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Why is My Skin so Dry? Dry Skin Causes, Treatment, & Prevention

Uncover the causes, remedies, and preventative measures for dry skin

What's in this article?

What is Dry Skin?

Dry skin, also known as Xerosis, is a common skin concern marked by often rough and flaky skin that can be caused by various reasons, including a deficit in skin’s natural oils, harsh weather conditions, or excessive washing.

Dry skin can affect all ages and, in many cases, is easily treatable. By adopting a skincare routine for dry skin along with other remedies, you can minimize discomfort and enhance the appearance of your skin. Read on to learn about dry skin causes, how to help dry skin, and ways to help prevent it from coming back.

4 Common symptoms of dry skin

Recognizing the signs of dry skin is essential for effective skincare management. Some common dry skin symptoms include:

  1. Tightness or a feeling of "pulling" on the skin, especially after washing
  2. Rough or flaky patches, often more noticeable in certain areas like the elbows, knees, and heels
  3. Itchiness from dryness, which can sometimes lead to scratching and further irritation
  4. In severe cases, skin may become irritated or inflamed. In these cases, be sure to contact your dermatologist for proper diagnosis and treatment.
 

What causes dry skin? 5 common dry skin symptoms

young woman using Nivea shower gel

1. Skin Condition

Dry skin can be caused by low sebum production in the skin. Sebum is an oily, waxy substance produced by the skin’s sebaceous glands that helps to create a protective coating and moisture barrier against water evaporation. Factors like age and certain genetic predispositions can lead to lower sebum production. Dry skin could be a sign of a more serious skin condition such as eczema or psoriasis. If this is a concern, it is best to seek professional medical advice to find a solution for your skin type.

2. Heat

Hot Showers or Baths: Hot water can strip the skin of its natural oils so using warm water, not hot, and limiting shower or bath time can help preserve your skin's moisture.

Indoor Heating and Air Conditioning: Using indoor heating and cooling can strip the moisture from the air and contribute to dry skin.

 

3. Weather and the environment

Low Humidity Levels: During dry and cold weather, moisture evaporates more quickly from the skin, leaving it dry.

Exposure to Harsh Elements: Wind, sun, and extreme temperatures can damage the skin's natural barrier, leading to moisture loss.

Frequent Flyer: Recycled air in planes has low humidity levels, which can strip moisture from the skin, leaving it feeling tight and dry.

4. Age and Health Factors

Age: As people get older, their skin tends to produce less sebum, which can result in dryness.

Medical conditions: Certain medical conditions like hypothyroidism or medications can also cause dry skin. If you suspect you may have a health condition or are taking a medication that may be contributing to dry skin, be sure to seek medical advice from a healthcare professional.

5. Too Much Bathing and Scrubbing

Harsh Soaps and Cleansers: Harsh chemicals can disrupt the skin's pH balance and strip away its natural oils, leaving it dry and vulnerable. 

Over-washing: Washing the skin too frequently can remove its protective oils and disrupt its natural moisture balance. It's essential to cleanse the skin gently and only as needed to avoid dryness, but for some professions, like athletes who may shower multiple times a day, or healthcare or food service workers who are frequently washing their hands, this may not be possible. When frequent showering or handwashing is unavoidable, ensuring regular use of body moisturizer and hand moisturizer like NIVEA® Essentially Enriched Hand Cream after cleansing can help to prevent dry skin from surfacing. 
Can you get rid of dry skin?

How to reduce dry skin symptoms – 7 dry skin remedies

Certain lifestyle habits, combined with a consistent skincare routine, can help promote healthy-looking skin. Let’s look at how to help dry skin using the following remedies:
1. Moisturize regularly

Consistency is key in skincare, and regular moisturizing ensures that your skin stays hydrated and looks its best over the long term. 

For dry skin on the body, try NIVEA Intense Healing Body Lotion. Enriched with Provitamin B5, it relieves very dry, rough skin and provides up to 72 hours of moisture for healthy-looking skin.

NIVEA Body Lotions
2. Avoid hot water when bathing

Opt for lukewarm water instead of hot water when showering or bathing, as hot water can strip the skin of its natural oils.

3. Wear breathable clothing

Choose breathable fabrics like cotton or linen, especially if you have dry skin. Avoid wearing tight clothing that can trap moisture and rub against your skin and promote irritation.
 
A woman applying NIVEA lotion
A boy holding the NIVEA Creme
4. Stay hydrated

Drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your skin hydrated from the inside out.

5. Humidify the air

Use a humidifier in your home, especially during the winter months, to add moisture to the air and help prevent your skin from drying out.

6. Protect your skin from the sun

Wear sunscreen when spending time outdoors to protect your skin from sun damage, to prevent skin sensitivity and skin dryness. In addition to sunscreen, be sure to use other sun protection measures and use and reapply sunscreen products as directed.

7. Consult a dermatologist

If your dry skin persists despite trying these remedies, or if you experience severe symptoms like cracking or bleeding, it's important to consult a dermatologist for further evaluation and treatment options.
 

How to Help Prevent Dry Skin

When it comes to dry skin, it’s always better to try to prevent it before it starts. Thankfully, the top tips for helping to prevent dry skin are similar to the remedies for how to fix dry skin, so whether you’re already experiencing symptoms or not, there are several simple measures you can take to help prevent dry skin from starting or getting worse. This includes prioritizing hydration through:

  1. Incorporating a moisturizing daily skincare routine
  2. Avoiding over-washing your skin
  3. Protecting your skin from harsh weather and sun damage
  4. Drinking lots of water to stay hydrated
  5. Using a humidifier
 
Facts Overview

Dry Skin

Symptoms:
Skin dryness on the body can appear as rough or flaky patches, often more noticeable in certain areas like the hands, elbows, knees, and heels.

Causes:
Low sebum production, exposure to harsh weather conditions, excessive washing, and indoor heating or air conditioning systems can cause dry skin by taking out the skin's moisture.

Remedies:
Apply a hydrating moisturizer to your face and body after cleansing to lock in moisture, wear breathable clothing, protect your skin from sun damage and humidify the air.

Preventative:
Maintaining a consistent skincare routine is vital for managing skin that is dry, as it helps replenish moisture, supports the skin's natural moisture barrier, and supports healthy-looking skin.

Men and Dry Skin

man using NIVEA MEN Sensitive 0% Alcohol Post Shave Balm
Men often face unique challenges when it comes to dry skin, primarily due to differences in skincare habits and lifestyle factors. A common challenge includes shaving, which can make the skin more sensitive and reactive.

On average, men who shave subject their skin to 16,000 shaves in a lifetime and up to 40% of men have shaving-related skin problems including dry skin. Shaving removes the uppermost layer of skin cells, which exposes particularly sensitive skin. In addition, shaving can strip away the skin's natural oils, leading to dryness and irritation. 

Use a shaving foam appropriate for sensitive skin, such NIVEA MEN Sensitive Shaving Foam, before shaving and follow up with hydrating NIVEA MEN Sensitive Post Shave Balm, enriched with Chamomile and Vitamin E to help soothe dry skin.

After shaving and applying a post-shave balm, use a facial moisturizer all over the face to help keep skin feeling smooth and hydrated. NIVEA Sensitive Face Lotion with Broad Spectrum SPF 15 Sunscreen is a fast-absorbing lotion that moisturizes dry skin for 24 hours* and helps provide skin with protection against harmful UVA/UVB rays from the sun.*
*for sun protection, use as directed
NIVEA Men Facial Skincare

Skincare Routine for Dry Skin

Dry skin is a common issue that appears on various areas of the body, including legs, arms, and face. Adopting a consistent and effective routine can help to address existing dry skin and prevent it from reappearing.

Skincare routine tips to help dry skin

Dry skin is a common issue that appears on various areas of the body, including legs, arms, and face. Adopting a consistent and effective skincare routine for your face and body can help to address existing dry skin and help prevent it from reappearing. Here are some tips for helping dry skin to incorporate into your skincare routine.

Cleanse: Use a gentle, non-stripping cleanser appropriate for your skin type such as NIVEA Sensitive & Radiant Body Wash to remove impurities and excess oil without drying out the skin. You may also wish to use an in-shower body lotion such as NIVEA Cocoa Butter In-Shower Body Lotion. The water-activated formula moisturizes instantly and leaves skin feeling soft and smooth.

Exfoliate: Incorporate a mild exfoliator 2-3 times a week to remove dead skin cells, revealing the smoother skin.

Moisturize: When the skin is damp after showering or bathing, to help provide deep hydration, apply a rich, nourishing moisturizer such as NIVEA® Essentially Enriched Body Cream. This body moisturizing cream is appropriate for normal to very dry skin and offers a dermatologically-tested, intensively moisturizing formula enriched with Deep Moisture Serum and Almond Oil to moisturize skin for 48 hours.

For a moisturizer that you can use on your face as well as your body, try NIVEA® Soft, a lightweight, non-greasy, fast-absorbing moisturizing cream enriched with Jojoba Oil and Vitamin E to promote soft, supple feeling skin.

NIVEA® Soft

Keep Lips Feeling Hydrated With Nourishing Lip Balm

Just like your body, lips need nourishing treatment too. Whether you’re looking for a hydrating formula like NIVEA Dewy Lip Care enriched with Hyaluronic Acid, or a touch of tint like with NIVEA Blackberry Lip Care, applying a nourishing lip balm can help support healthy-looking skin and keep your lips feeling soft and smooth. 
NIVEA Lip Care

Summary

Dry skin is a common skin type caused by a shortage of moisture and natural oils in the skin. Consider environmental factors and lifestyle choices when looking into the specific reasoning behind your dry skin and adopt a new skincare routine with hydrating products. Follow the tips provided to address current dry skin concerns and help prevent future dryness, leaving you feeling confident in your own skin.

FAQs

Does drinking water help dry skin?

It does not directly replenish moisture in the skin's moisture barrier - however, drinking water can help with overall hydration. To reduce dry skin, regular use of a skin care moisturizer is important to help hydrate skin from the outside, and applying after bathing or showering helps to lock in moisture.

What causes extremely dry skin?

Extremely dry skin can be caused by cold or dry weather, sun damage, harsh soaps, and overbathing.

Why isn't my moisturiser helping my dry skin?

If your skin feels tight or dry after applying moisturizer, it could be that the product is not hydrating enough, or your skin might need more than just moisturization, such as exfoliation and a hydrating serum. If your dry skin persists even with the use of dry skin moisturizers, contact your dermatologist for further advice.

How many times a day should I moisturise dry skin?

It’s ideal to moisturize dry skin twice a day, typically in the morning and evening. If you have dry skin on your hands, apply a moisturizing hand cream after washing and drying your hands to help replenish moisture.

Will dry skin repair itself?

Dry skin can heal itself to some extent, however, if problems persist, contact a medical professional for further advice.

What is the best way to clean dry skin?

The best way to clean dry skin is by using a gentle, hydrating cleanser specifically targeted for dry skin.

What happens when your skin is too dry?

Untreated or severely dry skin can cause your skin to become irritated. Dry skin should be treated to prevent further damage to the skin. If your dry skin has become inflamed, be sure to contact a dermatologist for further assistance.

Products for dry skin

The information provided herein is not intended to be medical advice. Nor is it intended to treat the underlying skin disease or condition. The information is provided solely to: 

1. Moisturize, soften and smooth dry skin
2. Improve the appearance of the skin
3. Achieve healthier-looking skin

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