This website serves the purpose of providing general information and does not in any way replace medical or specialist advice. Consult a healthcare practitioner if symptoms worsen or persist.
The skin is one of our most important organs, as it protects us against the environment, 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 becomes compromised.
A lack of moisture within the skin can present in different ways, ranging from typical roughness, scaling, and small cracks to redness, inflammation, constant tightness and itching. However, this will differ depending on the severity and location of dryness.
Symptoms of dry skin
Initially, when the skin first begins to lose moisture, the skin feels:
Symptoms of very dry skin
If the dryness is not treated, and the skin loses further moisture, the skin becomes:
Symptoms of rough and cracked skin
Certain areas of the body, particularly hands, feet, elbows and knees are prone to:
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.
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.
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.
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.
External triggers compromise the natural skin barrier, thereby initiating the moisture-loss process.
The main external triggers are:
Environmental
Skin care
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.
Always check with a doctor or pharmacist if you are concerned a medication may contribute to dry skin.
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.
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.
Cleansing dry facial skin
Ideally, moisturizers for dry skin should contain ingredients such as:
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.
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:
This website serves the purpose of providing general information and does not in any way replace medical or specialist advice. Consult a healthcare practitioner if symptoms worsen or persist.
