Dry Skin care
What is dry skin?
You have most likely experienced dry skin during the cold, dry winter months.
'Dry skin' is lacking water, humectants and fats.
Dry Skin Care
What is Dry Skin?
The medical term for dry skin is xerosis cutis.
'Dry skin' is skin that is lacking water, humectants and fats.
Humectants absorb and hold water, while fats coat the skin and seal in moisture.
When there is not enough water, humectants or fats, skin barrier disruption can occur, further worsening symptoms of dry skin.
Dry skin appears dry, rough, and may scale and flake.
Dry skin may also show premature signs of aging, like fine lines, surface wrinkles and loss of elasticity.
Anyone can develop dry skin.
Dry Skin Care
Dry Skin is Common
Dry skin is a seemingly simple condition that has a wide spectrum of symptoms - from mild dryness and flaking to severe itching, redness and pain.
Dry Skin Care
Dry Skin Symptoms
Dry skin is uncomfortable - it is overly tight, dehydrated, rough, and may flake and itch. Dry skin is a seemingly simple condition that has a wide spectrum of symptoms - from mild dryness and flaking to severe itching, redness and pain.
Dry skin symptoms can include:
- Loss of skin elasticity
- Skin feels tight, dehydrated
- Skin appears dull, rough and blotchy
- Slight to severe flaking, scaling or peeling
- Fine lines and wrinkles are more pronounced
Dry Skin Care
Is dry skin due to a lack of water?
The water content of skin is remarkably high - the epidermis contains more than 70% water, while its outermost layer, the stratum corneum has been shown to contain ~25% water
Dry Skin Care
What Causes Dry Skin?
Dry skin is common during the cold, dry, winter months.
Dry skin is a seemingly simple condition that has a wide spectrum of symptoms - from mild dryness and flaking to severe itching, redness and pain.
Dry skin can be caused by environmental factors including cold weather, low humidity, UV radiation, harsh soaps, chlorine exposure, hot water, aging and menopause.
Dry skin can also be caused by genetic factors such as filaggrin mutations, and disease states including malnutrition, eczema, diabetes and hypothyroidism.
Dry Skin Care
Is dry skin due to a lack of fat?
The surface of your skin is covered by a layer of protective lipids and fats, including epidermal lipids and sebum. These natural fats lubricate and coat your skin cells and nourish your skin.
