Have you ever experienced the appearance of dull, irritated and cracked skin? Most people notice changes in their skin as the seasons change, and these changes are particularly pronounced on cold days.
One of these changes is dry skin, which is rough and dry to the touch and may also show cracks or scales. Dry skin is often accompanied by a tightening sensation and may also be itchy and red.
Why is the skin on my face dry?
Let's start with the basics. Dry skin means that the skin barrier, which normally acts as a protective layer by retaining moisture, is weakened. Less and less lipids (fatty substances) are produced on the skin's surface, and skin cells lose their ability to retain water, which then evaporates. Dryness of the skin on the face is particularly pronounced on the more sensitive areas of the face, such as under the eyes, on the nose or on the cheeks.
The causes of dry skin are many and can be broadly divided into external factors, internal factors and other conditions that can lead to dry skin.
- External causes: environmental triggers (hot, cold or dry air; changes in seasons; UV sunlight), improper skin care (e.g. washing too often, improper routine, fragrances or use of over-stressants that remove the skin's natural lipids) and medications
- Internal factors: genetic influences, age, hormonal changes (e.g. during menopause, the amount of oestrogen in the body decreases, making the skin drier), diet, stress
- Other factors: inflammatory skin diseases (psoriasis, dermatitis), smoking, occupational risks
How do I know if my skin is dry?
To find out if you have dry skin, ask yourself:
- Is my skin rough or rough to the touch?
- Do I have a feeling of "tightness"?
- can I see cracks or flaking on the surface?
- do I itch occasionally?
Dry skin is easy to identify by signs that cannot be missed. The signs of dry skin are mainly tightness and roughness, while the signs of very dry skin are flaking, irritation, redness and itchiness. As we have already hinted above, this is due to a lack of natural oils that nourish and protect the skin.
But how do you distinguish between normal dryness and more serious conditions such as eczema?
The question is absolutely right. In the case of dry skin, you may indeed experience "stinging", burning and itching sensations, but the itching itself is much more pronounced in the case of eczema.
Another important difference is the location of the irritation, as dry skin can usually occur anywhere on the face or body, whereas eczema is more common on the scalp, the folds of the arms and legs, the back of the neck, the inside of the elbows, the feet and around the eyes.
First aid for dry skin
- Cleaning: use mild cleansers free of alcohol and artificial fragrances to clean dry skin. Avoid using parabens, sulphates and other ingredients that further dry out the skin.
Our favourites for gentle facial cleansing are:
Hemp Blessed Cleansing Oil, a nourishing cleanser that gently but effectively cleanses skin and make-up without irritation
Hemp Blessed Cleansing Oil 100 ml
A conditioning cleanser gently yet effectively cleanses the skin, removing makeup, sunscreen, and impurities without irritation fo.. Details
£19.00
Purifying Face Cleanser, deeply cleanses, soothes and does not dry out the skin.
Purifying Face Cleanser 100 ml
Deeply and gently purifies the skin, washing away make-up, excess oil and dirt without over-drying or stripping the skin of its na.. Details
£14.50
- Moisturising: to prevent moisture loss, it is essential to use a daily moisturising treatment to improve the condition of dry skin in the long term. It makes sense to include in your routine products with ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, hemp hydrolat, hemp seed oil, plum kernel oil, etc. You can also use a moisturising serum to provide your skin with moisture even more effectively.
Our top 3 SOS products, which provide instant hydration, intensive moisture, radiance restoration and super-nutrients and antioxidants to the skin, are:
- Moisturising Bright Essence - for all skin types, including sensitive skin. Moisturises and evens the complexion.
- Nurturing Face Cream - for all skin types, especially dry and dehydrated skin. Soothes the first signs of ageing.
- Replenishing Antioxidant Face Oil - ideal for dry, dehydrated, sensitive and atopic skin. It strengthens the skin barrier and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
- Always wash your face with lukewarm water, not too hot
- Do not wash your face more than twice a day
- Avoid using scrubs too often
- Avoid dry air and use humidifiers indoors during heating periods
- Reduce time spent in the hot tub or shower
- Use as little washing powder and fabric softener as possible to wash clothes. Re-rinse clothes that come into contact with the skin with water
- Protect yourself from the sun: make sunscreen a faithful companion, whatever the season
- And above all, remember that skincare is a long run that requires consistency, commitment to healthy habits and the use of products suitable for your skin type.
- Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)
Sources:
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/dry-skin#causes
https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-basics/dry/dermatologists-tips-relieve-dry-skin
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dry-skin/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20353891
https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/skin-care#causes
