What is Skin Dryness - What Causes Skin Dryness - Solutions for Dehydrated Skin - Best Products for Skin Dryness - Summary
Skin dryness is a common concern which can leave your face feeling tight, flaky and uncomfortable. There are many known causes, including genetics, improper skincare practices and environmental factors. Understanding which factors contribute most can help with managing the condition revealing healthier, more hydrated skin.
What is Skin Dryness?
Skin dryness is when your skin lacks adequate hydration for effective function. This occurs most often when the skin barrier is compromised which results in an excess loss of moisture.
You may have heard the term transepidermal water loss or TEWL in the past which is the mechanism through which moisture is lost from the skin. Increased TEWL levels are usually indicative of impaired barrier function with dryness and flakiness being some of the effects.
What Causes Skin Dryness?
There are several genetic, environmental and lifestyle factors that contribute to skin dryness.
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Genetics: These are responsible for how much sebum your skin produces. Those with more active sebaceous glands have oilier skin, and the opposite goes for under active sebaceous glands.
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Over-cleansing: Cleansing too frequently can result in dehydration. Using harsh cleansers can also have the same result.
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Skin conditions: Eczema, psoriasis and rosacea can all result in lack of moisture and flakiness.
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Over-exfoliating: Overuse of physical scrubs or chemical exfoliants such as salicylic acid can compromise your skin barrier and increase moisture loss.
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Aging: As we age our skin produces less sebum, which results in dryness. Collagen breakdown associated with aging also means less retention of moisture.
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Weather: Dry, colder climates can increase TEWL and therefore skin dehydration.
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Lifestyle Factors: An inadequate water intake can affect your skin. Smoking and a poor diet are additional factors.
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Stress: Raised cortisol levels associated with stress can lead to an impacted skin barrier.
Solutions for Dehydrated Skin
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Use barrier strengthening ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and ceramides which can help repair the skin barrier and in turn boost hydration.
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Avoid hot showers and over-cleansing to restore moisture.
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Practice mindfulness to reduce overall stress levels.
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Use a minimum SPF factor of 30 to prevent skin damage associated with the sun and additional water loss.
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Visit a dermatologist to manage skin conditions.
Best Products for Skin Dryness
When choosing skincare products, look for proven ingredients which work to restore your skin barrier and combat dryness. Examples include ceramides, hyaluronic acid and squalane.
Cleansers
CeraVe: Hydrating Facial Cleanser
This hydrating facial cleanser by Cerave is extremely effectively at removing dirt, pollutants and impurities without overly drying the skin.
The addition of hyaluronic acid and ceramides help to support and strengthen your skin barrier.
Aveeno Calm+Restore Nourishing Oat Cleanser
This non-foaming solution is fragrance free and feels creamy and hydrating on the skin without stripping excess moisture.
Prebiotic Oat helps with soothing and repairing the skin.
Serums
The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid + B5
One of the most effective products on the market to combat skin dehydration. Hyaluronic acid deeply nourishes the skin, reducing flakiness and also signs of aging.
The addition of ceramides help to support the skin barrier.
Paula's Choice Omega+ Complex Serum
Contains shea butter which works as an emollient to trap moisture.
Ceramides help to support and boost the skin barrier, and linoleic acid calms and soothes.
Moisturisers
CeraVe Deep Hydration Moisturizing Cream
This formula is specifically targeted at those suffering from skin dryness. Ceramides help to trap moisture and hyaluronic acid works deep into the skin to provide hydration.
Dr.Jart+ Ceramidin Skin Barrier Moisturizing Cream
Contains a 5 ceramide complex which supports skin elasticity, barrier function and improves signs of dryness.
Panthenol soothes and reduces irritation whilst retaining skin moisture.
Ointments
La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5+
This soothing balm is known to accelerate skin recovery and trap moisture. Use to manage dehydrated, peeling or damaged skin.
Acting as an occlusive to reduce water loss and support the skin microbiome, this petroleum jelly can be especially effectively on dry, scaly patches.
In Summary
Skin dryness has various causes which can lead to issues with self confidence or uncomfortableness in daily life. While it is frustrating, with the right products and lifestyle changes you can restore suppleness and glow. Well hydrated skin is also more resilient to aging.