SKIN CARE

1 min read

What is Dry Skin?

December 5, 2016

What is Dry Skin?
This is what’s really going on with your skin in the winter.

The Basics

Dry skin, also known as xerosis, can appear anywhere on the body and is characterized by skin that looks flaky and rough, and feels tight and itchy. Rarely serious, dry skin can still look unpleasant and cause embarrassment, particularly when it develops on the face. Mildly dry skin can rob the complexion of its luster and cause dull skin, while severely dry skin may cause white, scaly patches and lead to the early formation of lines and wrinkles.

The Science

Healthy skin gets its soft, supple texture from its water content, as well as from a thin coating of natural lipids. Dry skin results when there is a reduction of water content and lipids in the stratum corneum–the outermost layer of the epidermis mostly consisting of several layers of dead skin cells–leaving behind visible dry skin patches. Environmental factors, certain health concerns, or even a genetic predisposition can cause this depletion of water content and lipids.

Why We Get it

Often, these dry patches on your face can flare up despite moisturizing and practicing a good skincare routine. Causes of dry skin range from changes in the weather to medical conditions. Aging women are particularly susceptible to having dry skin because as we grow older, facial skin thins and has more difficulty retaining moisture. Women who are also experiencing hormonal changes due to pregnancy, menstruation, or menopause may also suffer from this skin type.

How to Fix it

Left untreated, dry skin can lead to inflammation (dermatitis), redness, and infection. The good news is that for most people, dry skin relatively is easy to prevent and treatments are generally external. So don’t give up and resign yourself to a life of uncomfortably dry skin–the solution may be much easier than you think. Still wondering why your skin is so dry? Learn the 6 most common causes of dry skin >
What is dryness?
Need a fix ASAP? The high-tech LUNA™ skincare devices from FOREO gently remove dead skin cells to leave you with a healthy, happy glow.
 
Disclaimer: The information on this website and any related links are for general informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional advice. Do not use the information on this website for diagnosing or treating any medical or health condition. If you have or suspect you have a medical problem, contact a professional healthcare provider.

Leave a comment

About text formats

Plain text

  • No HTML tags allowed.
  • Lines and paragraphs break automatically.
  • Web page addresses and email addresses turn into links automatically.
More articles
208 articles
Pop Art Style Drawing of a Pretty Teenage Girl With Acne Looking At The Mirror
CONCERNS

Closed Comedones: Causes, Treatment, and Prevention

When it comes to achieving clear and smooth skin, closed comedones are often an unwelcome obstacle. These small, flesh-colored, or white bumps can appear on the skin, especially on the face, and are a type of acne.
A caucasian woman face closeup, holding a natural sponge with large pores and washing her face
SKIN CARE

Pore Chores: 7 Ways to Unclog ‘Em

Did you know that an adult has around 5 million pores all over the body, except for the palms and the soles of the feet? Pores are the tiny openings through which the oil, or sebum, produced by your body is transmitted to the surface of your skin.
SKIN CARE

Simple Solutions That Can Help Prevent Acne

When it comes to keeping your skin in shape, it's not always easy. Many of us have felt the same before an important meeting or a big date – the horror of finding a massive pimple emerging. But did you know there are amazingly simple and effective ways to make sure this scenario never happens aga
A young African-American girl with curly hair and glowing skin
SKIN CARE

The Top Products for Dumping Dull Skin & Getting Brightness Back

Reclaiming radiance doesn’t need to break the bank; we’ll let you know the best products from Sephora shelves and your kitchen cupboard alike! Natural Solutions An expensive product isn’t always better. If you’ve noticed your skin has lost some of its luster, the most likely causes are the b