Dry skin is a very common condition that accounts for almost 40% of visits to the dermatologist, with women being the most affected.
There are five types of skin: normal, dry, oily, combination, and sensitive, all of them regulated by factors such as genetics, age, lifestyle, and even momentary environmental conditions. This means that the state of your skin can vary considerably depending on the numerous internal and external factors to which it is subjected in a given period of time.
The word “dry” describes a type of skin that produces less sebum than normal since the lipids of the epidermis and some proteins are responsible for maintaining water and preventing dehydration.
When the body is deficient in lipids or proteins, water can more easily evaporate from the skin cells. Without water, the complexion dries out and loses its protective barrier against external influences, which can more easily damage it, causing breakouts and a flaky appearance. ”The main symptoms are skin that is tighter and rougher to the touch, feeling itchy, scaling and peeling, wrinkles or fine lines. Actually, dry skin is a very common condition that represents almost 40% of visits to the dermatologist, with women being the most affected, although both men and women equally suffer from dry skin as we age”, comments Ángeles Girón, head of research at the Sevillian firmNezeni Cosmetics.
TYPES OF DRY SKIN
-Contact dermatitis. It is a condition that occurs after the skin comes into contact with something irritant or allergen, developing localized inflammation and itching. The most common symptoms are dry, scaly, and flaking dermis, redness, burning sensation, extreme itching, swelling, blisters, and cracking due to extreme dryness.
Dry skin is a very common condition that represents almost 40% of visits to the dermatologist, with women being the most affected
– Atopic dermatitis. Famous eczema. It is a very common and chronic skin condition characterized by dryness and itching, which usually appears with a red rash. Symptoms include intense itching, red or brown patches, or a thickened, scaly complexion. In more severe cases, crusty patches of dry yellowish exudate or small fluid-filled bumps.
-Seborrheic dermatitis. Dandruff is a skin condition that causes rough, flaky skin on the scalp and face. It is recognized by itchy, scaly patches of skin that may look a little greasy, but can flake off, especially if the skin is scratched or rubbed.
CAUSES, RISK FACTORS, AND PREVENTION
The causes would be several: ”Mainly, bathroom habits (more due to excessive cleaning than due to a defect); use very hot water for our hygiene; strong soaps, disinfectants and other products that can be abrasive; allergens and irritants; the cold now in winter; or even daily medication or certain medical conditions such as psoriasis, diabetes or hypothyroidism,” says Ángeles Girón, who also recommends avoiding using soap every time we wash our faces. “A gentle, non-drying, moisturizing cleanser like all-in-one micellar water is best,” he adds.
For the most common type, the best treatment is a preventive lifestyle change, a good specialized skincare regimen, and natural home remedies to improve the condition. “In addition to a gentle cleanser that serves as a tonic to balance the pH, a good serum enriched with hyaluronic acid and a good moisturizer that seals in moisture, keeping the surface layer hydrated for longer,” details the expert.
Among the most effective home remedies, Nezeni Cosmetics recommends coconut oil for its antimicrobial and inflammation-reducing properties; olive oil for its power to improve elasticity and hydration without making the skin oily; or aloe vera, used for almost all problems and conditions that affect the skin due to its great benefits. At home, we can put on avocado and honey masks, and oatmeal masks, and use sugar scrubs with different oils.
To prevent dry skin, Ángeles Girón gives us some tips: ”Moisturise regularly with a good moisturizing cream on the face and body; change bathing habits, using warm water instead of hot and not spending more than 5-10 minutes in the shower, nor using sponges or other materials designed to rub the epidermis; change care products if necessary; and drink a lot of water, which will increase our energy and make the dermis younger and brighter. In addition to this, protect ourselves well now that winter is here and avoid certain detergents when we go to wash clothes. At home, and very importantly, use a humidifier so that the air is not too dry and affects our skin”.
