Dry Skin (Sebostasis)

Dry skin looks enviable when it is young. Skin blemishes, oily shine, hypersensitivity and large pores are not found here. But with age, it needs a lot of care, because the sebaceous glands produce too little fat. As a result, a sufficiently thick protective film of fat cannot form on the skin.

Faster wrinkle formation with dry skin

The horny layer suffers from this in particular, because the skin cells are no longer as close together. Microscopic gaps form through which the skin loses moisture and through which harmful environmental influences reach it almost unhindered. The rapid drying of the skin causes wrinkles to form at an early stage. As with oily skin, the predisposition to dry skin is usually inherited. In Germany, about 20-35% of people have dry skin.

Its appearance is dull and dull, it is dry and brittle and has small pores. The symptoms range from a slight feeling of tightness, flaky, sensitive or cracked skin to redness and itching. Low elasticity and increased risk of infection characterize this skin type, which is very similar to sensitive skin.

Causes of dry skin

In addition to hereditary predisposition, internal influences such as overload, stress, incorrect diet, medication intake or stimulants also play a role. Dry skin can be a symptom of a skin disease such as atopic dermatitis or an internal disease, such as kidney disease or diabetes. External factors that can dry out the skin even more include cold, dry heating air, insufficient humidity, frequent or intensive showering and bathing, improper skin care, UV rays, air rich in dust and exhaust fumes.

Care of dry skin

Dry skin is characterized by both a lack of moisture and a lack of fat. It is especially important to provide the cornea with sufficient moisture. This allows the skin to be protected against chemical damage from the outside on the one hand, and against water loss from the inside on the other, thus maintaining the elasticity of the horny layer.

For daytime care, a lightly greasy moisturizer is therefore recommended, followed by a greasy night cream in the evening. The following substances are particularly suitable for doing dry skin some good:

  • Jojoba oil: liquid wax, moisture stabilizing and fatty.
  • Lanolin: improves moisture-binding capacity
  • Wheat germ oil: rich in vitamin E
  • Ceramides: regulate transepidermal water loss
  • Collagen: moisture-binding
  • Elastin: maintains elasticity
  • Organic hyaluronic acid: moisturizer and moisture fixer.
  • Shea butter: liquid wax, moisture stabilizer and lipid
  • Urea (urea): a very good humectant.

Tips for healthy skin

  • You do not need to do without a daily shower, even if you have dry skin, to remove horny skin flakes and sweat residues. However, avoid too hot or even long showers.
  • Use intensively refatting preparations.
  • Instead of alkaline soap, take so-called syndets. They spare the acid mantle of the skin.
  • Avoid intensive sunbathing, because otherwise the skin dries out additionally.
  • Your care and cleaning series should be without the addition of perfume and additives.
  • Always use the same care series.