Dry Skin

Table of Contents

1. An Introduction To Dry Skin
2. What Causes Dry Skin?
3. Skin Conditions Often Confused With Dry Skin
4. How To Treat & Manage Dry Skin
5. Conclusion
6. References

An Introduction To Dry Skin

Dry skin, medically known as xerosis, is a common dermatological condition that affects most people at some point in their life to some degree. It is characterized by rough or scaling skin and can significantly impact an individual's quality of life in more severe cases.

Dry skin can be influenced by a variety of factors, including environmental conditions, age, gender, and genetic makeup [1]. It can also be associated with certain health conditions, such as type 2 diabetes mellitus [2] and atopic dermatitis [3].

Sebum, secreted by the sebaceous glands within the skin, along with other epidermal lipids, helps maintain skin hydration by providing a protective lipid layer on the skin's surface, reducing fluid loss through the epidermis, the outermost layer of skin [4]. However, when the skin's hydration balance is disrupted, it can lead to dryness. This can be due to intrinsic factors like aging or external factors such as exposure to sunlight, extreme weather or skincare products. Certain genetic conditions can also lead to dry skin.

Treatment for dry skin often involves the application of moisturizers or lotions that contain ingredients that help the body to retain moisture and soothe the skin. In some cases, more targeted treatments may be required, such as the use of specific inhibitors for conditions like chronic itching.

What Causes Dry Skin?

Both internal and external influences can disrupt the skin's hydration balance, resulting in dryness. Here are some of the most common factors that can lead to dry skin:

• Extreme Weather Conditions. Low humidity levels can cause the skin to lose moisture and become dry. For many, dry skin becomes worse during Winter, but hot and dry environments can also lead to dry skin [5].
• Hot Showers or Baths. Hot water can strip the skin of its natural oils and cause dryness, so it’s important to shower with lukewarm water instead.
• Aging. As we age, our skin becomes thinner and less able to retain moisture.
• Medications. Certain medications, such as diuretics and antihistamines, can cause dryness of the skin.
• Health Conditions. Some health conditions can cause dry skin, for example type 2 diabetes mellitus can induce various dermatological conditions including dry skin [6]. Furthermore, eczema, psoriasis and other skin conditions can also cause dry skin.

Skin Conditions Often Confused With Dry Skin

Eczema vs Dry Skin

Also known as atopic dermatitis, dry skin can often be confused with eczema but is in fact a symptom of eczema and not eczema itself. Individuals with eczema often have red and itchy skin and it’s more common in children, although it can occur at any age. Treatment for both dry skin and eczema may be similar and can include moisturizing, but those suffering from more severe forms of eczema may require prescription-only treatments including topical steroids. We have a more detailed article on the causes, symptoms and treatments for eczema here.

Psoriasis vs Dry Skin

Psoriasis is caused by a rapid build up of cells forming thick, silvery scales that tend to be itchy, red and dry. Dry skin can be a symptom of psoriasis, and moisturising can help, but additional treatment may be required to treat psoriasis.

Source: www.clevelandclinic.org

Itchyosis vs Dry Skin

Itchyosis is a group of genetic skin disorders characterised by dry, scaling skin. Symptoms often appear at birth but can appear later in life. In addition to dry skin, more severe symptoms can include blistered skin, hair loss, skin infections and problems with hearing or eyesight [7].

How To Treat & Manage Dry Skin

Fortunately, dry skin can often be managed by making a few changes to your lifestyle and with a good skincare routine. Here are a few tips to follow to help manage dry skin:

Use A Good Moisturizer (including emollients, creams and lotions)

These are a mainstay of treatment for dry skin, helping it to retain moisture and improve symptoms. They are especially effective after a lukewarm shower whilst the skin is still damp, helping to lock in moisture. Some types of moisturizers known as occlusives form a barrier on the skin to prevent moisture loss [8]. Thicker creams tend to offer more hydration than lotions.

Choose Gentle Skincare Products

Use mild, fragrance-free cleansers to clean the skin. Look for ingredients that can help the body to retain moisture, such as hyaluronic acid, colloidal oatmeal and glycerin.

Avoid Products With Harsh Chemicals

It’s important to avoid certain triggers, such as products that can dry the skin out and may include harsh chemicals.

Use Hypoallergenic Laundry Detergent

For some with dry, sensitive skin, laundry detergent can be irritating so try to find ones that are hypoallergenic and less likely to irritate the skin.

Stay Warm, But Not Too Warm

The cold can make dry skin worse, but so can extreme heat. Make sure you stay warm in the winter, and don’t get too hot in the summer.

Use A Humidifier

A humidifier will add moisture to the air and help help to prevent dry skin, especially during the winter months when indoor air tends to be drier [9].

Dry skin can be a symptom of a more serious condition, and if you suspect this is the case and over the counter products aren’t helping, you should consult a GP.

Conclusion

In conclusion, dry skin, also known as xerosis, is a very common condition that affects most people at some stage in their life. Often temporary or seasonal, it’s characterized by a lack of moisture in the skin, which can lead to itching, redness, and flaking.

The causes of dry skin can be varied, but it’s commonly caused by external factors such as weather or bathing habits. Treatment for dry skin includes moisturizing and avoiding certain triggers such as harsh chemicals or hot showers.

Consult with a dermatologist or healthcare professional if you have any concerns about your dry skin, as they can help to determine the underlying cause and develop an individualized treatment plan. Remember that while dry skin is a common and benign condition, it can be uncomfortable and embarrassing for some, so it’s important to take steps to manage it effectively and to maintain good skincare habits. With the right treatment and care, it is possible to alleviate the symptoms of dry skin and improve the overall appearance and feel of your skin.

References

[1] Murphy, B., Grimshaw, S., Hoptroff, M., Paterson, S., Arnold, D., Cawley, A., Adams, S.E., Falciani, F., Dadd, T., Eccles, R., Mitchell, A., Lathrop, W.F., Marrero, D., Yarova, G., Villa, A., Bajor, J.S., Feng, L., Mihalov, D. and Mayes, A.E. (2022). Alteration of barrier properties, stratum corneum ceramides and microbiome composition in response to lotion application on cosmetic dry skin. Scientific Reports, 12(1). doi:https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-022-09231-8.

[2] Hidehisa Sekijima, Goto, K., Hiramoto, K., Komori, R. and Ooi, K. (2018). Characterization of dry skin associating with type 2 diabetes mellitus using a KK-Ay/TaJcl mouse model. Cutaneous and Ocular Toxicology, 37(4), pp.391–395. doi:https://doi.org/10.1080/15569527.2018.1490746.

[3] Weber, T., Arrowitz, C., Scherdin, U.D., Schoelermann, A.M., & Filbry, A.W. (2017). A Moisturizing Spray Ointment to Help Alleviate Dry Skin Symptoms Associated with Atopic Eczema, Psoriasis, and Xerosis.

[4] Zanna, N. (2015). Defeating dry skin: treatments, topical ingredients and the role of nutrition. Journal of Aesthetic Nursing, 4, 478-485.

[5] Lugović-Mihić, L., Špiljak, B., Blagec, T., Delaš Aždajić, M., Franceschi, N., Gašić, A., & Parać, E. (2023). Factors Participating in the Occurrence of Inflammation of the Lips (Cheilitis) and Perioral Skin. Cosmetics.

[6] Hidehisa Sekijima, Goto, K., Hiramoto, K., Komori, R. and Ooi, K. (2018). Characterization of dry skin associating with type 2 diabetes mellitus using a KK-Ay/TaJcl mouse model. Cutaneous and Ocular Toxicology, 37(4), pp.391–395. doi:https://doi.org/10.1080/15569527.2018.1490746.

[7] NHS Choices (2019). Ichthyosis. [online] NHS. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/ichthyosis/.

[8] Hong, S., Maitra, P., Nguyen, A., Kadoya, K., Mehta, R.C. and SelwanLewis, E. (2023). Development of an In Vitro Functional Assay to Evaluate the Occlusive Properties of Moisturizers on Dry Skin. Skin Pharmacology and Physiology. doi:https://doi.org/10.1159/000529630.

[9] Bouwer, A. (2014). Tips on how to eliminate winter skin problems. South African Pharmacist's Assistant, 14, 36-37.