Dry skin
The signs of dry skin – an overview
Dry skin lacks lipids and moisture. Professionals also describe it as being deficient in hydrolipids. Due to the lack of oil and moisture, the skin becomes rough, brittle, scaly and even chapped. Itching and a feeling of tautness can also be experienced. In general, dry skin can occur on all parts of the body, although areas of skin with fewer sebaceous glands are affected more frequently. These include the hands, feet, forearms and lower legs.
Dry skin: Severity and symptoms
Dry skin is characterized by reduced elasticity as well as a coarser complexion and wrinkles. As the skin grows increasingly dry, it can become redder and chapped.
Slightly dry skin feels gradually tauter and has a dull, slightly scaly appearance. As the dryness progresses, the skin becomes rough and brittle, and looks increasingly scaly. Very dry skin is frequently chapped and is accompanied by itching and a severe feeling of tautness.
Dry skin: Causes and development
Dry skin can have a number of different causes. Besides genetic predisposition and increasing age (as we grow older, the skin’s natural moisture content decreases), external factors such as the weather, our diet, stress, medication and certain skin care habits can play a role in the development of dry skin. An existing hereditary tendency is frequently intensified by an incompatible lifestyle and incorrect skin care habits.
There are many different illnesses that are associated with dry skin, in addition to actual skin disorders. For example, diabetes is one of the diseases that can make the skin increasingly dry. This is due to the many and varied metabolic problems caused by the illness.
Frequent washing is tough on the skin
Excessive contact with water and soap or special detergents also gives the skin a hard time: even frequent bathing in hot water depletes the skin of many valuable lipids, thus damaging the skin barrier.
People who work in wet conditions or have to cleanse their skin several times every day are affected to an even greater degree: aggressive detergents and wearing gloves throughout the day are known to damage the skin barrier, meaning that it is easier for moisture to escape. The hands dry out, become chapped, and over the course of time this can even lead to eczema.
To avoid this happening, the use of special, medical hand care such as Allpresan Derma med Repair Foam Cream HAND INTENSIVE CARE is recommended for very dry, stressed hands. It provides dry skin with an intense supply of lipids and moisture. This repairs the skin barrier and promotes natural skin regeneration.
The right care for dry skin
Dry skin needs more attention than “normal” skin. Suitable skin care products supply the skin with moisture and lipids, and therefore leave the skin feeling noticeably smoother and good overall. In order to restore and maintain the natural skin functions, it is hugely important to use skin care products that are tailored to the relevant skin condition. It is crucial not only to increase the skin’s lipid and moisture content, but also to restore the natural skin barrier and therefore the skin’s natural protective function. The following measures also help to keep the skin supple and to avoid dryness:
- Gentle body care: Shower with lukewarm water and use mild, moisturizing skin care products that replenish and are unperfumed wherever possible. Avoid irritation by using products that do not contain alcohol
- Eat foods that are varied and full of vitamins. You will also help your skin if you drink enough liquids
- Protect your skin against the cold. Wear gloves and look after your face with a rich cream in cold weather
- Protect your skin from the sun. Use sunscreen preferably with a high sun protection factor
Compliance with these measures and the use of a suitable skin care product will compensate for the skin’s loss of moisture and oil.
Do you know that the skin changes so much later in life that it places entirely different demands on skin care? The skin loses more oil and suppleness, and its ability to regenerate decreases. In the case of mature skin, it is important to use mild cleaning lotions and rich skin care products – such as those with urea. This reduces itching and the feeling of tautness.
Allpresan Derma med Foam Creams are tailored specifically to the needs of sensitive, dry skin. The combination of selected ingredients and the pleasantly gentle application of the foam creams increase the effectiveness of our medical skin care in two ways: firstly, the formulations are precisely tailored to the needs of dry, sensitive skin and therefore provide the skin with an intense supply of lipids and moisture. Secondly, if skin care products are pleasant to use and are rapidly absorbed by the skin, this increases the willingness to care for the skin every day.
