What is dry skin?

What are the causes of dry skin?

• Shower or bath products The combination of soaps, bath and shower gels with aggressive detergents and very hot water not only removes dirt, but can also affect the acid mantle of our skin. After coming out of the shower, water evaporates from the skin. Frequent showering or bathing with hot water and chemical products is likely to exacerbate your dry skin.
• The use of certain cosmetics Synthetic emollients (moisturisers) can also affect acid mantle of your skin, as can some perfume substances and preservatives. With the barrier function unable to function properly, more moisture is lost and an even drier skin can result.
• Diet and lifestyle A shortage of certain nutrients such as protein and certain fats can mean that your skin cells show a shortage of these substances. An unbalanced diet is one of the causes of dry skin, especially if you also drink a lot of alcohol and/or smoke. You are literally drying out your skin from the inside.
• Your age As you get older, hormone changes mean your skin becomes drier. It’s a natural process which we often start to notice most during and after menopause. That’s when oestrogen decreases and many women notice that their skin feels much drier.
• Harsh weather In cold temperatures, wind and dry air, your skin will get dried out even more from the outside. During the winter you can feel your skin suffering.
• Exposure to sunlight Too much sunlight can dry the skin – although some sunlight is important for the production of vitamin D, which is lacking in much of the UK population. Try not to over-indulge in the sun when the weather does turn fine, or when you are on holiday.
• Dry air in the house Ideal humidity in the house is around 45 to 50%,  but with central heating and air conditioning it’s often much lower, and dry skin once again suffers. A humidifier or bowls of water on a windowsill or above the radiators may solve the problem.
• Stress Research shows that stress not only interferes with the functions of the skin, but also has an influence on the production of the proteins which help to retain moisture.
• Sensitive skin  With a sensitive skin your body's defense mechanism is disturbed by external stimuli. Dry and sensitive skin often go together.
• Heredity Dry skin can be genetically determined, which is usually evident soon after birth. Often the parents are already familiar with their own dry skin, so that from the very first years of life they can choose appropriate care for their child.

What to do about dry skin?

With all these factors potentially causing, or affecting your dry skin, it’s very soon obvious that care of dry skin involves much more than just slathering on some moisturising cream. We have a few helpful tips that you may find help you make quite a difference to your skin comfort, but if you suffer from extremely dry skin that tends to eczema or psoriasis, we recommend that you consult a dermatologist.

These are our five tips for caring for dry skin:

• Find the cause Does your skin react more strongly than usual to external stimuli, such as synthetic ingredients in detergents or cosmetics? Do you notice redness, rash or itching, especially after washing? If you can identify a cause – such as a detergent, cosmetic product or fabric, eliminate it for six weeks and see if your skin comes back into balance.
  
  
• Customise your shower or bath regime Frequent showering or bathing with hot water dries your skin out. Set the temperature of your shower at maximum 37 degrees and try to keep contact with the water as short as possible. Use natural, mild shower creams containing detergents based on sugar and coconut, which don’t attack the protective layer of your skin. Indulge your skin after showering with a natural body lotion or body oil.
  
  
• Choose customised facial care The skin of your face needs extra attention, especially if it is dry. Opt for mild, natural, care products with moisturising and nourishing plant oils. In this way, the skin gets the nutrition it needs, but does not become charged with potentially irritating substances, such as synthetic perfumes and preservatives.
  
  
• Nourish your skin from the inside Drink up to two litres of water daily and eat plenty of protein and healthy fats. Rich in helpful omega-3 fatty acids are beans, eggs, salmon, sardines and mackerel. Try and get enough relaxation, exercise and sleep. And give up smoking! That does wonders for your skin.
  
  
• Protect yourself against bad weather In cold or wild winter weather give additional protection to the face, lips and hands. Hats, scarves and gloves should be supplemented by a natural lip balm, weather protection cream and hand cream.