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Understand the causes and symptoms of dry to very dry skin and discover how to restore moisture for healthy skin.
Summary
Dry skin, or cutaneous xerosis, is a common condition characterised by a lack of lipids (fats) in the outermost layer of the skin, the epidermis¹ ² ³ ⁴.
The distinction between dry and very dry skin is based on the severity of skin symptoms. However, rather than using the terms "dry skin" and "very dry skin", doctors classify skin dryness as mild, moderate or severe:
Although dry skin is often the result of environmental factors or inappropriate care, it can sometimes be a sign of an underlying disease.
Dermatological conditions that cause dry skin include atopic dermatitis, psoriasis and cutaneous ichthyosis.
Other general pathologies (hypothyroidism, severe renal failure, HIV, some cancers, neuropathies, etc.) can also be accompanied by skin dryness.
Finally, diuretics, retinoids, anti-androgens, and radiotherapy can cause skin dryness.
If other symptoms accompany dry skin, persist despite appropriate moisturising treatments, or worsen, it is advisable to consult a dermatologist to assess the possible presence of a dermatological or systemic disease requiring specific treatment.
Dry skin results from a complex water imbalance in the outermost layer of the skin, known as the stratum corneum (SC). This layer can be compared to a brick wall, where the skin cells, called corneocytes, represent the bricks and are surrounded by a lipid 'cement', acting like a mortar.
Corneocytes are rich in keratin, a protein that helps keep the skin hydrated and supple. Around these "bricks", lipid "cement" is essential for :
The skin's hydration mechanism is based on two aspects:
When the skin barrier is altered, such as by a reduction in lipid production or an anomaly in the keratinisation process, the skin loses its ability to retain water, leading to dryness.
On one hand, the skin's structure prevents water loss and, on the other, protects the skin against allergens and irritants. However, various factors, particularly environmental, can weaken this protective skin barrier:
The main aims of treating dry skin are restoring physiological lipids to the epidermis, improving skin hydration, optimising the skin's barrier function, and encouraging epidermal differentiation.
Preventive measures include using gentle cleansers and adopting skin care practices that do not compromise the skin's lipid barrier:
Baths and showers: Limit the frequency and duration (around 5 minutes) of baths and showers and use lukewarm water. Avoid hot water and aggressive washing to preserve the skin's lipid barrier.
Gentle cleansers: Choose gentle, non-alkaline cleansers with a pH close to the skin's. Syndets (dermatological or soap-free soaps) are less irritating and can help reduce skin itching thanks to their lower pH.
Moisturisers: Apply nourishing oil-based creams regularly, as they are more effective at hydrating the skin than water-based lotions. Ointments, which are oilier, are particularly useful for preventing dryness. For best results, apply to damp skin after bathing.
Clothing: Avoid clothing that is too tight, rubbing and irritating textiles such as wool and synthetics.
Humidifiers: Use humidifiers in your home, especially in winter, to help retain skin moisture.
Internal hydration: Maintain good hydration by drinking at least 1.5 to 2 litres of water a day.
Care products for dry skin aim to improve skin hydration, compensate for the lack of lipids and reinforce the skin's barrier function. A combination of hydrophilic (water-retaining) and lipophilic (lipid-retaining) ingredients is preferable to mimic and restore the components of the skin barrier :
Solid paraffin or Vaseline is recognised as the most effective lipophilic ingredient. It acts as an occlusive, forming an oily barrier that prevents water from evaporating, preserving the skin's moisture content while facilitating the repair of the skin barrier.²
In the event of redness or pruritus, skin-soothing or antipruritic ingredients can be added to the formulations.
For very dry skin, lipid-rich formulas such as nourishing creams, balms or ointments are recommended to prevent dryness and maximise skin hydration.
In the case of moderate to severe dryness, a medical consultation with a dermatologist may be necessary to:
diagnose any underlying skin disease, such as eczema, establish a personalised care strategy and prescribe specific treatments.
Are you looking for an effective solution for nourishing the skin and preventing dryness? DEXERYL Emollient Cream provides deep, long-lasting hydration, helping to restore moisture imbalances and strengthen the skin barrier.
Its unique, fragrance-free formula makes it a gentle moisturiser that respects your skin thanks to its combination of hydrophilic and lipophilic active ingredients:
• Vaseline and paraffin form a protective film on the skin.
• Glycerol hydrates the epidermis by attracting water molecules.
Choose DEXERYL Emollient Cream, your daily ally for keeping skin healthy, supple and hydrated.
References
1. Andriessen A. Prevention, recognition, and treatment of dry skin conditions. Br J Nurs. 2013 Jan 10-23;22(1):26-30.
2. Gade A, Matin T, Rubenstein R. Xeroderma. 2023 Oct 29. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan–.
3. Pons-Guiraud A. Dry skin in dermatology: a complex physiopathology. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2007 Sep ;21 Suppl. 2 :1-4.
4. Augustin M, Wilsmann-Theis D, Körber A, Kerscher M, Itschert G, Dippel M, Staubach P. Diagnosis and treatment of xerosis cutis - a position paper. J Dtsch Dermatol Ges. 2019 Nov ;17 Suppl. 7:3-33.