How to treat dry body skin

Dry body skin is a problem that causes considerable discomfort. Peeling, itching, and a feeling of tightness occur under the influence of internal and external factors.

What is the cause of excessive dry skin? What should people with dry skin do? Expert advice will help solve the problem.

Moisturized skin – beauty and health

At first glance, the problem of dry skin may seem far-fetched. Many people do not consider flaking and itching to be a serious problem.

In fact behind a cosmetic defect there are often serious problems with internal organs, metabolic disorders, lack of vitamins and other unpleasant phenomena. The appearance of the epidermis reflects the general condition of the body.

Smooth skin is not only beauty, but also health. Judge for yourself:

1. Dry, flaky skin on various parts of the body is more susceptible to microtrauma. Pathogenic microbes easily penetrate through unnoticeable cracks.
2. Excessive dryness is evidence of an imbalance in the water balance in the body. Epidermal cells do not receive enough moisture, the skin wrinkles and loses its attractive appearance.
3. A tendency to dry skin indicates a malfunction of the sebaceous glands. The lack of a sufficient amount of sebum is the cause of thinning of the epidermis, the appearance of early wrinkles, and premature aging of the skin.

Causes of lack of moisture

Why is there dry skin on the body? For some people, the problem is associated with exposure to seasonal factors, while for others, a detailed examination reveals diseases of the internal organs. Many women have only themselves to blame for the appearance of dry areas on their bodies.

1. poor nutrition;
2. frequent visits to the solarium;
3. staying on the beach without applying creams with UV filters to the skin;
4. dry indoor air. The reason is the operation of heating appliances and air conditioning systems;
5. not drinking enough water during the day;
6. dermatological diseases in which the production of ceramides is disrupted;
7. hormonal disorders during pregnancy, menopause, after childbirth;
8. passion for fashionable diets;
9. use of aggressive cleaning compounds;
10. the use of gels that are not suitable for your skin type;
11. taking regular hot baths or showers;
12. disruptions in the functioning of the endocrine system.

Dry skin is often caused by:

1. constant stress;
2. climate features;
3. hypovitaminosis, lack of vitamins A and E, which are responsible for the elasticity of the skin;
4. long course of antibiotic treatment;
5. hereditary predisposition;
6. smoking, drinking coffee, strong tea, carbonated drinks.

On our website there is an interesting article about how to cure cracks in the fingers.

Read all about boil treatment at this address.

How to get rid of dry skin

Restoring the water-fat balance is not a matter of one day. It is important not only to disguise a cosmetic defect and try to hide flaky areas from others, but also to find the causes of unpleasant manifestations.

If you find a problem, seek advice from:

In some cases, consultation will be required:

1. neurologist;
2. endocrinologist;
3. allergist;
4. nutritionist;
5. gastroenterologist.

Treatment for dry skin depends on the cause., causing irritation, itching, and disruption of the sebaceous glands. In some cases, it is enough to eliminate the provoking factor, and after a while the skin will become elastic and smooth again.

Very dry body skin, what to do in this case? useful tips:

1. drink up to 2 liters of fluid per day;
2. avoid taking hot baths;
3. use cream-based shower gel;
4. don't buy scrubs;
5. during menopause, take hormonal medications prescribed by your doctor;
6. treat chronic diseases that cause dryness of the epidermis.

Recommendations from nutritionists

Listen to the advice of healthy eating experts:

1. forget about strict diets. Lack of vitamins, deficiency of microelements, proteins, nutrients leads to decreased tone, sagging and dry skin;
2. Be careful with diuretics and weight loss teas. They remove fluid from the body beyond normal limits, the cells quickly become dehydrated;
3. weight loss should be gradual. Active weight loss worsens the condition of the skin;
4. review your diet. Focus on foods containing vitamins A and E. Nuts, dairy products, beef liver, and sea fish are healthy. Don't forget about vegetable oils, broccoli, herbs, seafood, butter, legumes.

Moisturizers

Use cosmetics from well-known companies. Cheap products often contain aggressive components that worsen the condition of the skin.

1. Cosmetic milk with natural oils and moisturizing ingredients. The products of the companies Black Pearl, Johnson’s Baby, Bubchen, Nivea, GARNIER, Yves Rocher have received a lot of positive reviews.
2. Often suitable for women with dry skin line of moisturizing compositions for children. Many people with dry skin apply Johnson's Baby Transparent Moisturizing Balm to their wet body after taking a bath or shower. The result is excellent.
3. Cosmetic cream – a modern product with a delicate, light texture and pleasant aroma. Contains natural ingredients and a moisturizing complex. The product maintains water balance and makes the skin velvety and smooth. Suitable for daily moisturizing, does not cause allergies.

Traditional methods and recipes

Spend a little time on your skin - and it will be soft, smooth, like a baby's. Masks, baths, nutritional compositions from medicinal herbs and healing products will prevent dry skin.

1. Glycerin bath. Dissolve half a glass of medical glycerin in warm water. Take a bath for half an hour. After the procedure, lightly pat your body dry.
2. Body mask with aloe juice or kefir. After water procedures, lubricate the body with one of the components. After 20 minutes, wash off.
3. Fast and easy. Mix 50 ml of milk and 250 ml of mineral water. This way we get a kind of body cream for very dry skin. Treat all areas, paying special attention to areas of peeling. Rubbing the composition accelerates collagen production.
4. Moisturizing mask. Grind 2 bananas, the pulp of two avocados in a blender, pour in 200 g of butter, melted in a water bath, add 10 drops of rose oil. Whisk the mixture and apply to the body. After 25 minutes, rinse off.
5. An effective honey-oil mask. Heat 4 tbsp. l. honey, mix with the same amount of olive oil, rub in the mixture. Rinse off after 15–20 minutes. The product moisturizes well and removes toxins.
6. An excellent moisturizing mask. Mix an oil solution of vitamin E (10 drops) and water (1 glass). Treat the skin, replace the vitamin with almond, apricot, peach oil. Avocado oil perfectly moisturizes the skin.
7. Bath with chamomile and flaxseed decoction. A course of pleasant treatments will soothe dry, irritated skin. Boil 5 tbsp. l. flax seeds in a liter of water Separately, prepare an infusion of chamomile according to the recipe on the package. Pour the contents of both containers into the bath. Relax for 20 minutes. After the procedure, lightly pat your body dry.
8. Oatmeal bath for itching and flaking. Pour oatmeal into the fabric and tie it. Hang the bag under a small stream of water. Take a bath for 20 minutes.

Read all about using zinc ointment for acne in a separate article.

Click here for information on the causes and treatment of skin rosacea.

If you follow the link, you will learn how to quickly heal a callus on the heel.

Requirements for cosmetics

How to choose cosmetics for dry skin? Helpful Tips:

1. buy high-quality formulations with natural ingredients;
2. stop using scrubs and peels;
3. choose not ordinary, but liquid cream soap;
4. shower gel must contain moisturizing, nourishing, creamy ingredients;
5. do not wipe the epidermis with lotions containing alcohol;
   The ideal product for caring for flaky skin is cosmetic cream;
6. cleanse and moisturize your body with special milk;
7. select cosmetics from the same line;
   change the brand every six months or try a different series.

Daily care

The main rule is to carry out the procedures regularly. Laziness is a bad helper in the fight against increased dryness of the skin.

Five important rules:

1. Bathe in the morning with creamy shower gel.
2. After water procedures, lubricate your body with baby balm, do not wipe yourself off.
3. Is your skin dry? Moisturize it with cosmetic cream.
4. In the evening, take a bath with chamomile, honey, glycerin or other beneficial product.
5. Apply a nourishing lotion with ceramides, fatty acids, and phospholipids to your body.

Don't forget to remove dead cells. Do a gentle exfoliation once a week. Use:

1. a mixture of nourishing milk and coffee grounds. Keep the mass on your body for 3-5 minutes. Rinse with warm water;
2. peeling from finely ground almonds, oatmeal, sour cream. Keep the mixture for 5 minutes, rinse.

How to maintain skin tone

Maintaining the water-fat balance of the epidermis is not difficult. Accustom yourself to regular body care - and you will prevent the appearance of flaky, irritated lesions.

Prevention measures:

1. keep drinking regime;
2. Don’t go on fad diets;
3. do not get carried away with weight loss teas and diuretics;
4. half an hour before going outside, lubricate your hands and face with cream depending on the season. In summer you need formulations with UV filters, in winter you need a rich nourishing cream;
5. visit the solarium less often;
6. Use sunscreen on the beach;
7. choose good cleansing, moisturizing, nourishing products;
8. do not use cheap, low-quality body care cosmetics.

A few more important rules:

1. use home remedies and folk recipes to cleanse and moisturize;
2. take warm rather than hot baths;
3. do not clean the skin with hard washcloths or aggressive agents;
4. if the air is too dry, buy a humidifier;
5. treat diseases of internal organs, skin diseases;
6. Reduce the number of cups of coffee or tea during the day.

The following video talks about “budget” products for caring for dry skin:

Did you like the article? Subscribe to site updates via RSS, or follow updates on VKontakte, Odnoklassniki, Facebook, Google Plus or Twitter.

Subscribe to updates by E-Mail:

Tell your friends!

Causes of dry body skin: treatment of the problem and recommendations from nutritionists: 15 comments

With such symptoms, you definitely need to go to see a doctor, in Moscow, of course, there are a lot of them and you can search for so long, but from my own experience I want to give a website where you can make an appointment without even leaving))) - +7 (495 ) 120-59-62, and don’t delay, the sooner you contact, the fewer consequences there will be, Health to everyone!

Sometimes it’s enough just to choose a good moisturizer to solve problems with dry skin. Pharmacy ointments containing vitamin A are quite helpful. The same videstim perfectly moisturizes the skin. Can be used on face and hands. You can also smear your lips if they are flaking and cracking due to dryness.

There are a lot of products in stores and pharmacies, I really prefer pharmaceutical products, I like this cream like Burenka for the body, it also makes the heels soft)

1 Humidifier for the apartment! Half of your skin and health problems will disappear. Drinking regime - at least 2 liters per day. Shower gel with a moisturizing and/or nourishing complex, or better yet, a cream-gel or cream/soap. Do not spare and generously lubricate the skin with a nourishing cream such as Buryonka.

I also like to use this cream) I usually combine it with a course of hyaluronic acid from Evalar. The effect suits me quite well. The skin becomes very soft and velvety.

Cracks on my fingers are very painful, and no cream helps me. My salvation is vitamins, it’s better as a complex for everything at once) Here in Evalar there is an excellent vitamin complex for the skin of hair and nails, I drank it in the fall and for the second month I don’t remember about the cracks.

My skin always gets dry in winter((shower gel with hyaluronic acid and Burenka nourishing cream saves me!

Is this Burenka body cream? How's the consistency?

In general, this Burenka cream is suitable for the body, heels and hands. there is a large volume) enough for everything) it does not tighten the skin and is absorbed quite quickly. The consistency is thicker.

The air in the apartment in winter really needs to be humidified, this helps to avoid dryness on both the mucous membranes and the skin. It’s also good to use soap-free products to wash your hair and body. I use Urelia gel, it moisturizes and softens the skin. And I rub Urelia balm into my heels to make them soft))

I completely agree that the cause of skin problems is poor lifestyle and nutrition. Fix problems, don't treat consequences.

The skin just doesn’t peel off and cream alone won’t help. I took some vitamins called Natubiotin. Very good and high quality, after just 2 weeks of use, the skin became more hydrated, and within a month even small wrinkles were smoothed out.

I agree that nutrition is a very important factor in the treatment of skin diseases. But when the problem already exists, it must be solved. I lubricate dry areas of skin that are flaking with Urelia 50 balm with urea. This helps get rid of itching and flaking. And I wash with Urelia Isispharma gel: both body and hair. This way I solve the problem of hydration for a long time.

A comprehensive approach helps me deal with dry skin. I take various oils internally on an empty stomach, double omega-3 from Evalar and drink more water. Regular consumption of nuts and avocados also helps with dry skin.

I had cracks on my fingers due to a lack of vitamins, I took a course, used fingerfix to heal the cracks, it really helped to quickly restore the burst skin, forms a film on the crack and protects against germs

Dry skin causes a lot of problems for its owners. As a rule, the matter does not end with dryness; in parallel, other symptoms are present: dullness, irritation, itching, peeling, and tightening. Dry skin is more susceptible to natural and household factors, ages more quickly and becomes more inflamed.

The objective sensations of those with dry skin are also far from pleasant. Clothes in contact with the skin and touch also cause irritation, and the very appearance of the skin, reminiscent of desert soil, depresses the mood.

The problem should not be ignored, since it is not only aesthetically unsightly, but is often a sign of certain diseases.

Why does the skin need water?

Moisture ensures elasticity and firmness of the skin, as well as cell nutrition. The degree of hydration is determined by the condition of the stratum corneum of the skin and the amount of sebum, which are responsible for moisture exchange between the dermis and the environment. The moderate stratum corneum and fat create a lipid film on the skin, which prevents moisture from leaving the skin and aggressive environmental factors from penetrating into the skin.

The unformed protective lipid film, caused by external or internal factors, leads to excessive evaporation of moisture, which means dry skin. At the same time, microcirculation of blood and trophism deteriorates, and collagen fibers suffer. The skin becomes not only dry, but also flabby.

Causes of dry skin

Dry skin occurs due to a decrease in sebum production in the presence of provoking factors. Sometimes ineffective sebum secretion is a hereditary feature of the body.

1. If the problem occurs in young people, it is most likely genetic.
2. In mature people, this condition occurs against the background of certain external and internal reasons. Hormonal changes lead to a decrease in the activity of the sebaceous glands, which immediately affects the condition of the skin. Lack of proper care makes the problem worse.

It should be understood that in cases where dry skin is caused by internal causes (diseases or conditions of the body), no external influences - creams, baths and other procedures aimed at moisturizing and nourishing the skin do not lead to the desired effect. And only treatment of the underlying disease can improve the condition of the skin.

Internal reasons

External reasons

1. Skin diseases: keratosis, dermatitis, psoriasis, eczema, allergies, fungal infection
2. Hormonal imbalances (hypothyroidism, diabetes, menopause, pregnancy)
3. Dehydration, which is a consequence of insufficient drinking, indigestion, hyperthermia, diarrhea, vomiting, etc.
4. Metabolic disease
5. Chronic renal failure
6. Diseases of the central nervous system
7. Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract
8. Autoimmune diseases
9. Iron-deficiency anemia
10. Natural skin aging
11. Hypovitaminosis, especially A and E
12. Long-term treatment with antibiotics and some other drugs
13. Lack of nutritional intake, exhausting diets
14. Passion for coffee and strong tea
15. Bad habits (smoking, alcohol)
16. Frequent stress

1. Dry climate
2. Prolonged sun exposure
3. Dry air
4. Freezing
5. Hot or cold water
6. Exposure to household or industrial chemicals
7. Improper care: frequent use of alkaline soap, alcohol lotions, household chemicals, aggressive cosmetics, frequent peelings.
8. Working on the ground, etc. without protective gloves
9. Work in conditions of elevated temperatures (hot workshops)

Dry skin can be general or affect certain areas of the body (face, arms, legs, etc.). The localization of dryness can directly or indirectly indicate the reasons for its occurrence.

Manifestations of dry skin

There is a simple home test to help determine if you have dry skin: press your fingers on the skin until marks remain - if they do not disappear for a long time, there is a problem with dryness.

1. Tightness. When such skin is accidentally or intentionally pulled, visible cracks appear in the stratum corneum;
2. Itching. Dryness and itching of the skin accompany each other, with one phenomenon aggravating the other;
3. Invisible, erased pores, as if lightly powdered;
4. Irritation, redness;
5. Peeling of the skin up to significant, when the skin is literally covered with scales. It becomes most noticeable after washing the skin and then drying it out.
6. When complicated by an infection that has penetrated through microcracks: areas of inflammation with swelling.

Treatment of dry skin and flaking

It should be understood that a qualified specialist - a dermatologist - must find out the cause and then prescribe treatment. If harmless dry skin can be dealt with without medical help, then in case of illness, creams and other products will simply be useless.

If dry skin occurs with complications in the form of irritation and microcracks, basic therapy should include ointments with dexpanthenol. Only after the irritation has been relieved can you switch to cosmetics and creams. Alcohol-containing cosmetics, aggressive peelings, and film masks should be excluded. Do not actively dry your skin with a towel after washing.

Dry hand skin

In most cases, the cause of this phenomenon is external factors. If, in addition to dryness, there are also cracks on the fingers, this may indicate hypovitaminosis, allergic contact dermatitis, fungal infections, etc. (see causes of cracks on the hands). If you have weeping cracks between your fingers, you should consult a doctor - most likely it is eczema.

General recommendations

1. Protect your hands with rubber or cotton gloves when working with aggressive compounds or on the ground, washing dishes.
2. Protect your hands with warm gloves or mittens in winter.
3. Use pH-neutral hand and body washes.
4. Use sunscreen when tanning in the sun.
5. Normalize your diet, be sure to include vegetable and animal oils in the menu.

Traditional medicine recipes

1. Potato mask. Peel and mash boiled potatoes in their jackets, add a spoonful of warm milk. While warm, apply the mask to the skin of your hands 2-3 times a day for 4-5 days in a row. Leave until cool.
2. Olive oil and lemon juice mask. Take hand cream (1 tsp) as a base, add 1 tsp. butter and half tsp. lemon juice. Apply before bed and put on fabric gloves over it. Repeat weekly.
3. Honey-glycerin compress. Mix 1 tsp. glycerin, liquid honey, flour and water and apply the mixture to your hands, wearing cloth gloves on top. It is recommended to do it a couple of times a day, every day, for 20 minutes.
4. Sour cream compress. About 200 ml of sour cream with a fat content of 20% is mixed with egg yolk and lemon juice. Clean gauze is soaked in this mixture and applied to the hands, covered with cling film and a towel. After 20 minutes, wash off the residue and put cloth gloves on your hands. It is better to do it before bed for several days in a row.
5. Oil bath. Heat any vegetable oil until warm and immerse the brushes in it for 20 minutes. Carry out twice a week.

Wound healing, nourishing and softening creams:

healing cream based on D-panthenol, vinylin, allatoin, vitamin E and yarrow and calendula extracts. Quickly restores the protective functions of the skin, heals cracks and regenerates the skin. Price about 85 rub.

1. Aloe healer

Healing and eliminating dryness cream. Aloe extract restores skin, accelerates regeneration, prevents cracks and softens the skin. 110 rub.

1. Velvet handles For very dry skin

Eliminates irritation, dryness and flaking. Ingredients: cocoa butter, D-panthenol, allatoin, glycerin and olive oil. 75 rub.

1. Hand restoration cream Belita

Soothes, restores and softens the skin thanks to linden blossom and sea buckthorn extracts, sea buckthorn and wheat germ oil, glycerin, vitamin E. Price about 85 rubles.

1. Oil cream from Vitex

Eliminates dryness and flaking. Ingredients: extracts of calendula, chamomile, burdock, apricot kernel oil and Shea butter. 90 rub.

Treatment of cracks

1. Ointment made from honey and resin. In a metal saucepan, mix 10 g of oleoresin and honey, add 30 ml of vodka and 15 g of beeswax. Put on fire, stirring constantly until the mixture becomes homogeneous. Cool and refrigerate. The ointment is applied directly to the crack and sealed with a bactericidal plaster for 7-8 hours.
2. Calendula ointment. Grind about 100 ml of dried plant flowers into powder and mix with 200 ml of melted pork fat. Bring until smooth in a water bath, cool. It is applied in the same way.
3. Plantain ointment. Grind the dry herb into powder and add 9 parts of Vaseline and 3 drops of vegetable oil. It is applied in the same way.

Read more about the treatment of cracked hands in our article.

Dry elbows

Often occurs as a result of mechanical stress (working position with emphasis on the elbows) or infatuation with baths. Dry elbows may be a symptom of:

1. hypothyroidism
2. iron deficiency anemia
3. diabetes mellitus
4. autoimmune diseases
5. skin diseases.

Traditional medicine recipes:

1. Honey-coffee scrub. Add honey to the coffee grounds from a freshly brewed drink, mix and gently massage the resulting scrub onto the steamed skin of your elbows. Rinse with water and lubricate generously with vegetable oil.
2. Compress of sunflower oil and sour cream - mix the ingredients in equal parts, soak clean gauze in the mixture, place it on the elbow, wrap it in a warm cloth for 20 minutes.
3. Milk bath. Heat fresh milk and dip both elbows in it for 20 minutes.

Wound healing, nourishing and softening creams:

1. SOS cream concentrate for very dry skin of hands and elbows from Evelyn - has an intensive effect on rough, dry skin, helps retain moisture in the skin thanks to the active complex: goat milk proteins, wheat germ oil, vitamins A, F, E, H, proelastin . Price about 70 rub.
2. Ointment Radevit – eliminates peeling, nourishes and softens the skin, actively restores the skin. Contains vitamins D2, A, E, glycerin, petroleum jelly and other components. Price about 370 rub.

Dry facial skin

Very often this feature of facial skin is inherited. Due to the fact that the face is an open part of the body, external factors such as wind, sun, etc., provoke dry skin. Age-related skin changes and improper functioning of the sebaceous glands also aggravate the situation.

A number of pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract, central nervous system and endocrine system have dry facial skin among their symptoms. Hypovitaminosis E and A negatively affects the skin of the face.

General recommendations

1. Minimize the harmful effects of environmental factors: wearing wide-brimmed hats in summer, warm wide scarves in winter.
2. Use sunscreen from March to September. In winter, use creams from special “winter” series that protect the skin from wind and frost: ZIMA from Faberlic, Winter care from Biocon, Winter from Floresan.
3. Wash only with neutral products, avoid bar soap.
4. Regularly nourish the skin with creams designed for dry skin.
   

Traditional medicine recipes

1. Fruit and berry mask. Crushed melon, plum and jojoba oil are mixed in equal quantities and applied to the face for a quarter of an hour. Wash off with warm water. Repeat as necessary.
2. Egg-oil mask. Mix the beaten yolk of 1 egg with 1 tsp. oil (any vegetable) and carefully add 1 tsp into the mixture. pharmaceutical chamomile extract. Apply the mixture for 15 minutes, then rinse.
3. Oatmeal mask. 3 tbsp. Mix oatmeal boiled in milk with 3 tbsp. olive oil, apply a thick layer to the face for 15 minutes. First wash with warm, then cool water.

Nourishing and softening creams

– provides long-term hydration and nutrition thanks to coenzyme, sesame seed oil, apricot and wheat germ oil, nanosomes and lanolin; restores skin elasticity. Price about 170 rubles.

1. LOCOBASE lipocream for dry and very dry skin

cosmetic product with a very high lipid content. Forms a fatty layer on the skin and protects it from drying out, without clogging pores and without the effect of a visible oily sheen. The active composition contains liquid paraffin, macrogol and cetostearyl ether. Price about 650 rub.

1. Night cream Clean Line Intense nourishing

contains wheat germ and aloe oil and has an intense softening and nourishing effect. Thanks to aloe, it eliminates irritation and smoothes wrinkles. Price about 65 rubles.

Dry body skin

Severe dryness of the skin of the body is rarely caused by external factors, and is more often a consequence of any disease. Seasonal dryness of body skin is often associated with excessive sun tanning. People who regularly visit baths and saunas are also at risk of dry skin.

General recommendations

1. Establish a drinking regime.
2. Enrich your diet with dairy products, vegetable oils, fish, and nuts.
3. Nourish and moisturize the skin with special creams after taking water procedures.
4. Use sunscreen while tanning.
   

Traditional medicine recipes

1. Peeling of sea salt, honey and olive oil – 4 tbsp. take 1 tbsp of honey. remaining ingredients. Lightly massage cleansed skin with the mixture, then take a shower.
2. Chamomile and flax seed bath. Boil 5 tsp in 1 liter of water. flaxseed, separately boil 2 tbsp in 1 liter of water. dry chamomile - boil over low heat for 10 minutes. Strain both decoctions and add to the bath, which must be taken for 15 minutes.
3. Milk and honey bath. Dissolve 200 grams of honey and 1 tsp in 1 liter of warm milk. oil (olive, almond) - add the mixture to the bath, which is taken for 15 minutes.
4. Olive mask. While showering, thoroughly massage your body with heated olive oil, then rinse off the residue with warm water.

Nourishing and softening creams

Provides intense skin hydration thanks to a complex of oils and a special Cream-Oil formula. Price about 250 rubles.

1. Johnson's baby oil

Helps retain moisture in the skin, creating a special protective layer on the skin. Hypoallergenic. Price about 130 rubles.

1. Nivea SOS-intensive body cream

Regenerating cream with panthenol, grapefruit, lime, camellia, almond oils. Eliminates dryness and tightness while maintaining the effect for 48 hours. Price about 270 rubles.

Dry heels and feet

The problem can be caused by wearing uncomfortable shoes, frequently walking barefoot, or lack of hygienic foot care. Hypovitaminosis, diseases of the endocrine system, fungal infections lead to dry feet. Dry skin on the feet if left untreated leads to the formation of areas of hardening and cracks, which can be complicated by bacterial infection (see treatment of cracked heels).

Read this article if you want to know the reasons why your skin becomes dry and how to care for it. We will recommend effective products and give some useful tips for turning very dry skin into well-hydrated skin.

1. Signs of dry skin
2. Causes of dry skin
3. How dry skin differs from normal and oily skin
4. What to do for very dry skin
5. Dry skin care
6. Caring for dry body skin
7. Precautions when caring for dry skin
8. Tools Overview

Signs of dry skin

The tendency to dryness mainly has genetic causes. Therefore, fundamental changes cannot be achieved here. But making friends with your skin and improving its condition is quite possible. The main thing is proper care and preventive measures.

Typically, dryness is characteristic of both facial skin and body skin. Such skin is usually thinner and more sensitive.

When the sebaceous glands do not produce enough secretion, that is, sebum, which protects the epidermis from drying out and minor damage, the skin retains moisture less well, so it often dries out, reacts with irritation, and ages faster.

Dry skin is often sensitive. © iStock

Don't confuse dry skin with dehydration - a temporary and easily correctable condition. Oily skin can also be dehydrated. Moreover, due to lack of moisture, it begins to produce more fat.

Lack of moisture is often explained by improper care and other external factors, such as windy weather or dry indoor air.

To avoid confusion, remember the signs of dry skin.

Dry skin is rarely problematic, while oily skin (especially dehydrated skin) usually shows comedones, acne, and enlarged pores.

Dehydrated skin lacks water, dry skin lacks fat, which means the former needs hydrofixing agents (glycerin, hyaluronic acid), the latter needs moisture-locking or lipid-replenishing components (oil, ceramides).

Dry skin is often prone to sensitivity and does not tolerate polluted air and hard water well. It is more likely to react to common allergens (for example, honey).

To care for dry skin, choose light textures. © iStock

Causes of dry skin

Cleansers containing aggressive surfactants (surfactants) destroy the hydrolipid mantle of the skin.

The moisturizer was not rich enough for you, or the skin does not have enough nutrition to retain moisture inside.

Severe weather conditions, for example, heat with increased dry air or frost in combination with icy winds undermine the protective potential of the skin.

Insufficient indoor air humidity is a common problem in our latitudes when central heating is turned on.

Clothing made from synthetic fabrics and wool can cause discomfort, itching and flaking of the skin of the body if it is prone to dryness, especially in winter.

A hot shower is one of the main provocateurs of dry skin on the body, since high-temperature water, especially with prolonged contact, destroys the hydrolipidic barrier - the protective mantle that retains moisture in the skin cells.

An unbalanced diet, lack of fatty acids in the diet and lack of proteins can lead to dry skin - both face and body.

Some types of hormonal treatments or the use of retinoids provoke severe dry skin. You will have to wait until this side effect disappears, smoothing out its manifestation with the help of cosmetics.

How dry skin differs from normal and oily skin

Compared to oily and normal skin, dry skin has an insufficient hydrolipid layer. It is thinner, and the vessels are located so close to the surface that spasms are possible even after short-term exposure to frost.

For those with oily skin, the stratum corneum and sebum form a powerful defense, so it ages more slowly and withstands negative external influences more resistantly - from peelings to cold weather. But dry skin is protected from acne, blackheads, enlarged pores and other troubles that complicate life in youth.

The best moisturizing ingredients are glycerin, aloe vera and hyaluronic acid. © iStock

What to do for very dry skin

If the reasons are not related to health, we recommend listening to these tips:

moisturize your skin from the inside - maintain a drinking regime, drinking about 1.5 liters of water per day, at the rate of 30 ml per kilogram of weight;

remove alcohol-containing products from your cosmetic bag;

try to choose clothes from natural, smooth fabrics that do not irritate the skin (cotton and silk);

get tested for microelements and vitamin deficiencies in your body; you may be lacking vitamins A and E;

exclude an allergic reaction, it can be caused by household chemicals: washing powders, bleaches and disinfectants;

instead of alkaline cleansers, use delicate creamy textures;

If possible, install water filters.

If you decide to get rid of dryness, choose the right cosmetics for face and body care. Products with oils and lipid-replenishing components will suit you.

Dry skin care

Read and remember what you need to pay attention to when caring for dry skin.

The epidermis needs nutrition in the form of lipid-rich cream or oil.

Replace alkaline cleansing products with gentler ones.

Instead of cleansing gel, start using, for example, cleansing milk.

Make it a rule not to go to bed with makeup on your face - foundation left on overnight not only clogs your pores, but also dries out your skin.

In addition to hydration, dry skin needs nutrition. © iStock

Caring for dry body skin

Dry skin can occur in many different parts of the body.

If your scalp is itchy, itchy and flaky, it makes sense to consult a trichologist for advice.

Make it a rule to use hand cream at least twice a day: before going to bed and before going outside.

Regularly treat dry skin of the feet with fine-mesh pumice or a file, then lubricate with a cream containing urea and solid oils (shea, cocoa).

For cleansing, choose soft shower and bath gels, as well as syndets, oils, and products that do not contain aggressive surfactants.

Do not stand in the shower for a long time and try to wean yourself from too hot water, gradually reducing the degree day by day.

Moisturize your skin every time after water treatments. For dry skin, rich nourishing textures are most suitable: balm or cream.

Apply body cream/milk/balm while the skin is still slightly damp.

Precautions when caring for dry skin

If your skin type is dry, we recommend avoiding harsh scrubs, high concentrations of acids in care products, aggressive alkaline cleansing and alcohol-containing cosmetic products.

On the beach, use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. Thin and dry skin burns faster. And do not forget that ultraviolet radiation provokes the formation of free radicals - the main enemies of youthful skin. Otherwise, you will subsequently have to fight not only dryness, but also wrinkles and age spots.

In the cold season, before going outside, apply nourishing cream to your face, protective cream to your hands, and don’t forget about a scarf and gloves.

Tools Overview

For face

For body

For arms and legs

Apply after washing your hands, and before going outside or doing household chores;

shea butter, niacinamide

Apply to clean feet twice daily or at night.

Apply as needed.

corn oil, rice oil, soybean oil, shea butter, passion flower oil, vitamin E, hazelnut proteins.

Now consolidate your knowledge by watching a short video.