Can’t seem to figure out why you’ve suddenly got tight, flaky skin even though your skin type was oily until now? You’re probably suffering from Dry skin or Xerosis. Yup, you read that right. Dry skin isn’t just a skin type, it’s a condition which can be caused at any age due to a wide range of factors. Keep reading to find out all you need to know about dry skin on face.
Symptoms of Dry Skin
Dry skin is associated with-
- Itchiness
- Peeling
- Flaking
- Powdery or chalky appearance of the skin
- Feeling of tightness of the skin
- Fine lines
- Cracks which may bleed
- Dullness
What causes Dry Skin?
Dry skin could be a result of –
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Weather- Low humidity levels in the atmosphere could
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Genetics- Genetics can be a contributing factor to having dry skin. According to research, mutation in a gene which controls the synthesis of a protein that is essential for forming a healthy skin barrier and hydrated skin can increase the likelihood of developing skin conditions like eczema.
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Skin Care Products- Some skincare products could be the ones causing dry skin on face. Products with fragrance may irritate the skin leading to a compromised epidermal barrier and transepidermal water loss. Also, using ingredients like Hyaluronic Acid, AHAs, BHAs and Retinol etc. incorrectly, could cause more damage than good. So it’s extremely important to be careful while using any ingredient.
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Dehydration- Not providing sufficient hydration to the body can not only cause dry skin, it can cause the skin to appear dull, lose its elasticity and age faster. So, this is your cue to go grab a glass of water.
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Using excessively hot water for showers/baths- Hot water can strip moisture off of your skin and damage your epidermal barrier, and by now we know that’s a bad thing. Epidermal barrier plays an essential role in keeping the skin hydrated.
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Harsh chemicals- Harsh chemicals have an effect similar to hot water, they wreak havoc on the skin by damaging the epidermal barrier.
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Certain health conditions- Health conditions such as hypothyroidism, diabetes or skin conditions like eczema can also be a cause for dry skin.
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Certain Medications- Some medication, and ingredients such as Retinol can also become a cause for skin dryness.
Risk factors for Dry Skin
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Weather- Living in cold, dry climates increases the risk of having dry skin.
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Genetics- Genetics also puts you at an increased risk for having dry skin. If dry skin is a condition that runs in your family, then you’re genetically predisposed to developing dry skin.
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Age- The oils produced by the skin, keep the skin moisturised and are essential to maintain a healthy epidermal barrier. As you get older, the rate of sebum production naturally declines. Due to this, older people are more susceptible to developing dry skin.
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Excessive exposure to water- Taking long showers, prolonged exposure to water through swimming, or any other way could be a risk factor leading to dryness.
How to treat Dry skin?
From making small lifestyle changes to using products designed for dry skin, there’s many ways to treat Dry skin.
- Moisturise, moisturise and moisturise all the way! Look for emollients and occlusives while choosing products. Occlusives are ingredients which seal the skin to prevent moisture loss, while emollients are ingredients that deeply moisturise the skin. Make sure to include this in your routine and moisturise after every time you wash your face, ideally twice a day.
- Avoid taking long hot water showers/baths.
- Hydrate yourself from within by drinking plenty of water.
- Avoid using harsh soaps and stick to a mildly formulated one to avoid stripping your skin of moisture.
- If you live in dry climates, consider using a humidifier.
Ingredients for Dry skin
Certain ingredients can be your saving grace if you suffer from dry skin. These ingredients work in multiple ways to tackle dryness.
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Hyaluronic Acid- Hyaluronic Acid is a humectant which works by attracting moisture from the atmosphere and holding it on the skin. It’s touted to be one of the best ingredients to hydrate the skin, as it is said to hold up to 1000 times its weight in water. Although it occurs naturally in the body, its levels decline with age making it essential to add it in your skincare routine.
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Niacinamide- Niacinamide soothes dry skin on face while repairing a damaged barrier, preventing moisture loss. It works well with other ingredients, so it can easily be included in your routine.
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Glycerine- Similar to Hyaluronic Acid, Glycerine is also a humectant. This star ingredient is non-comedogenic and hydrating, and can be found in many skincare products, giving you plenty of options combined with other ingredients to choose from.
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Vitamin E- Vitamin E has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and can act as an occlusive when applied to the skin, making it the perfect addition for your dry skincare routine.
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Ceramides- Ceramides are called ‘the building blocks of the skin’. Ceramides are essential for a healthy epidermal barrier. They work by holding the skin cells together, repairing on a cellular level resulting in smooth, healthy and plump skin.
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Lactic Acid- Although an Alpha-Hydroxy Acid, Lactic Acid has hydrating properties, which the dry skin type can especially benefit from. Besides, having dry skin doesn’t mean you shouldn’t exfoliate. Exfoliators, both physical and chemical, can be too harsh for dry skin, and that’s where Lactic Acid comes in. It’s a gentle exfoliator that’s also hydrating making it suitable to be used by dry skin types.
Deconstruct’s range of products for dry skin
This unique serum combines two of the best ingredients for dry skin. With 2% Hyaluronic Acid and 1% Niacinamide, the serum has a mild formula which will be well tolerated by all skin types alike. It hydrates while repairing the skin barrier.
A serum with 5% Niacinamide and 2% Alpha Arbutin, it offers multiple benefits such as hydration, brightening, removal of pigmentation and age spots.
With a higher concentration of Niacinamide, this serum works to brighten the skin whilst preventing moisture loss. The 0.3% Alpha Arbutin works to improve the overall appearance of the skin by fading pigmentation, scars and dark spots.
Conclusion
Dry skin, a skin condition characterised by roughness, appearance of scales and cracks, peeling can be caused by a variety of reasons. While dealing with dry skin can be pestering, but with the right ingredients and small changes to your skincare routine, it can be manageable.
FAQs
- Can dry skin be permanently treated?
Dry skin can be caused by a wide range of reasons. Determining the cause and taking precautions may help in getting rid of dry skin temporarily but it is likely to reappear.
- What causes your skin to be dry even after you moisturise and drink water?
If your dry skin doesn’t seem to budge even after you’ve moisturised and hydrated, it’s likely that you have a damaged epidermal barrier. This means that even though you’re moisturising and hydrating, none of that is staying in. A healthy epidermal barrier is extremely important to prevent transepidermal water loss. Focus on using ingredients like Niacinamide and Ceramides to repair your skin barrier.
