Learn about dry skin care and how to prevent dryness

Our skin changes over time and external and daily aggressions interfere with it, which can result in dry skin. But the good news is that, by identifying the problem that causes dryness and treating it with specific care, the improvement is significant. See all about it below!

What causes dry skin

First, we need to know the agents responsible for skin dryness. Therefore, we consulted dermatologist Leonardo Abrucio (CRM 66591), from BP – A Beneficência Portuguesa de São Paulo, who pointed out the main factors that can cause this problem.

Did you know that climatic conditions, such as excessive cold or heat and, above all, low ambient humidity are among the main causes of skin dryness? Also included are diseases such as atopic dermatitis and psoriasis, in which there is a greater loss of water through the epidermis – preponderant factors for dry skin.

Another culprit is intense exposure to the sun or air conditioning, which reduce skin moisture. Hormonal (diabetes mellitus and hypothyroidism), kidney and liver diseases are also associated with dry skin. Even the use of some medications can result in dryness.

Leonardo cited the example of diuretics, which cause the body to lose fluids, and isotretinoin in the treatment of acne, which reduces the function of the sebaceous glands. Topical retinoids for the treatment of acne and skin aging tend to cause dry skin at the place of application.

In addition, the dermatologist adds that the skin becomes drier in the climacteric, due to the hormonal fall, and in people of advanced age. This is due to the decreased production of sebum by the sebaceous glands. Some inappropriate habits, such as the excessive use of soaps and loofahs, as well as hot and long baths, contribute to this situation.

Dry skin characteristics

• rough skin;
• No glare;
• Peeling and pulling;
• Has cracks;
• Sensitive, easily developing irritability;
• Itchy symptoms, especially after a long hot shower;
• It gets worse on dry days and in air-conditioned environments;
• It gets worse after intense sun exposure;
• May result in burning and odor.

How to care for dry skin

If you have one or more of the characteristics mentioned above and suffer from dry skin, check out the main care recommended by the dermatologist:

Take quick, warm showers

Hot and long baths favor the drying of the skin. So pay attention to the temperature of the water and the time you spend in the shower, trying to reduce it.

Avoid loofahs and sponges in the driest areas

On drier areas of the body, such as arms, legs, elbows, knees and heels, do not use loofahs and sponges. This prevents friction with the skin.

Choose neutral soaps

Leonardo recommends neutral soaps, such as children’s soaps, to be used in the most humid areas. Use them on your armpits, breasts, genitals, buttocks and between your toes. Avoid scented and antibacterial soaps, as they are more aggressive and offer greater irritability to sensitive and dry skin.

Hydrate your skin with the right components

“After bathing, gently dry the skin with a soft towel and immediately apply a hypoallergenic moisturizing lotion”, he recommends. In addition, the dermatologist explains that the most used actives in these lotions for hydration are glycerin, silicones, ceramides, Vaseline and vegetable and mineral oils.

It is important to always read the labels: if you have very dry and sensitive skin, stay away from moisturizers with irritating substances in their composition, such as urea and propylene glycol.

Keep a healthy diet

In addition to drinking at least 2 liters of water a day, try to include fruits and vegetables in your menu. They contain vitamins and antioxidants, helping to hydrate the skin.

After sun exposure, hydrate the skin even more

After being exposed to the sun, on the beach or by the pool, take a quick, warm shower as soon as you get home. Then apply a neutral moisturizer. Also don’t forget that, before sunbathing, sunscreen should be your best friend!

Tap into vitamins and antioxidants

Vitamins, especially C and E, in addition to antioxidants such as selenium and zinc, prevent skin dryness. Combined with a little sun exposure a day, with UVA/UVB protection and environmental conditions, your skin’s appearance will improve significantly.

Follow a daily skincare suitable for your skin

A dermatologist will recommend the right products and a care routine for dry skin. Facial skin skincare includes cleansing the skin with mild products such as syndets. Leonardo explains that these are soap substitutes and have a pH between 5 and 6, close to the physiological pH of the skin.

After cleansing, apply a specific moisturizer for dry and sensitive skin and a sunscreen with an SPF of 50 or more. Include antioxidants such as pycnogenol, vitamin C, vitamin E and resveratrol in your skincare routine.

Don’t forget the night skincare

At night, cleanse the skin with the same product used during the day. Also apply a serum with vitamins, hyaluronic acid and antioxidants – elements to also prevent skin aging.

Care is super important and prevents drying. So, take care of your skin with all affection, following a skincare routine so that it looks radiant and much healthier!