Dry skin can have many causes: from environmental to genetic, to those related to habits and diet. The symptoms, however, are often the same: skin with a dehydrated, flaky, cracked appearance.
Is it possible to find a possible remedy? Fortunately, there are many, even if not all of them could be complete solutions: it depends on the triggering cause, and on the reaction of each individual. If in doubt, it is possible to implement some basic prevention tips, from diet to lifestyle, which allow you to avoid the onset of dry skin right away.
Why does skin become dry?
Dry skin, or cutaneous dehydration, is a condition that depends on various elements and factors: it is not always possible to identify the triggering causes on a case-by-case basis, and sometimes it is necessary to intervene on multiple fronts to try to hydrate the skin.
But what are the possible causes of dry skin? Although not all of them apply in every circumstance, and often just one is not enough to explain every single case of dry skin, let's try to list the main ones:
- genetic predisposition. By nature and constitution, an individual may be more inclined than another to experience dry skin on the hands, face or body, depending on the case;
- age. As our body ages, even our most visible organ, the skin, is affected by the signs of time: the epidermis of the elderly, compared to that of children and young people, is thinner and less soft, becomes more susceptible to dehydration, and may require the use of a moisturizing cream or another product suitable for your skin type;
- climatic situations. Environmental humidity is important for maintaining the correct moisturization of the skin: it is no coincidence that if the air is dry it is easier to experience dry skin. The same is true for the cold, but not only: there are numerous environmental conditions that can lead to skin dehydration: dry air, cold (also from air conditioning), wind, but also on the contrary excessive exposure to the sun or heating in winter. Often, in these cases, you can sense that the skin is drying out already from small superficial signs, which allow you to quickly identify the problem, such as cracks on the hands;
- habits and lifestyle. Hygiene habits are very important. From the products you come into contact with to your beauty habits, it is important to find the right routine for your skin type.
- nutrition. Drinking too little can cause dry skin. In addition, the lack of certain nutrients and substances (fats, vitamins, proteins, etc.) can also lead to poor functioning of the dermis, and does not help maintain the balance of the skin and its hydrolipidic film.
How to recognize dry skin
As for the appearance of dry skin, it is quickly said: the skin appears visibly thinned, inelastic and fragile, as if it were aged, while the color can be very light or present spots and redness, if the skin is also chapped and flaky. As for the touch, the skin is irregular, almost wrinkled and rough.
To be more precise, the main symptoms of dry skin can be at least partially distinguished, depending on the various phases in which they appear and the depth of the condition.
At first, slightly dry skin may simply feel rough to the touch, look tight, and have a slightly altered color; if the situation is not remedied, the skin can become very dry, appearing dehydrated and much tighter; in some cases, it can cause itching and show a tendency to flake.
It can also be added that dry skin takes on a different appearance depending on the area of the body affected by the phenomenon. On some areas such as hands, arms, feet, knees or elbows, dryness and the symptoms reported above can be added to cracks, lines and cuts, as well as severe itching; on the face, however, dry skin can affect the lips, which chap easily especially in winter, but it can also give a more aged appearance to the area of the cheeks and around the eyes.
Furthermore, for precision, it is also possible to classify dry skin based on the type of action that underlies it. In fact, we distinguish between dehydrated dry skin, usually due to a lack of water, and alipidic dry skin, which lacks that layer of skin sebum that should cover the external surface of the skin.
Dry facial skin: possible remedies
For dehydration of the facial skin in particular, possible solutions can be proposed for skin care and personal hygiene, aimed at re-establishing a normal condition of hydration and maintaining the natural brightness and elasticity of the skin.
First of all, it is important to drink plenty of water: an ideal recommendation is to drink 2 litres of water every day, both for the well-being of the entire organism and, in particular, to keep the health of the skin under control and compensate for the loss of liquids.
Secondly, you can act on dry and sensitive skin using specific products for topical use: there are many day and night creams, gels and cleansers for the various areas of the body, with a hydrating, emollient and nourishing effect, but also many other specific cosmetic products to soothe dryness. Remember that it is advisable to apply them following the recommended times and methods in order to facilitate their effect.
If dry facial skin is supposed to be seasonal, then you can avoid environmental conditions that could cause irritation: it is better to be careful when exposing yourself to direct sunlight with adequate sunscreen, cover yourself well with a scarf in winter, and so on.
We must not forget that to maintain healthy skin, psychological well-being should not be neglected: therefore, we must sleep well and for a long time, try to allow ourselves some free time and not let ourselves be overcome by the anxiety and stress of everyday life.
Finally, let's remember that there are many skincare routines suitable for your skin type. From masks, to soaps, make-up removers or exfoliants, there are many face and body products suitable for everyone's needs thanks to specific ingredients.
Some tips to help prevent dry skin
To help prevent dry skin, it is useful to try to understand the possible causes that can trigger it. So, for example, we must try to pay attention to the weather conditions that we know are adverse and negative for our skin, or not to neglect daily hydration.
If you have sensitive or dry skin, it would be ideal to find the right balance when washing your skin: washing too little risks leaving impurities on the skin, but washing too much can lead to the elimination of the sebum layer, and therefore possible dryness.
The prevention of dehydrated skin also passes through nutrition. As we have already said, there are some components of the diet that are important for maintaining toned and fresh skin, while other ingredients should be consumed in moderation.
If you are unable to incorporate all the nutrients you need into your diet, it may be helpful to use food supplements to support the well-being of your skin and scalp. However, supplements are not intended as a substitute for a varied and balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle.