Chronically dry skin and how to care for it
Chronically dry skin, also known as xerosis, is a condition in which the skin is chronically dehydrated and lacks natural moisture. This can be caused by internal and external factors, such as ageing, genetic predisposition, atopic eczema, psoriasis, but also the use of unsuitable cosmetics or the environment. Many people are unaware that their dry skin problems may be caused by chronic eczema, which is the result of frequent and repeated skin damage.
Causes of chronically dry skin:
Internal factors:
Ageing: With age, the production of sebum decreases, leading to dryness.
Genetic predisposition: Some people have a congenital tendency to dry skin.
Nutritional deficiencies: A lack of vitamins and minerals can negatively affect the condition of the skin.
External factors: Unsuitable cosmetics: Frequent use of harsh soaps and other products can dry out the skin.
Winter: Cold and dry air in winter can dry out the skin.
Sun exposure: Prolonged exposure to the sun can cause skin dehydration.
Impaired skin barrier: Chronic skin irritation and inflammation can lead to a breakdown of the barrier that protects the skin from drying out.
Paradoxically, frequent washing does not moisturise the skin, but dries it out. Using hot chlorinated water and alkaline soaps washes away the natural protective microfilm. Scrubbing with brushes or using solvents disrupts the structure of the skin. Rubbing the skin with a towel contributes to the formation of micro-cracks in the skin.
All this leads to the loss of the skin's defence mechanisms. At work, the skin is then exposed to additional stress in the form of various chemicals, dust and dirt, or it is strained by the mechanical repetition of a task. As a result, the skin becomes dry, tight, red, flaky and may itch.
The above symptoms are signs of chronic contact eczema. It most commonly appears on the back, palms and fingers, but can also occur on the face. This is usually a result of daily use of make-up and cosmetics.
Symptoms of chronically dry skin:
Dry and rough skin, Tight feeling of the skin, Flaky skin, Itching and redness of the skin, Cracks and fissures on the skin.
Care for chronically dry skin:
Hydration: Internal hydration through adequate fluid intake and moisturising cosmetics. Repeat moisturising whenever your skin feels dry and always after washing. Rub an unscented moisturising cream, e.g. with paraffin, glycerol or lanolin, into dry hands. Pay attention to the choice of cream, as some ingredients may not suit everyone.
Avoid aggressive products: Use soap-free soaps and other gentle products. Use unscented and dye-free soaps and gels with a pH of 5.5, which is the natural acidity level of the skin.
Regular cleansing: Gently cleanse the skin and avoid scrubbing.
Protection from external influences: Wear gloves in winter and sunscreen in summer.
Protective gloves must be worn at work. If latex gloves must be worn, it is advisable to wear cotton gloves underneath to prevent skin maceration. Barrier creams, such as Dermaguard, are an alternative.
We recommend using Dermaguard, a 2-in-1 barrier cream. The cream has two functions. It protects the skin from aggressive and allergenic substances for 4-6 hours and also effectively moisturises for the same amount of time. No further application is necessary after washing. The cream is non-greasy and fragrance-free.
If dry skin persists, itches and is painful, it is advisable to consult a dermatologist.
