Causes of dry skin
- Skin conditions (such as psoriasis and eczema)[2]
- Environment (cold weather and low humidity, dry wind, summer sun, air conditioning)[3]
- Some medications (such as cholesterol-lowering agents, anti-acne medication, diuretics)[4]
- Irritants (such as frequent use of soap and water or solvents)[4]
- Age (nearly everyone over the age of 60 is affected by dry skin)[5]
- Vitamin or mineral deficiency (low levels of vitamins D & A, niacin, zinc or iron can contribute to dry skin)[4]
- Lifestyle choices (like smoking and prolonged UV exposure)[4]
Signs and symptoms of extremely dry skin[6]
- Loss of colour - areas of dry skin may appear a grey-white colour, making fine lines and wrinkles in the skin more visible.
- Scaling and flaking - as corneocytes dry out, cohesion between the cells is reduced, causing them to flake off.
- Rough or dull appearance - skin feels rough and has a dull appearance as it is less able to refract light than smooth skin.
- Loss of elasticity - dry skin becomes less pliable and may appear to have a wrinkled, rough or loose texture[6,7]
- Cracks and fissures - when skin becomes extremely dry, deeper cracks or fissures may form as a result of reduced elasticity
- Pruritus - dry skin is more prone to itch[8]
A breakdown in the barrier function of the skin:
- Can lead to dry skin, which may become flaky and even cracked
- Allows for the entry of irritants/allergens, increasing the potential for irritation
- Is associated with skin conditions such as dermatitis and eczema Proper hydration absolutely critical in maintaining healthy skin.[9]
One study showed that simple, or poorly formulated moisturisers can have a negative effect on the skin barrier over time, while a ‘complex’ moisturiser containing a blend of moisturising agents, reduced water loss from the skin.[10]
There are three distinct types of moisturising ingredients: humectants, emollients, and occludents. When combined, they work together to mimic the way skin naturally moisturises itself.[11]
- Humectants – act like molecular sponges that attract and hold water in the outer layers of the skin.
Glycerin - Glycerin transport, through AQP3 channels in the skin, has a direct impact on improving skin hydration, elasticity and barrier function recovery.[12]
- Emollients – Help lubricate skin, swelling skin cells and closing cracks
Paraffinum Liquidum - Fills spaces between skin flakes, smoothing dry skin
Dimethicone – Protects against water loss
Squalane – Helps restore suppleness and flexibility to skin
- Occludents – Form a near-waterproof film on the skin that keeps water in, reducing trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL)
Petrolatum – can help reduce TEWL by up to 99%[13]
