Dry skin: see the causes, characteristics, tips and treatment

Dry skin becomes rough, fragile and can be itchy. Fabiana Seidl (CRM-RJ 5287852-9), dermatologist, comments that excessive bathing with inadequate soap and very high temperature, low water intake and lack of topical hydration are the main factors that contribute to dryness. Learn more about causes, features, and tips for treating the problem.

What causes dry skin

Franklin Verissimo (CRM-CE 10920), physician trained in Dermatology and Aesthetic Medicine, specialist and postgraduate in Laser, Cosmetics and Procedures, explains that the skin can become dry due to external factors such as weather conditions, exposure to ultraviolet radiation. , inadequate routine care, excessive use of soaps or other chemicals, medications and pollution.

The dermatologist highlights that dryness can also be “due to internal factors such as, for example, some diseases such as psoriasis and atopic dermatitis, in addition to age, genetic and hormonal influences, diet and smoking”.

Other than that, colder temperatures also contribute to skin dryness. “Cold leads to a decrease in body perspiration and, especially when associated with low humidity, can lead to excessive dryness of the skin, an increase in sensitivity and a decrease in its ability to regenerate and the effectiveness of its barrier function, including making the skin skin more vulnerable to the action of external agents, such as pollution”, explains Verissimo.

Fabiana, who is a member of the Brazilian Society of Dermatology and the Brazilian Society of Dermatological Surgery, points out that, in addition to the climate becoming colder and drier when temperatures are lower, the tendency is to take hotter and longer baths at this time of year. . This also contributes to the dryness of the skin.

Symptoms and characteristics of dry skin

• Rough and thick skin;
• Red and scaly skin;
• Cracks in the skin;
• Pruritus (itching), especially in advanced stages of dryness.

Fabiana adds that, in individuals with atopic dermatitis, whitish plaques full of more apparent and rough spots appear, the famous Pityriasis alba. “In addition, dry skin tends to itch a lot, which makes the patient develop infections more easily”, highlights the dermatologist.

Dry skin vs dry skin

Verissimo explains that dry skin, or cutaneous xerosis, is a type of skin, while dry skin is a momentary condition. “Although the symptoms can be the same and often the distinction between them is not so obvious,” he comments.

Fabiana adds that people with dry skin do not have an intact skin barrier, losing water more easily. “This can be mainly due to genetic factors, such as in individuals with atopic dermatitis or ichthyosis, or hormonal factors, such as menopause or hypothyroidism. Dry skin ends up being a consequence, a symptom, and it happens in individuals with dry skin or even normal or oily skin”.

How to treat dry skin

Fabiana comments that the treatment of dry skin basically consists of changing habits and using the moisturizer correctly. She checks out tips and options for both treating and preventing skin dryness:

skin hydration

Fabiana recommends moisturizing the skin as soon as you get out of the shower, with the skin still a little damp. “It’s worth leaving the moisturizer in the box, so you don’t forget”, she guides.

Adequate fluid intake

“Drink about 2 liters of water a day. Fluid intake is essential to maintain skin health.

Use of suitable soaps

Fabiana explains that it is important to use soaps that do not harm the skin, the so-called Syndet, which have a more physiological pH.

Use of lipowheat

“Currently I have incorporated the use of lipowheat for my dry skin patients, with great results. It is a compound derived from the oily portion of wheat, in drops, which helps prevent skin dryness”, comments dermatologist Fabiana.

Don’t overdo it in the baths

Fabiana advises taking a maximum of two baths a day, in addition to avoiding hot and lengthy baths.

intradermal application

Regarding treatments that can be done in clinics, Verissimo highlights that the intradermal application of products based on hyaluronic acid helps a lot to hydrate the skin, drastically improving the quality, freshness, luminosity and texture.

To minimize dryness, Verissimo also suggests avoiding dry air, betting on the use of air humidifiers, wearing gloves for washing dishes and adequate sun protection.

Moisturizers for dry skin

Verissimo comments that some good actives are commonly used in face and body moisturizers, such as shea butter, hyaluronic acid, ceramide, glycerin, thermal water, panthenol, nicotinamide, vitamin E and vitamin B3. See below for product suggestions, but remember that the ideal one for your skin will be the one recommended by your dermatologist.

1. Hyaluage Body Dermage Body Moisturizer: its formulation guarantees to form a hydroprotective film that helps in water retention and provides greater hydration to the skin, in addition to preventing the formation of free radicals and helping to combat the signs of aging.
2. Adcos Hydrating and Nutritive Milk: has D-Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5), hydrolyzed collagen and vitamin E. It promises to hydrate and prevent dryness and premature aging, leaving the skin hydrated, soft, smooth and delicately scented.
3. La Roche-Posay Body Moisturizer – Lipikar Aox Fps60: in addition to high protection, it promises to soothe dry and sensitive skin and restore the skin’s barrier, protecting against external aggressions.
4. Dove Shea Butter and Vanilla Moisturizer: the product promises to deeply hydrate and soften the skin, thanks to the mixture of moisturizing cream with shea butter.
5. Provanza Hyaluronic Acid Facial Moisturizing Cream: has in its formulation hyaluronic acid, sunflower oil and white tea extract. It promises deep hydration and filling the skin, acting directly on wrinkles and expression marks.
6. Calendula Granado Body Moisturizer: indicated to hydrate and prevent skin dryness. It is free of parabens and dyes.
7. Johnson’s Body Moisturizer: promises 48 hours of hydration with soft and fragrant skin, without leaving an oily feeling.

As Verissimo emphasizes, it is also important to avoid very oily and occlusive moisturizers on the face, due to the risk of acne.

Finally, Fabiana explains that the ideal is to choose moisturizers without fragrances or preservatives, which have calming actives with high hydration power. Enjoy and also get to know the different skin types to find out which one is yours.