Cause
There are various causes of skin dryness: a reduced lipid composition of the skin, namely the NMF (Natural Moisturizing Factor), a reduced water content and an increase in physiological pH.
You need to understand whether it is a permanent or temporary.
situation. In the first case, we are dealing with a condition of dry skin and the causes are mainly genetic predisposition, age, and conditions such as psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, etc.
In the second case, we are dealing with a condition of dehydration caused by environmental factors such as sun exposure, temperature, smoking, certain medications, or cosmetics that are not suitable for your skin. This case can therefore coexist with other skin conditions, such as oily or combination skin.
Substances to use
To treat skin dryness, our advice is to use:
- Humectant ingredients: such as polyols, glycerin, hyaluronic acid, alpha-hydroxy acids (glycolic acid, lactic acid), mucilages and pectins, betaine, collagen, NMF (Natural Moisturizing Factor) components, for example urea and amino acids, and allantoin.
- Emollient ingredients: such as ceramides, omega-3 and 6, squalene, and oils and plant butters such as olive oil, avocado oil, hemp oil, shea butter, cocoa butter, and beeswax.
- Vitamins: especially vitamin E and vitamin B5 (panthenol).
Also important are occlusive ingredients that prevent the evaporation of water from our skin, namely TEWL (Trans Epidermal Water Loss): petrolatum, such as petroleum jelly, and silicones.
Useful tips
Prefer oil-based cleansers, use a hydrating serum and/or a hydrating face cream always after cleansing, or whenever you feel the need.
Exfoliate with mild acids such as lactic or mandelic acid, avoiding using them, at first, more than three times a week: this is to avoid further damaging your skin barrier.
You may find the face oil useful, which you can use as the final step in your evening skincare routine. Never skip SPF: the sun leads to thickening and a delay in cell renewal, contributing to dryness.
And finally, pamper yourself: use hydrating masks even several times a week, which help improve the problem and the feeling of discomfort typical of this condition.
How to prevent skin dryness
Whether it is dry or dehydrated skin, to prevent it from worsening it is important to maintain the hydrolipidic film by promoting hydration, thus increasing the aqueous component (humectant ingredients) and replenishing the lipid component (emollient ingredients).
