How to effectively care for dry skin in winter

Winter can be a real challenge for the skin, especially when it comes to dry skin is concerned. Cold temperatures, dry heating air and surrounding weather conditions contribute significantly to skin dehydration. These conditions can weaken the skin's natural barrier and cause it to appear both flaky and irritated.

Dry skin is not only unpleasant, but can also indicate other health problems. Various symptoms, from itching to cracking, are often familiar to those affected. A thorough diagnosis and understanding the causes are essential steps in treating the skin optimally in winter.

In this article you will learn how to dry skin effectively, which products and home remedies help best and which common mistakes you should avoid. We give you practical tips to improve your skin hydration and explain when it is necessary to see a dermatologist.

Causes Dry skin

Dry skinalso known as xerosis, is usually caused by impaired lipid and moisture regulation. Inflammatory skin diseases such as neurodermatitis and psoriasis often contribute to dry skin. dry skin contribute to dry skin. Metabolic diseases such as diabetes and kidney disease also increase the risk. Certain acne medications strip the skin of its natural oils, which dries it out. Too little fluid intake, too much sugar and malnutrition can have a negative impact on the appearance of the skin.

Internal factors

1. Lack of lipids: Ceramides and omega fatty acids are important for the skin surface. Their absence often leads to dryness.
2. Filaggrin deficiency: This protein is essential for skin function. A deficiency can lead to dry skin lead to dry skin.
3. Insufficient NMF: Without natural moisturizing factors, the skin cannot retain enough moisture.
4. Lack of enzymes: Enzymes that organize cells are indispensable. Their deficiency impairs the skin structure.
5. Disturbed hydrolipid film: A weakened film increases moisture loss and worsens the skin.

External factors

External influences such as weather conditions have a strong effect on the skin. Hot, cold and dry air increase the skin dryness. Facial skin, compared to other parts of the body, is more exposed to external factors. Seasonal changes, especially in winter and summer, exacerbate dry skin. Cold weather leads to changes that further dry out the skin. Incorrect facial care and soaps that remove natural oils are also known causes.

Suitable skin care and a conscious lifestyle help, dry skin effectively.

Symptoms and signs

Symptoms and signs Dry skin

Dry skinalso known as xerosis, shows various symptoms. These include feelings of tightness, roughness and occasional itching or burning. A doctor recognizes dry skin based on objective criteria such as pale skin, flaking and cracks. A lack of elasticity is also apparent.

Typical symptoms:

• Feeling of tension: Increased skin tension.
• Roughness: Surface feels uneven.
• Itching/burning: Occasional discomfort.
• Pale skin: Pale and dull appearance.
• Scaling: Visible skin scales.
• Cracks: Especially with very dry skin.

Irregularities on the surface of the skin are dry skin particularly pronounced. This makes visual diagnosis easier. In children in particular, dry skin can promote the development of eczema such as pityriasis alba.

There are different gradations dry skin. Very dry skin can cause severe flaking and an unpleasant skin sensation. Timely detection and treatment help to alleviate the symptoms and avoid complications.

Diagnosis of the extremely dry skin

The diagnosis of extremely dry skinalso known as xerosis, is based on a careful examination of the skin type and certain signs. Typical features are scaling and cracks.

Symptoms Dry skin:

• Feeling of tightness
• roughness
• Itching
• burning sensation

Experts identify dry skin by a pale skin color, inflammation and lack of elasticity. With very dry skin often shows irregular skin surfaces and a weakened protective barrier. This is due to a disturbed hydrolipid film.

Possible causes:

• Diabetes
• Kidney diseases

These diseases increase the risk of dry skin and are included in the diagnosis.

Overview of the signs

A doctor looks at all these factors in order to make an accurate diagnosis and suggest the right treatment.

Tips for improving skin hydration

Dry skin can be uncomfortable, but there are effective solutions to care for it. Here are some tried and tested tips:

1. GlycerinThis attracts water and holds it in the skin. It acts as a long-term moisturizer and smoothes the skin.
2. Panthenol (dexpanthenol): Helps to improve the moisture of the outermost skin layer. It reduces water loss and supports natural regeneration.
3. Urea: Promotes moisture absorption and makes the skin soft and supple. Particularly useful for dry skin.
4. Vitamin CStimulates blood circulation and protects against free radicals. This can improve skin hydration.
5. Natural ingredientsAvocado and similar ingredients provide intensive care and nourishment. They are for dry skin very suitable.

Here is a brief overview:

These tips help to improve the appearance of the skin and dry skin with the right care.

Special care for different skin types

Dry skin can occur for many reasons. It is important to choose the right care products to improve the condition of the skin. Vitamin deficiencies, especially vitamin C, can make the skin more sensitive. In addition, diseases such as diabetes or neurodermatitis may require special care. Hormonal changes, such as during pregnancy, also affect the skin. Aloe vera is an excellent choice for moisturizing the skin.

Dry skin on the face

Dry facial skin can be uncomfortably tight and is often more sensitive. External influences, such as a damaged skin barrier, cause moisture to evaporate. To prevent this, care products with moisturizing factors should be used. These help to retain moisture in the skin. A good indoor climate without dry heating air can also protect facial skin.

Dry skin on the body

Especially on the arms and legs dry skin care. A moisturizing lotion such as LIPIKAR Lait Urea 10 % can help to soothe the skin. Athletes who spend a lot of time in the water should take good care of their skin, as chlorine can dry it out. Mild cleansers are important to avoid further irritating the skin. Soaps that are too aggressive should be avoided so as not to increase dryness.

These tips and products will help, dry skin and improve the complexion.

Common mistakes in skin care

Common skin care mistakes often revolve around false assumptions. Many believe that dry skin cannot get acne. But even dry, acne-prone facial skin also develops blemishes.

Another mistake is neglecting to moisturize. If natural moisturizing factors are missing, the facial skin dries out and feels tight and rough. Creams with ingredients such as urea and lactate help to regulate skin moisture and thus smooth the skin.

Common mistakes:

• Not using a moisturizer
• Neglecting UV protection
• Forgetting to visit the dermatologist in case of problems

Many people underestimate the importance of UV protection. Ageing and sensitive facial skin in particular needs protection from UVA and UVB light to prevent damage and wrinkles.

When moisturizers are used on extreme dryness are not enough, it is important to consult a doctor. Certain skin conditions require medical treatment.

The right treatment starts with knowing your own skin needs. With the right care and attention, you can maintain a healthy, smooth complexion.

When should you see a dermatologist?

Dry skin can be annoying, especially if it also itches, burns or feels uncomfortably tight. In such cases, it is advisable to visit a dermatologist.

Symptoms that require medical attention:

• Cracking and severe flaking: Visible skin changes.
• Signs of inflammation: Possible need for medical examination.
• Non-responsive skin care products: If usual remedies do not help or symptoms worsen.

The dermatologist can carry out special examinations. These include biopsies or blood tests. These help to diagnose skin diseases such as psoriasis or ichthyosis. In the case of suspected allergies, an allergy test can provide information about the causes.

Advantages of a visit to the dermatologist:

• Targeted diagnosis: Recognizes the cause of the dry skin.
• Individual treatment: Based on special methods and test results.

If your skin is uncomfortably dry and no simple care helps, an appointment with a dermatologist could be the next step.

Conclusion

Dry skin often occurs when the skin's natural oil and moisture regulation is disturbed. During the cold season in particular, many people suffer from unpleasant feelings of tightness and itching. To avoid this, the right care is crucial.

Care tips dry skin:

1. Gentle cleansing products: Use mild cleansers that are specially formulated for dry facial skin are suitable.
2. Intensive moisture: Choose a cream for treatment that contains glycerine and shea butter. These ingredients help to strengthen the skin's protective barrier and retain moisture.
3. Improve the indoor climate: Regulate the heating and use a humidifier to create a good indoor climate.

In addition to proper care, other measures such as diet and drinking enough water can also support skin health. Regular medical consultations and special blood tests can help to rule out internal illnesses. Mental illnesses and existing illnesses should also be taken into account if the symptoms are persistent. With the right treatment, the appearance of the skin can be noticeably improved.

Treatment dry skin

Dry skin requires special care. Rich skin care after cleansing helps to keep facial skin smooth and supple. Special moisturizers retain moisture in the skin. Home remedies such as avocado and aloe vera are excellent for improving skin elasticity.

For relief dry skin it is important to drink enough water. Use mild, well-tolerated cleansing and care products.

Tips for the treatment of dry skin:

1. Use special moisturizers.
2. Incorporate avocado and aloe vera into your skin care routine.
3. Drink plenty of water.
4. Make sure you use mild cleansing products.

Certain medications such as cortisone keep the skin dry. Diuretics can also affect the fluid balance. If necessary, speak to a doctor to find suitable alternatives.

Recommended care products:

The right care keeps the skin healthy and hydrated.

Skin is sensitive - dry skin especially

Dry skin can be unpleasant. Feelings of tightness and itching are common symptoms. This is because dry skin often produces too little sebum, which leads to a lack of moisture and oil. These problems can occur more frequently during the cold season in particular.

Causes of dry skin:

• Genetic predispositionSome people have a hereditary tendency to produce less sebum.
• Nutrition: An unbalanced diet can affect the appearance of the skin.
• CosmeticsCertain ingredients can cause intolerances.
• Weather influences: Cold and wind dry out the skin even more.

To dry facial skin is the right care is crucial. A cream for treatment dry facial skin should be intensely moisturizing and tailored to the needs of sensitive facial skin. Use lukewarm water to cleanse the skin, as hot water can also dry it out.

Care tips:

• Moisturizers with active ingredients.
• On one balanced diet pay attention.
• Warm clothing to protect the skin from the cold.

Medical treatment may be necessary if problems persist. A doctor can carry out special blood tests to rule out internal diseases.

What causes very dry skin?

Very dry skin can be caused by various external and internal factors. External factors include cold and UV radiation, which damage the skin's lipid barrier. This causes the skin to lose moisture. Low humidity in heated or air-conditioned rooms also worsens the symptoms.

Here are some common causes of dry skin at a glance:

• Prolonged contact with water: Long baths or frequent hand washing remove protective skin lipids.
• Metabolic diseases: Diseases such as diabetes and kidney problems disrupt moisture regulation.
• Inadequate nutrition: A lack of vitamins and minerals as well as high consumption of alcohol and sugar favor Skin dryness.

Table: Main causes and their effects

It is important to recognize these factors and take measures to protect and care for the skin where necessary.

What dries out the skin: Internal and external influences

Internal factors:

• Increasing age: The skin's water balance changes with age. Hormonal fluctuations, such as during the menopause, exacerbate this problem.
• Stress: Stress hormones can not only dry skinbut also cause redness and stress spots.

External influences:

• Cold season: Dry, cold air, especially in winter due to heating air, lowers the humidity and removes moisture from the skin.
• Calcareous water: Leaves residue that dries out and irritates the skin.
• Hot water: Attacks the skin's natural oil film and weakens the protective barrier.

Care tips:

1. Use lukewarm water: Avoid hot water to preserve the skin's oily film.
2. Intensive moisturizing care: Use suitable creams especially for dry and ageing facial skin.
3. Choose the right treatment: Adapted products for acne-prone and sensitive facial skin help to prevent dehydration.

With the right care and attention, many causes of acne can be prevented. dry skin can be avoided or alleviated.

Source: istockphoto Eleganza