

Dehydration
Skin hydration is dependent on the body’s water balance. This further deprives already dry skin of moisture. Elderly people are prone to dehydration as the sensation of thirst diminishes with age. Drinking the minimum of 1.5 liters of fluids daily is essential for maintaining a healthy skin condition.

Smoking
Nicotine and toxins from cigarette smoke may decrease blood flow significantly, resulting in a decreased metabolic rate within the skin. This means the skin dries out more easily and ages prematurely.

Woman drinking glass of water — Adequate intake of fluids is important as the moisture content of the skin is dependent on the body´s water balance.

SOLUTIONS

What solutions are there for dry skin?

Cleansing dry skin

Cleansing dry facial skin
Mild cleansing of the face is particularly important as the use of unsuited products can increase dryness, which can contribute to the premature development of fine lines and wrinkles. Eucerin DermatoCLEAN Mild Cleansing Lotion contains a very effective yet mild cleansing complex that protects the skin from drying out. Eucerin DermatoCLEAN Clarifying Toner gently removes residues, and can be used morning and evening before applying day or night skin care. Read more about an appropriate face care routine.

Woman wrapped in towel — Reduce the time spent in hot water by having quick showers instead of long baths.

Woman applying cream with cotton pad — Avoid skin care products with irritating alcohols, colourants or perfumes.

Moisturizing dry skin

Ideally, moisturizers for dry skin should contain ingredients such as:

Urea and Lactate that replenish missing natural moisturizing factors, which help to bind moisture in the upper layer of the skin. The minimum recommended concentration of Urea should be 5%. Very dry skin generally requires a higher concentration of Urea and other moisturizing factors. The Eucerin Urea range contains a range of 5% and 10% Urea lotions, creams and lotions, with products specially formulated for face, hands, feet and body.
Gluco-glycerol and Ceramide-3 help to replenishg and protect the skin's natural moisture barrier. Eucerin Complete Repair Moisturizing Lotion 5% Urea and Eucerin Complete Repair Intensive Lotion 10% Urea both contain Gluco-glycerol, Urea and Ceramide-3.

Woman applying cream on her body — To avoid skin´s moisture loss it is essential to use moisturizing skin care on a regular base.

Woman touching her left cheek with hand — Appropriate skin care for dry skin should contain ingredients, such as Urea, Gluco-glycerol or Ceramide-3.

Caring for age-induced skin dryness

When skin ages, skin dryness contributes to the premature development of fine lines and wrinkles. Read more about signs, causes and solutions for age-induced dryness. Moisturizing becomes even more important as maintaining skin hydration can prevent the development of further wrinkles, especially on the face.

Hyaluronic Acid is a molecule that reduces the look of dry lines and wrinkles. Hyaluronic Acid is naturally found in the skin, and is an essential component of connective tissue. It has high water binding capacities, improves skin regeneration, and enhances the diffusion of nutrients. The Eucerin Hyal-Urea range, consisting of day and night cremes, is uniquely formulated with Urea to lock in moisture and Hyaluronic Acid to reduce the look of wrinkles.

If you are worried or unsure which treatment route to take, we recommend you see your doctor or dermatologist for a face-to-face consultation.

Avoiding contributing factors

In addition to having a good cleansing and moisturizing routine, avoiding factors that contribute to dry skin is important. This will help to reduce the impact of dry skin and the need for treatment:

Avoid dry air by spending less time outdoors in hot and cold weather, and by using a humidifier indoors when the heating is on.
Reduce the time spent in hot water by having quick showers instead of long baths.
Using gloves when washing dishes will help to avoid hot water and strong detergents.
Wear clothes made of natural materials like cotton and silk that do not irritate the skin. Wool is natural but can irritate, so direct contact should be avoided.
Try to use a clothes detergent without dyes or perfumes, as these can remain on the clothes after washing and irritate dry skin.
Use care products without alcohols, perfumes and colourants to avoid irritation.
Ensure that you drink adequate amounts of fluids.