Causes of dry body skin. Proper skin care. Very dry body skin, what to do. We normalize the water balance, use ointments, oils and folk remedies

How does dry skin manifest itself? This is a feeling of tightness, sometimes peeling, thinning, dullness of color, and a tendency to irritation. Dry skin on the face can lead to the early appearance of wrinkles and sagging. Theoretically, this is characterized by a disorder of electrolyte and fat metabolism, the functioning of the glandular system, and a change in the skin pH environment.

Is it possible to correct this situation? How to help tissues and restore water and fat balance? Perhaps the following information will be useful to many.

Causes of dry skin

It is known that the human body is 90% water, so normal course All vital processes are simply impossible without moisture. If, due to any circumstances, moisture leaves the body, this can lead to metabolic disorders, which will automatically affect the condition of the epidermis and health in general. In almost all cases, body tissues react sharply to dehydration by withering, thinning, and peeling.

The main reasons can be divided into external and internal.

External reasons:

• environment - action low temperatures, wind, solar radiation, including ultraviolet burns, etc.;
• impact chemical substances– bad habits (nicotine, alcoholic drinks), excess chlorine in water, aggressive detergents, alkalis, etc.;
• the presence of infections - fungal, microbial and even viral - skin diseases, systemic pathologies.

Internal reasons:

• lack of minerals and vitamins (especially retinol, tocopherol, vitamin D, zinc, calcium, etc.);
• Hormone imbalance – a decrease in the amount of estrogen in females, or testosterone in males. Hormonal changes during pregnancy, menopause, as well as diseases associated with hormonal disorders: pathologies thyroid gland etc.;
• some diseases nervous system, neuritis;
• hereditary diseases - congenital metabolic disorders, ichthyosis, etc.

Dry skin can be a reflection physiological changes body (for example, aging, menopausal changes due to a significant decrease in estrogen levels in the blood), and painful conditions. Among them, the most important are the following.

• Conditions accompanied by dehydration: acute intestinal infections with loss of fluid due to vomiting and diarrhea, long-term use of diuretics or laxatives, burns with loss of plasma from the burn surface, dehydration due to insufficient water intake in the body, with diabetic comas caused by high levels of glucose in the blood (ketoacidotic and non-ketoacidotic coma).
• Hypothyroidism (insufficient levels of thyroid hormones in the blood), often in women over 40 years of age.
• Feverish conditions accompanied by dry skin during a period of rising body temperature.
• Dry skin is possible with various dermatitis.
• Poisoning with atropine-containing drugs, such as belladonna.

The above short list includes the main causes of drying of the integumentary tissues, however, a more detailed examination of the body is required for an accurate diagnosis.

Dry body skin may indicate age-related changes - banal aging of the body. Most people notice that after 40-45 years, the surface of the body becomes less elastic and moisturized. The reason for this is reduced activity of the sebaceous glands, a change in the amount of hormones in the blood. You can resist such changes by determining the features of body care and making some adjustments to your diet and lifestyle.

Dry facial skin can be explained by improper skin care. Often women overdo it with hygiene procedures, or do it illiterately, gradually reducing the degree of natural protection of tissues. Over time, the surface layer begins to dehydrate. Insufficient or excessive care, use of inappropriate cosmetics - all this sooner or later leads to drying out of the epidermis. If you are not sure whether you are using the right facial products, seek the help of a cosmetologist or dermatologist.

Dry skin on the hands, like other parts of the body, can be a consequence of insufficient fluid intake. Lack of moisture is a common problem, because many people consider it obligatory to eat food, and for some reason water fades into the background. With a lack of moisture, the fingertips can wrinkle and the condition of the nails worsens. It is not without reason that cosmetologists and nutritionists recommend drinking at least one and a half to two liters of liquid a day, and it is preferable to drink water, mineral water, but still. A sufficient amount of water allows you to saturate the body with moisture and promptly remove toxic substances from the tissues.

Dry skin on the feet can be explained by dysfunction of the sebaceous and sweat glands. Some people experience increased sweating or fungus on the feet, while in others such a disorder is manifested by excessive tightness and drying of the surface epithelium. Sometimes the cause is various dermatoses, which are almost pointless and useless to fight without consulting a doctor.

Dry scalp can also be the result of improper care. Frequent washing hair, incorrect shampoo, ignoring a hat in the cold season, excess ultraviolet radiation - all these factors negatively affect the hair and skin. Chlorinated and excessively hard water, sea water, lack of vitamins and other nuances contribute to the deterioration of the condition. A doctor - cosmetologist, trichologist, dermatologist can help in this situation.

Itching and dry skin are a common companion for women in winter period, and this cannot be a simple coincidence. Winter is a difficult test for organs and tissues, and the presence of other harmful factors only spurs and aggravates the situation. What problematic factors await our body in winter:

• sharp temperature fluctuations (frost, warm room);
• reduced level of humidity in the room (heating, heaters);
• chapping of the skin, especially by cold wind;
• vitamin deficiency;
• lack of nutrients;
• poor nutrition – the abundance of winter holidays leads to excessive consumption of fatty and spicy foods and alcohol.

Dry and flaky skin is often the result of alcohol abuse and, of course, smoking. The skin is the most extensive tissue in our body, which can suffer from unacceptable human habits no less than, for example, the lungs or the body’s cleansing system – the liver. In people who do not smoke or abuse alcoholic drinks the surface of the body is much less prone to irritation, moreover, it is less susceptible to the effects of aging.

Severe dry skin can also manifest itself as a consequence of professional activity: hot air in workshops, chemical fumes, an abundance of dust in the air, air conditioners - all this can also provoke drying of the surface of the skin. Working in such conditions requires additional protection and enhanced methods of tissue hydration. Maintaining water balance in this situation is extremely important and necessary.

Dry skin in diabetes

Diabetes appears as a result of metabolic disorders, which cannot but affect the condition of the epidermal layer. Most people with diabetes sooner or later notice that some areas of the skin surface become dry, lose elasticity, and itching appears. Often the condition is aggravated by the addition of a fungal or bacterial infection, ulcers and abscesses appear.

All this occurs due to tissue malnutrition, which significantly increases the risk of infection. It should be noted right away that it is quite difficult to restore the level of moisture and cure skin damage in diabetes mellitus. Therefore, diabetics need to make every effort to prevent tissue from drying out and becoming infected. When washing, you should not use soap, but a special moisturizing gel. The washcloth should be soft, not causing irritation and redness of the body.

Due to the danger of thrush, it is important to maintain the natural level of microflora in the intestines, in the genital area, and on the skin. When unpleasant symptoms You definitely need to see a doctor, because without treating the underlying disease - diabetes - it is impossible to restore the balance and trophism of tissues.

Dry skin due to allergies

Allergies are most often accompanied by a rash - this is its most common manifestation. However, dehydration of the outer layers is often observed simultaneously with or after the rash. This condition must be treated from the inside.

What is an allergy? This is a kind of reaction of the body to certain type allergen – food product, medicine, household items, etc. This condition is also called hypersensitivity of the body. Allergy symptoms can occur immediately or within 2 days after contact with the allergen. The most common signs are itching, tissue swelling, redness, and rashes. If you noticed, all manifestations in one way or another relate to the skin, so further dehydration of the surface tissues may be a consequence of disruption of their nutrition and metabolic processes in them.

For any allergic manifestations, you should immediately contact an allergist or dermatologist. It is important to determine what exactly causes the allergy and eliminate this factor. Further restoration of skin function should also be carried out under the supervision of a doctor, who will prescribe not only external agents, but also drugs for general restoration of metabolism.

Dry skin during menopause

Changes in the condition of the surface epithelium are a characteristic symptom of menopause. These changes can be different: for some women it is an increase in greasiness, increased sweating, while for others it is withering and dehydration of tissues. All these signs most often mean one thing - that age-related processes begin to occur in the body.

The menopausal period is a time of regular hormonal changes, when estrogen production decreases. As a result, the synthesis of mucopolysaccharides in tissues is disrupted, which, in turn, negatively affects the production of collagen, the main component of youthful skin.

Over the initial few years of this period, tissues can lose up to 30% of collagen. Between the collagen fibers there is hyaluronic acid, which is designed to retain moisture. With a decrease in the number of such fibers, the amount of hyaluronic acid also decreases, as a result of which the tissues become less and less elastic, and lethargy and flabbiness appear.

Among other things, estrogen deficiency leads to decreased function of the sebaceous glands, which only worsens the situation.

Changes that occur during menopause reduce the protective properties of the skin surface, which increases the risk of developing dermatitis and various infectious skin lesions.

Only a medical specialist can help improve the condition of the body during menopause by prescribing hormone replacement therapy. Most often, treatment consists of taking and externally using estrogen-containing drugs.

Dry skin due to hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism is a decrease in the production of thyroid hormones by the thyroid gland. With this disease, symptoms such as weakness, drowsiness, and memory impairment often appear. The surface of the body is often pale, dry, flaky; hair is dull, brittle, and prone to loss. Peripheral edema may occur. Specific signs hypothyroidism does not, so patients usually do not come to the doctor right away. Many a long period time do not understand why they have problems with hair, nails, skin and well-being.

It is almost pointless to deal with such problems without starting to treat hypothyroidism. Therefore, it is important to start treatment for hypothyroidism on time, with the prescription of special medications that correct the level of hormones in the body. In case of severe dysfunction of the gland, it is necessary to take hormonal replacement drugs - such therapy can sometimes continue throughout the patient’s life.

In case of hypothyroidism, special attention should be paid to diet. We will talk about the rules of such a diet, which restores the balance of the skin, a little later.

Dry skin after childbirth

Dry hands, feet and face postpartum period usually observed due to changes in hormonal levels, which are associated with the termination of pregnancy and the birth of a child. For many, hormonal balance is restored quickly, for others - slowly, so skin problems may continue to bother you for several months after childbirth. If the situation is critical, you can take a blood test for hormones and consult a doctor. It is possible that the doctor will prescribe some corrective medications.

Another cause of the problem may be a lack of vitamins. And this is a very common phenomenon: first, a pregnant woman gave all the beneficial substances from her body to the unborn child, then the same substances passed to the baby through mother’s milk. It is also necessary to take into account that the diet of a nursing mother is not particularly varied. You need to carefully choose the foods that can and cannot be consumed by a nursing woman.

And the third possible reason– this is insufficient fluid intake. During pregnancy, quite a lot of moisture accumulated in the tissues, and now the body has gotten rid of it. Moreover, fluid is lost with breast milk. This means that using clean water should be increased.

Dry skin after shower

The feeling of tightness after a shower, flaking or even redness of the surface of the body can be explained by many reasons:

• chlorinated water;
• water is too hard;
• detergent, soap, shower gel that is too aggressive for your body;
• hypofunction of the sebaceous glands;
• violations metabolic processes;
• lack of vitamins;
• improper body care;
• excessive passion for tanning;
• other factors.

Drying of external tissues can be caused by too hot water and prolonged exposure to the shower using soap or special gels. When washing, we wash away not only dirt, sweat, fat and exfoliated epithelium. At the same time, the protective film covering the skin surface is washed off. Especially great harm represents chlorinated water in taps or swimming pools.

Taking all this into account, you can resist dehydration of the body surface after taking water procedures.

Dry elbow skin

The outer surface of the elbows is quite dense; moreover, it is often subject to stretching, which can affect the structure of the tissues and contribute to peeling of the epidermis. The rough, textured covering of the elbows is often covered with cracks and scales. Of course, elbows require special special care.

There can be many reasons for this:

• malnutrition, lack of vitamins (especially retinol and tocopherol);
• lack of elbow care as such;
• endocrine system disorders.

If the whole issue is a lack of care, then the matter can be corrected: properly selected moisturizers, scrubs, and applications will help you quickly get rid of the problem. However, if cosmetical tools If they don’t work, it means the problem needs to be looked deeper.

Unfortunately, only by the condition of the elbows and their appearance it is impossible to say one hundred percent what the cause of the problem is. This can only be done by a qualified doctor. If with proper care positive dynamics is not observed, it is necessary to undergo examination for endocrine system disorders.

Dry skin and hair

The state of health of our body is the state and health of the epidermis, the surface epithelial tissue. This tissue is of great importance for the body, since thanks to it the delicate balance of moisture on the skin surface is maintained.

The epidermis has a unique structure that helps maintain optimal humidity and protection of underlying tissues. The flat scales that form the stratum corneum of the outer integument resemble miniature bricks connected to each other by an intercellular lipid layer. Lipids in the epidermis are represented by fatty acids, cholesterol, phospholipids, glycosylceramides and other compounds.

The above compounds are produced inside the cells of the granular layer of epidermal tissue. In this layer, basic processes are formed that prevent water from leaving the tissues.

Unfortunately, often when faced with dehydration of the surface of the body, hair and nails, few people turn to specialists. And this is completely in vain, because it is extremely important to determine the reason why surface tissues lose and do not restore the percentage of moisture. Peeling, cracks, tightness, itching – these are already enough reasons to consult a doctor. Dermatologists, cosmetologists, trichologists - all of the listed specialists specifically have a narrow medical focus to help patients with deteriorating skin and hair conditions.

Dry skin on the buttocks

Dry patches in the buttocks area are unpleasant and sensitive issue. Particular inconvenience if there is itching, a feeling of tightness and even pain. So what is this, normal or pathological?

First of all, you need to know why this is possible in the gluteal area.

In early childhood, external tissues are subjected to a large number of tests: irritation and dryness of the skin are caused by wearing diapers, poor hygiene, etc. It should be noted that the epidermal layer of the “fifth point” is initially prone to dryness, since this area contains an insignificant amount of sebaceous glands, and For this reason, the secretion of sebum is very, very small.

Moreover, a person spends a lot of time sitting, so the tissues on the buttocks experience prolonged oxygen deficiency, which is aggravated by wearing synthetic or uncomfortable clothing. A deficiency of moisture, oxygen, nutrients, and impaired trophism can lead to a deterioration in the condition of the skin.

To improve the situation, you should arrange more often air baths, avoid physical inactivity. When taking a shower or bath, do not use alkaline detergents on this area, and after washing, you must lubricate the dry areas with a moisturizer or special oil.

Dry skin on the penis

Unpleasant sensations, a feeling of tightness and burning in the penis area may be signs of an inflammatory reaction foreskin or the head of an organ.

Balanitis is a reaction of inflammation of the mucous tissues of the head.

Balanoposthitis is inflammation of the head in combination with the foreskin.

Unpleasant sensations during sexual intercourse, presence of discharge, foreign odor, dry peeling and itching - all these symptoms can accompany the above diseases.

In addition, dryness can be a consequence of sexually transmitted diseases or diabetes. Of course, it is unlikely that you will be able to recognize the primary disease on your own; to do this, you should consult a doctor. You should not delay your visit to the doctor, since dehydration of the skin and mucous surfaces, as a rule, is one of the first symptoms of diseases. Further, if measures are not taken, the condition may worsen: erosions, ulcers, redness, cracks, swelling of the foreskin, etc. will appear. Over time, sexual intercourse may become impossible due to an increased feeling of discomfort, pain, loss of sensitivity of the head, which leads to premature ejaculation.

What to do? Consult a doctor, have bacteriological analysis and determine the cause and type of the inflammatory process.

Dry skin in a child

Dry skin in a child is an absolute deviation from the norm, and there is always a reason for this. The delicate body of a child reacts much more sharply to unfavorable factors than an adult body, and help should be provided immediately. Let's look at the main reasons for this problem:

• Low humidity and heat in room.

Dry skin in winter is especially important during the heating season. Caring mothers They tend to wrap children warmly, regardless of the ambient temperature, and also forget to ventilate the child’s room and monitor the humidity. The optimal temperature in the house should be about 20°C, and the humidity should be at least 40%. Of course, it is advisable to use a special humidifier. If you don’t have one, you can simply place plates of water, a wet towel, etc. on the radiators.

• Wrong detergents, including for children cosmetic preparations.

Your child's skin may become dry due to the products used in the home. detergent. It is advisable to use special baby powder for washing children's clothes and bedding. Soap may also be the cause - it is recommended to use it only for special stains, not every day. In addition, pay attention to the water in which the baby bathes: frequent addition of potassium permanganate, special foam, excessively hot or hard water.

• Lack of epidermal protection in a child.

We should not forget that in frost, wind, cold or sun it is necessary to use special children's cosmetics to retain moisture. These can be fortified moisturizers or nourishing creams or milk.

• Dermatitis.

The most unpleasant cause of skin dehydration is dermatitis. In this situation, you cannot do without medical help. It is necessary to find a product that causes such a reaction in the child’s body: perhaps in some cases the breastfeeding mother is to blame if she allows herself not to monitor her own nutrition.

Diagnosis of dry skin

Peeling and dehydration can be caused by systemic diseases, which means that in most cases the doctor must conduct certain tests in order to discover the specific causes. However, sometimes a close examination of areas of the body may be enough to suspect, for example, atopic dermatitis.

What diagnostic procedures can a doctor use:

• general blood test for the presence of an inflammatory process in the body;
• analysis for hormonal status (as a rule, blood is taken for a certain type of hormone - thyroid hormones, estradiol, testosterone, etc.);
• blood sugar test (glucotest);
• study of metabolic disorders;
• consultations with a dermatologist, geneticist, cosmetologist, endocrinologist, etc.

If the patient suffers from chronic diseases, the doctor may ask for medical history, as well as the results of previous tests.

If the doctor suspects a domestic factor in the problem, an analysis may be performed tap water for hardness and chlorine content.

Treatment for dry skin

Most problems with dehydration of the integumentary epithelium can be solved by strengthening body care, regular use of cosmetics, and correcting nutrition and drinking regimen.

As we have already said, tissues become drier when they lose moisture and natural fat, causing them to become thinner and flaky. Although diseases can be the cause, in most cases factors such as age, dehydration, low humidity and improper care are decisive.

If these problems are ignored, this can provoke more serious diseases: dermatitis, wilting, peeling. However, this can be avoided if you follow a few rules.

How to get rid of dry skin?

• Don’t forget to drink enough water, compotes, fruit drinks. Eat foods rich in liquid: cucumbers, juicy apples, oranges. All this will help maintain the body's hydration level. Foods enriched with fatty acids, such as sea fish, nuts, and flaxseed oil, can help retain moisture.
• Try not to take long baths or showers. In this case, do not use hot, but slightly warm water. Don't shower too often: if your body is prone to dryness, limit yourself to once a day.
• When purchasing detergents, pay attention to the composition: cream soaps and moisturizers have the gentlest effect on the skin. Do not use rough and hard washcloths, which will only increase irritation.
• Monitor the humidity level in the room. If possible, use a humidifier. Ventilate the room more often, carry out wet cleaning, spray indoor flowers - this will help maintain optimal humidity.
• After any water procedures, do not neglect special moisturizers: milk, lotion, cream. Choose the one that suits you and use it regularly.

If you are prone to irritation, use soft towels, clothes from natural fabric etc.

Remedies for dry skin

Regenerative products water balance, are presented in a wide range in cosmetic stores and pharmacies. All that remains is to choose the most suitable one for yourself. As a rule, many patients prefer to use natural remedies, which contain natural plant components - extracts, extracts, oils. The content of glycerin and ammonia in such a product is welcome - components that soften the epidermis. It is good if the cream or lotion contains minerals and vitamins.

Good quality products should be easily absorbed, quickly soothe irritation and redness, and should not leave a greasy sheen or film on the skin surface. Of course, before making a choice, it is advisable to consult, for example, a cosmetologist, dermatologist, or pharmacist. If this is not possible, then you will have to act by trial and error.

By the way, when choosing a cream or oil for moisturizing, do not forget to review your detergents and shampoos that are used for bathing and showering, and for washing clothes. They can also cause irritation and dry out the skin, so they often need to be replaced too.

Cream for dry skin

The choice of cream depends on the characteristics of your body. In this case, for withering and dehydration, the following creams can be recommended:

• “Velvet Hands” is an extra-moisturizing cream that has a softening effect;
• Natura Siberica – night cream for recovery;
• Johnson´s ® Body Lotion - 24 hours of hydration “Intensive care and nutrition”;
• Johnson´s ® Daily Essentials Nourishing Cream Cleanser;
• Lancôme Nutrix Royal for women – intensive restoration of dry and very dry areas;
• Garnier – restorative cream, intensive care for problem and dry areas;
• Day cream for dehydrated and sensitive areas L’Oreal Paris Dermo Expertise trio-active.

Baby cream for dry skin

A high-quality baby cream should contain only the most gentle and beneficial ingredients. How to determine such quality cream, which not only will not harm, but will also help restore dry areas?

It is important that the list of components of the baby cream does not contain mineral oils, parabens and phenoxyethanol.

Mineral oils in domestic and foreign creams are most often represented by paraffin and petroleum jelly, which have a greenhouse effect - they block skin respiration, disrupt thermal processes and natural self-regulation. Such oils are “foreign” to fabrics.

Parabens are used as synthetic preservatives and are carcinogenic.

Phenoxyethanol is a substance that can cause allergies and aggravate irritation, and if constant use has a toxic effect on local skin immunity.

It is good if the baby cream contains vitamins (for example, provitamin B5, which is useful even for atopic dermatitis or eczema).

However, it should be noted that the presence of vegetable oils in the cream - olive, almond, shea (shea), jojoba, etc. - indicates that the product is truly healthy and will saturate the tissues with valuable polyunsaturated fats.

Ointment for dry skin

• Radevit ointment – ​​to soften and nourish the epithelial layer. Helps restore water balance in tissues, relieves cracks, small wounds, and irritation. Strengthens the local natural protective function.
• D-Panthenol (dexpanthenol) – ointment for external use 5%. Helps not only with dermatitis, wounds, cracks and diaper rash, but also eliminates skin dehydration and aging.
• Boro Plus ointment is a natural, effective antiseptic, sold in pharmacies. The drug is presented mainly herbal ingredients, brought from India.
• Boro-Care ointment - for body care. Reduces inflammation, eliminates itching, prevents cracks, helps with minor scratches and redness.
• Sulfur-salicylic ointment - eliminates dryness, itching, soothes irritation, helps soften keratinized scales and remove them painlessly. Use 2% sulfur-salicylic ointment (not to be confused with zinc-salicylic or simply salicylic ointments, which, on the contrary, dry out the epidermis).

Vitamins for dry skin

Vitamin deficiency can also cause a deterioration in the condition of the outer epithelium, because vitamins are of great importance in maintaining our health. Thanks to them, the necessary balance of metabolic processes in organs and tissues is restored. However, there are vitamin representatives that are most important for the health and beauty of the body.

• Vitamin A - retinol - has an antioxidant effect, helps the proper formation and renewal of cellular structures. A lack of vitamin reduces immune defense and affects the structuring of the skin epithelium, which can provoke a violation of the integrity and withering of tissues. To maintain balance, you need to take retinol every day, in the amount of 300-1300 mcg, which depends on age, concomitant diseases and other factors. There is a lot of this vitamin in carrots, greens, pumpkin, egg yolk, milk, apricots, and hard cheeses.
• B vitamins are usually added to the best means to restore dry areas. And for good reason - these vitamins eliminate cracks, peeling, and itching. And vitamin B³ is specially prescribed for acne. B vitamins are found in cereals, legumes, eggs, meat products, and are components of brewer's yeast.
• Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) helps renew and form tissues, stimulates the production of collagen - an important ingredient for freshness and youth. Among other things, ascorbic acid is an excellent antioxidant that helps improve blood flow in tissues. This property of the vitamin provides us with a healthy and rosy shine of the skin and hair. With a lack of this vitamin, the epidermis becomes rough, dull, and dry. Ascorbic acid can be obtained from citrus fruits, bell peppers, pineapples, kiwis, tomatoes, and berries.
• Tocopherol (vitamin E) is designed to protect body tissues from toxic substances, free radicals, and harmful environmental influences. Some representatives of the fair sex use oil solution this vitamin not only internally, but also externally, as a face mask. Where tocopherol is found: in beans, nuts, seeds, greens, sprouted wheat grains.

If your diet is complete and varied, then most likely you will not suffer from vitamin deficiency. However, in some cases, for example, when there is chronic diseases, you have to take additional multivitamin complex preparations. To improve the condition of the outer layer of the epithelium, the combined drug “AEvit” is most often prescribed.

AEvit for dry skin

The AEvit complex product is often used by dermatologists and cosmetologists in their practice, because its components - vitamins retinol and tocopherol - have a positive effect on skin structures.

As is clear from the name, AEvit consists of vitamins A and E. These are antioxidants that serve to prevent intoxication of cells in the body, thereby preventing the onset of age-related processes.

Retinol accelerates cellular metabolism, increasing the flow of moisture to tissues, which promotes additional hydration. It stops inflammatory reactions inside tissues, strengthens local skin protection, strengthening the barrier to all kinds of external pathogens. Vitamin A also stimulates the production of sex hormones, which additionally affects health, restoring freshness and youth to us.

Tocopherol potentiates the effects of retinol, preventing the vitamin from being destroyed in digestive system, and also improves the function of the gonads and activates metabolic processes at the cellular level.

Take AEvit 1 capsule 1-2 times a day to prevent age-related changes, in the complex treatment of wrinkles, acne, wilting and dehydration of the outer integument. The duration of the course of therapy is from 2 to 4 weeks. It is recommended to carry out 2 courses of treatment with the drug annually.

Treatment of dry skin with folk remedies

Herbal infusions and decoctions are often used to treat dry, dehydrated areas. It is best to brew the infusion as you usually brew tea: add hot water +90-95°C. You can also prepare the medicine using a water bath, which is set for 15 minutes.

You can add the required amount of vegetable or essential oils, honey, and other components to the prepared warm infusion. Infusions and decoctions are used for rinsing or wiping the outer skin, for applying applications and wet masks. You can also apply compresses or add to cleansing milk.

What plants can be used in dehydrated areas? Typically, plant materials are purchased in pharmacies or collected independently, selecting herbs individually.

• Linden blossom - consists of many useful substances, including essential oils, ascorbic acid and carotene.
• Yarrow – contains a large number of ascorbic acid and healthy oils.
• Hop cones - soothe and cleanse the outer skin.
• Rose petals - contain vitamin C, soften the surface epithelium and give a healthy color.
• Jasmine flowers - brighten, soothe and moisturize the surface of the epithelium.
• Dill, fennel - restore and strengthen the protective barrier.
• Mint – soothing and refreshing.
• Chamomile color – rejuvenates, gives a healthy tone, strengthens.
• Coltsfoot - makes the skin surface velvety and soft.
• Nettle leaves – enrich with vitamins and improve tissue metabolism.

In order to prepare a medicinal infusion, herbs can be used separately or mixed in equal parts.

To eliminate peeling and itching, use an infusion or decoction of a series of tripartite, birch leaves, and horsetail. Baths and medicinal baths prepared with mixtures of medicinal plants. For baths, you can prepare a collection in the amount of 100-300 g per 4-5 liters of water. The collection may include succession herb, chamomile flowers, valerian, sage, celandine herb and St. John's wort. The mixture of herbs must be poured with boiling water, left for half an hour, filtered and added to the bath. In this case, the temperature of the water in the bath should not exceed +36-38°C. The duration of the procedure is 10-15 minutes.

After eliminating dryness, you can carry out preventive courses of therapy with plants: rinses, compresses, baths with restorative and stimulating herbal remedies.

Oil for dry skin

The variety of oils on sale today is truly amazing: oil of almonds, olives, coconut, rosebuds, St. John's wort, coriander and many, many other types. With such diversity, it can sometimes be difficult to navigate and choose exactly the oil that is suitable for solving the problem of dry skin tissue. However, when choosing, you should take into account that the moisturizing and restoring oil should be light, well absorbed and not weigh down with its fat content, and not leave a dense greasy film.

Olive oil is a common type of oil that is excellent for dull and dull areas. Olives saturate tissues well with moisture and create invisible protection for the whole day. To quickly moisturize and eliminate signs of fatigue, spoon olive oil should be mixed with a small amount of lemon juice - this mixture is useful for wiping your face. On other parts of the body, the oil is used as follows: add a little sea salt to it so that it looks like a scrub. This scrub is used to treat flaky, dry surfaces, thereby removing keratinized scales of the epidermis.

It is beneficial to add a little olive oil to your bath and also use it to remove makeup. For the latter, just a couple of drops of oil applied to a cotton pad are enough.

• Coconut oil can also help with dry skin problems. This oil has a pleasant aroma and many beneficial properties. It is applied overnight to a clean, damp surface of the face or body, left for half an hour, after which the residue is blotted with a paper towel. This procedure is quite sufficient for moisturizing, which does not require the use of additional cosmetics.
• Rose petal oil perfectly retains moisture. It is often recommended to be used during the natural aging process of the skin. Rose oil nourishes and soothes dry areas. If you mix 15 drops each of rose oil, ylang-ylang oil and almond oil, you can get useful mask for face. Apply the prepared mixture of oils to a pre-steamed face, avoiding the area near the eyes. After 20 minutes, blot off excess oil with a paper towel.
• Sandalwood oil will help restore moisture levels, which is indispensable for chapping or excessive sensitivity of the skin. You can simply add a couple of drops of oil to your moisturizer. Excessively dry areas can be wiped with a cloth soaked in oil.
• Almond oil is light, pleasant, and perfectly moisturizing. It is recommended to use this oil daily. Before rubbing in the oil, wet your fingers with water. After application, you can speed up absorption by lightly patting the surface with your fingertips. After the oil has been absorbed, you can apply makeup on top.

To prepare the scrub, almond oil is mixed with a pinch of “Extra” salt and a small amount of ground turmeric. You can massage your face with this scrub for 2-3 minutes, after which you should rinse off the mass with warm, clean water.

Almond oil is the least fatty oil among all oil representatives. It is perfectly absorbed by tissues, having a positive effect even when other moisturizing products do not help.

Rosehip oil not only moisturizes, but also eliminates wrinkles, stretch marks, improves the structure and color of the skin. As you know, rose hips contain a lot of vitamin C, which has a very beneficial effect on the epidermis. Fats obtained from rose hips are very similar in structure to the natural fats of the human body. That is why rosehip oil is perfectly digestible, absorbs well and does not leave a greasy sheen.

Experts always advise trying several types of oils in order to choose the most suitable one for yourself.

Nutrition for dry skin

Nutrition and healthy skin are interconnected concepts, because consumption necessary products and excluding others from the diet greatly affects the health of the body.

It is necessary to completely give up sweets, alcohol, and fast food. Sweets can be replaced with dried fruits, fruits, nuts and seeds. Alcohol – non-alcoholic smoothies, freshly squeezed juices. Well, instead of hamburgers, you can eat whole grain bread with herbs.

• sugar, easily digestible carbohydrates;
• refined products;
• salt and spices;
• sodas and packaged juices;
• products with preservatives, dyes and other chemical additives.

The basis of nutrition should be:

• fermented milk products;
• complex carbohydrates (cereals);
• vegetables, fruits, herbs, berries, seeds, nuts;
• clean drinking water;
• protein foods (fish, meat, eggs).

It is important that the menu contains a lot of vitamins and microelements. For example, it is recommended to enrich your diet with vitamins A, C and E. Such vitamins can be found in most vegetables and fruits: carrots, tomatoes, beets, bell peppers, citrus fruits, apples, etc. Never miss the melon season - watermelons and melons will perfectly cleanse the body and improve appearance.

Berries are excellent food: blueberries, strawberries, cranberries, raspberries, etc. You can eat them not only in compotes or jellies - just eat them fresh, add them to oatmeal, cottage cheese, yogurt.

Of course, nutritional correction cannot always replace proper treatment. skin diseases. However, thanks to a properly composed menu, the condition of the skin can be significantly improved.

Dry skin is a very common phenomenon, especially in people over 45-50 years of age. But you should not assume that you can get rid of this problem only by using expensive professional procedures. Sometimes correction of eating and drinking regime, right choice cosmetics, proper care for the face and body can help completely restore the balance of moisture in the tissues. The main thing is to want and start taking care of your health.

From the article you will learn what procedures and products can relieve your skin from excessive dryness. When dehydrated, it begins to peel off and becomes rough to the touch. This suggests that the body's protective layer has ceased to function normally. This condition quickly leads to premature aging skin, so you need to keep it in healthy shape at all times. After reading the article, you will be able not only to understand the cause of skin dehydration, but also to take the necessary measures to restore it.

5 ways to normalize your water balance

With a deficiency of natural moisturizing factor (a complex of molecules that attract and retain moisture), the skin barrier function is destroyed. The epidermis becomes dry and begins to peel off.

To prevent this from happening, it is enough to follow the following 5 rules:

1. Usually the skin becomes dry and itchy after going to the pool, the reason for this is the irritating effect of chlorinated water. If your skin is too dry, then make sure that immediately after leaving the pool, you can wash your body with mild soap, without using any washcloths. After drying, be sure to moisturize your skin with glycerin cream. Glycerin effectively retains moisture and relieves irritation.
2. If dryness is caused by age, season, or the environment, moisturizing creams and lotions will not be enough to restore healthy skin. Here you need to help from the inside. To this end, take fish oil and ground flaxseed daily. The first component is responsible for the regeneration of skin cells, making it smooth and elastic, the second contains Omega-3 (polyunsaturated fatty acid), this substance inhibits skin aging.
3. Helps cope with very dry skin cosmetic Vaseline. The product can have a healing, moisturizing and softening effect. It can be applied thin layer on the most sensitive areas of the body, for example around the eyes.
4. You can hydrate your body well with oatmeal. Pour it into a linen bag and place it in a warm bath. When taking a bath, periodically squeeze the bag so that dissolved oatmeal is released from it, relieving itching, redness and inflammation.
5. “If you want to keep your age a secret, take care of the appearance of your hands.” Hands are more often than other parts of the body exposed to external factors. Therefore, when going to wash dishes or do other work involving the use of cleaning products and detergents, always wear soft cotton gloves and latex gloves over them.

Watch a video with tips from a specialist. How to choose the right one effective remedy? How often should I use it? And how do you know that skin dehydration is not a sign of a serious illness?

Recipes with essential oils

Essential oils help improve general condition skin, soothe itching and heal microcracks, making the moisturizing procedure fragrant. Oily substances derived from lemon, geranium, neroli, lavender, chamomile and sandalwood soothe and nourish chapped, dry skin.

Juniper, rosemary, bergamot and cedar oil– relieve itching associated with eczema. Oily substances extracted from tea tree and guava leaves are well suited for skin affected by psoriasis.

Important! To avoid burning the skin with a highly concentrated essential substance, it is diluted with a carrier oil (base fat), which is obtained from nut kernels, avocado fruits, hemp seeds, etc.

Vegetable fat, acting as a base, transports the essential substance into the deep layers of the skin and activates it there therapeutic actions. It is better to use basic substances rich in fatty acids and vitamins that have the ability to nourish and soothe dry, itchy skin, for example:

• Avocado oil. Easily absorbed. It is rich in vitamins F, E and group B, which regulate fat metabolism, slow down the aging process of cells and improve blood composition.
• Castor oil. Contains ricinoleic acid, which promotes the healing of microscopic damage, has a softening effect, and reduces peeling of the stratum corneum.
• Macadamia nut oil. Rich in palmitoleic acid, which is found in human subcutaneous fat. The substance moisturizes and smoothes the skin.

Note! Correct, and most importantly, timely use of plant aromatic compounds allows you to preserve the beauty and youth of the body much longer than conventional creams.

Recipe for face and neck against epidermal wrinkles

Ingredients:

1. E. m. (essential oil) of rosewood - 1 tsp.
2. E. m. roses - 10 drops.
3. Rosehip oil - 1 tbsp.

How to cook: Mix all vegetable fats together (store in a cool place).

How to use: At night, apply a thin layer of the mixture to your face (including the area around the eyes) and neck. Use within a month.

Result: The prepared mixture saturates the skin with nutrients, giving it softness and a healthy glow.

Cleansing and moisturizing composition

Ingredients:

1. Avocado oil - 50 ml.
2. Em. (essential oil) roses - 6 drops.
3. Em. geranium - 4 drops.

How to cook: Mix aromatic oils in a dark glass container and place in a cool place.

How to use: Use the composition in the morning after sleep and in the evening before bed to wash your face and neck. Perform the cleaning procedure with a cotton pad.

Result: With regular use, the moisture content of the skin is normalized. The feeling of tightness disappears, peeling disappears.

Warm healing compress for face

Ingredients:

1. Distilled water - 0.5 l.
2. Em. (essential oil) wild carrot seeds - 1 drop.
3. Em. roses - 1 drop.
4. Em. neoli - 1 drop.

How to cook: Heat the water to a comfortable state (40-45 degrees), add oily substances to it.

How to use: Soak the piece with the prepared mixture flannel fabric. Lie down, apply a compress to your face, lie there for 10-15 minutes.

Result: The skin is well moisturized, saturated with useful substances, and takes on a healthy appearance.

Important! Using essential mask for the first time, pay attention to whether its aroma makes you dizzy or headache. Skin treatment should be pleasant for the whole body. This is the only way to achieve the desired effect.

Drug therapy for dehydration

If the above tips do not help solve the problem of dry skin on the body, then you should turn to medicinal methods of treatment (for seborrhea, eczema, psoriasis, etc.), which involves the use of creams and ointments on a special basis.

Below are effective and inexpensive remedies:

Cream "Bepanten" for the whole body

Intended for the treatment of skin pathologies in pregnant and lactating women, as well as in young children. The product has a moisturizing and restorative effect, helps relieve irritation and redness.

The active component of the drug is provitamin B5, which, penetrating into the deep layers of the epidermis, activates the process of cell regeneration there. The components of the product strengthen the skin barrier, which retains moisture.

"Bepanten" is ideal for daily use, absorbs well and does not leave greasy marks. You can buy it at the pharmacy for about 350 rubles.

"Libriderm" for face, neck and shoulders

The product contains hyaluronic acid, which moisturizes the inner layer of the epidermis and retains moisture in the intercellular space. Librederm is suitable for daily use (morning or evening), and can be used as a makeup base.

After the first application of the cream, the feeling of tightness disappears. With regular use, the skin gains elasticity, becomes smooth and elastic. You can buy this product at the pharmacy for about 560 rubles.

Universal cream "Dardia Lipo"

Lipocrem is suitable for sensitive skin. It contains components such as urea, glycerin and lactate. They provide the cream with strong moisturizing and nourishing properties. And they help normalize the water-fat balance of the epithelium. It is usually prescribed to patients upon completion of treatment for dermatoses or allergies. The cost of the drug is about 300 rubles.

Note! Dardia Lipo cream is recommended for daily use for very dry and flaky skin, but is not intended for the care of normal skin.

Folk remedies against dryness

Drying of the stratum corneum of the skin is facilitated by factors such as age-related changes, lack of nutrients in the body and genetic predisposition to pathology. Natural home remedies are not only cheaper, but also bring healthy skin faster.

Honey therapy

Honey is considered one of the best natural moisturizers. It contains antioxidants, antimicrobial and moisturizing substances. Honey helps retain intercellular moisture, making the skin soft and smooth.

Quick application:

• Before taking a bath or shower, apply honey all over your body and leave for 5-10 minutes. Repeat daily so that your skin does not need moisture.

Honey recipe with wax and olive oil

Ingredients:

1. Raw honey - 1 tbsp.
2. Beeswax - 1 tbsp.
3. Olive oil - 1 tbsp.

How to cook: Melt the beeswax in a small saucepan over low heat and add it and the olive oil to the honey.

How to use: Distribute the mixture evenly throughout the body and leave for 10 minutes. Then take a shower. Repeat daily or every other day.

Result: After a week of honey therapy, the dryness subsides. The skin acquires a healthy tone and remains constantly moist, soft and elastic.

Important! Honey is an allergenic product.

Before using honey to treat your skin, make sure that it will not cause redness or swelling. Apply a small amount of product on the wrist, if after 10 minutes there are no adverse reactions on it, then everything is in order, you can be treated with this remedy.

Olive (Provençal) oil

Olive oil is a source of antioxidants (compounds contain: vitamins, minerals, color pigments) and healthy fatty acids ( construction material for body cells), which are necessary for the normal functioning of the skin. The product is used to relieve irritations and soften the skin of the entire body. Application options:

1. Apply a thin layer of olive oil under your regular moisturizer daily.
2. 30 minutes before taking a shower, apply a little olive oil to your hands, feet and other areas of the body with dry skin, rubbing in with massage movements. After your shower, use a light moisturizer.

Recipe for a light scrub with Provençal oil

Ingredients:

1. Olive oil - 2 tbsp.
2. Fine brown sugar - 4 tbsp.
3. Natural honey - 1 tbsp.

How to cook: Combine all components, mix until a homogeneous composition is obtained.

How to use: Lungs in a circular motion Apply the scrub to your body and massage problem areas for a few minutes. Take a shower, apply a light moisturizer (Aquasourse, " Clean line"or Clinique). Use 1-2 times a week.

Result: After 2-3 procedures, the skin becomes smooth and elastic, acquires a normal level of moisture and a healthy appearance.

Yogurt

Yogurt is an excellent hydrating food that is rich in antioxidants. The lactic acid contained in its composition allows you to rid the body of germs and bacteria that can cause an imbalance in the water balance of the skin.

Application options:

• Apply fresh yoghurt to your hands, face or feet and rub in, massaging gently. Rinse off after 10 minutes
• Yogurt has a mild exfoliating effect, so it can be used daily. The product effectively removes exfoliated particles of the stratum corneum and gives the outer shell of the body a fresh look.

Yogurt and Papaya Moisturizing Blend Recipe

Ingredients:

1. Fresh yogurt - 0.5 tbsp.
2. Papaya puree - 3 tbsp.
3. Natural honey - 1 tsp.
4. Lemon juice - 2-3 drops.

How to cook: Mix the ingredients until smooth.

How to use: Apply the mixture to the pathological areas, rinse with warm water after 10 minutes. The procedure should be carried out once a week.

Result: The mask heals the skin within a month, gradually restoring the functions of the skin (cell regeneration, accumulation and storage of nutrients in the intercellular space).

Question answer

Is it possible to use cosmetic soap, for example with oil, around the eyes instead of moisturizer? grape seeds?

The composition of cosmetic soap does not contain enough components that could retain skin moisture the right level. While a moisturizer containing grape seed oil can provide the desired effect (tighten and refresh the skin, get rid of wrinkles) in just 1-2 treatments.

This problem can be solved with the help of pharmaceutical detergents, one of which is the “Losterin” shower gel.

Why you shouldn't use moisturizer on water based before going out?

In cold weather, water molecules freeze, expand, and thus damage the epidermis. In summer, water molecules evaporate and cause microburns.

What to remember:

1. You can solve the problem of dry skin with the help of essential oils, drug therapy and folk remedies.
2. When planning to use honey for health purposes, be sure to make sure that your body tolerates it normally.
3. If you decide to treat your skin with medication, you should not neglect consulting a doctor.
4. Every time after using a scrub or taking a shower, be sure to moisturize your entire body with cream.

The duration of treatment for dry skin depends on the cause, so it can be temporary or regular.

Dehydration can not only harm a person’s health, but can also cause death. No one can live without water, they eat it, bathe in it, it is the basis of everyday life and beauty. If this chemical element is contained in a very small amount in the body, the internal state of a person and his appearance immediately deteriorate. It manifests itself like this: dry body skin, flaking, constant redness, chapping, lethargy. To get rid of such troubles, you need to find the causes of this condition and eliminate them, and then engage in complete rehabilitation of the body.

What role does water play?

In order for your skin to look healthy and beautiful, it must consist of 73 percent water. When this indicator drops below, collagen, which is the basis of the intercellular matrix, is not properly saturated with oxygen and moisture, which is why it cannot fully carry out metabolism in soft tissues body. As a result, the lipid layer becomes thinner, and this already entails a decrease in the barrier function of the body. In this case, bacteria can penetrate through the skin into the internal organs, which will provoke diseases. This disease is scientifically called xerosis. Its external manifestations are malaise, dry skin of the body, weakened hair, brittle nails, weak immunity.

Causes of dry skin

There are two main reasons for this issue. The first will be hereditary, according to which xerosis is transmitted from parents to children. In such cases, constant prevention and total self-care are necessary. The second is an acquired illness. These are problems with metabolism, solar factor and much more. In this case, restoring the normal diet for the skin is often sufficient. A person also undergoes a certain number of procedures that speed up this process.

Acquired factors

Let's take a closer look at why there may be dry skin on the body. Causes:

1. Dehydration.
2. Frequent bathing in hot water.
3. Eating foods that remove moisture from the body.
4. Allergies of various kinds.
5. Sudden climate changes.
6. Irregular lifestyle.
7. Using the wrong cosmetics.
8. Poorly balanced diet.
9. Excessive exposure to the sun, excessive tanning in a solarium.
10. Stress.

Diseases and heredity

Sometimes some problems with internal organs can cause a person to develop dry skin on the body. The reasons may lie in the functioning of thyroid hormones, in the process of blood circulation and secret glands. But among the diseases that provoke dry skin, we will name the following:

1. Diabetes.
2. Psoriasis.
3. Dermatitis.
4. Kidney failure.
5. Ichthyosis.
6. Seborrhea.
7. Kerotosis.
8. Hormonal imbalances.
9. Hypothyroidism.

Determining your skin type

Using the following points you can determine whether you have dry skin or not. So:

1. Dry skin constantly forms dark spots. Even if you remove the old ones, new ones appear at an enviable speed.
2. The pores on such skin are almost invisible.
3. It always flakes off, like scales peel off from the surface.
4. If you run your hand over dry skin, it will feel rough.
5. Sensations such as burning and itching occur after water procedures.
6. Dry skin of the body always seems to be stretched, which brings great discomfort to its owner.
7. Heels, palms, and cuticles dry out and crack.

The presence of at least one of these points causes great discomfort for a person. Therefore, it is necessary to fight this disease with all known and unknown methods.

Dryness varies

Xerosis can manifest itself in two types, which differ from each other in severity. The first type is dryness with excellent tone. Most often found in young people. The skin peels, turns red, reacts sensitively to everything, but remains smooth and elastic. The second type is very dry body skin. There is no tone, no tightness. A notable feature is wrinkles around the mouth, which cannot be eliminated with the help of creams, much less home recipes. It can occur both at a young age and at a more mature age.

Basic prevention

So, you have established (of course, it would be better if this were not so) that you have dry skin on your body. What can I do to slightly improve this problem? The reason may be a sudden change in climate or high dry air in your home/city. You can eliminate this problem by using a humidifier. We put the same thing in the car and at work in our office. When the cause of dryness is only the climate, you can independently choose a cream for dry body skin and use it daily. In order to increase the moisture content in internal organs, drink up to three liters of water a day. Proteins can also saturate the body with moisture, so strict diets should be abandoned in favor of foods containing this element.

Dry body skin: treatment

It is strictly forbidden to create prescriptions against xerosis on your own, as you can only aggravate your condition. To cope with the disease, you should contact a dermatologist, who will prescribe medications, both internal and external, which will need to be taken throughout the course of treatment. IN at a young age dry body skin is treated with a protein diet, increased amount consumed water. In some cases (if the patient can afford it), people go to live in cities with more humid climate. If dryness is a consequence of menopause or other hormonal imbalances, then the doctor prescribes treatment with hormones that help restore balance.

Daily care rules

Today, most people living in our climate have dry skin. What to do with such an unpleasant drawback, how to get rid of the feeling of constant tightness and itching? In addition to treatment, there are a number of simple procedures that need to be performed daily:

1. You should drink at least 2.5 liters of clean water per day. It is best to buy it in bottles, since the taps serve us liquid that is unsuitable for consumption.
2. Dry skin needs a lot of moisture, but it cannot absorb it properly. Therefore, when you take a shower or bath, make sure that the water is as cool as possible. It may be better for you to feel a little uncomfortable for half an hour, but then the condition of your skin will noticeably improve.
3. After water procedures, apply a nourishing or moisturizing cream to your body every time. It is best if this product is oil-based.
4. Any cream or milk must strictly correspond to your age category.

Facial care

Dry skin on the face becomes especially sensitive, so you need to take special care of it. Every day you need to carry out three preventive procedures: cleansing, toning and moisturizing (or nutrition). Cleaning should be extremely gentle. Scrubs and peels that contain hard particles are strictly excluded. You can tone your skin with a contrast shower. Wash your face with warm water and then ice water. You need to moisturize and nourish your face with masks, oils, and finally creams.

What to do if it's cold outside

The cold season is a real torture for those people who have dry skin. In winter, you need to take care of it even more carefully than usual, protecting it from wind and frost. IN leading role There will be special creams labeled “winter” here. It is a nourishing mixture that coats the skin protective layer, and it doesn’t get too weathered. If the winters in your region are too harsh, try to wrap yourself as much as possible with a scarf or hat. Don't forget about your hands. They need to be treated with cream several times a day and always wear gloves. Relevant for use in winter liquid vitamins E and A, as well as oils as face masks. A paraffin face mask will also help relieve dryness. You need to add the same oils or milk to it and apply it to your face until it hardens. With regular use, the water balance will gradually improve.

Conclusion

You can combat dry skin either with a cosmetologist in the office or at home. It all depends on what is the reason for this deviation, why the skin becomes like this. If this is a disease or a hereditary factor, then only a specialist will help you cope with peeling and discomfort after taking tests. When your skin is affected by climate, water, diet or constant stress, you can restore the water balance yourself. You just need to force yourself to take care of yourself regularly and efficiently.

Usually dry skin (xerosis) does not indicate serious problems, but it can cause discomfort and sometimes lead to unpleasant complications.

Fortunately, most cases of xerosis are caused by external factors that are easy to control.

Separately, ichthyosis is a disease associated with extreme dry skin, which disfigures the patient and causes him physical and emotional suffering. Chronic and severe skin problems are a reason to consult a dermatologist.

Causes of dry skin

The main causes of xerosis include the influence of various environmental factors, as well as diseases that disrupt the functions of the skin.

Possible reasons include:

1. Climatic conditions. The skin becomes dry in winter when the temperature and humidity drop. Winter conditions contribute to the worsening of existing skin problems.

2. Central heating and air conditioning. Fireplaces, central heating, and air conditioners without humidification can cause dry skin.

3. Hot bath or shower. Frequently taking a hot bath, especially if a person likes to splash around in the water for a long time, can destroy the lipid barrier of the skin. It is also not recommended to swim in heavily chlorinated pools.

4. Harsh soaps and shower products. Many popular products contain aggressive surfactants (surfactants). These surfactants simply wash away the protective lipid membrane of the skin, causing dryness.

5. Sun rays. Like the warmth Sun rays dry the skin. UV rays penetrate the epidermis, affecting the deep layer of skin - the dermis. They destroy collagen and elastin, leading to so-called solar elastosis.

6. Atopic dermatitis. This is one of the most common types of eczema and most often affects dry and sensitive skin.

7. Psoriasis. This skin disease is characterized by the rapid growth of rough, dry, dead skin scales, as well as itchy skin.

8. Diseases of the thyroid gland. Hypothyroidism - insufficient function of the thyroid gland - reduces the activity of the sweat and sebaceous glands, which leads to dry skin.

Risk factors for dry skin

Dry skin can develop in any person, but the following groups are most susceptible to xerosis:

1. Elderly people.
2. Residents of countries with dry and cold climates.
3. People who like to take hot showers or baths often.

Symptoms of xerosis

Most often, dry skin is a temporary problem that only bothers you during a certain season, but it can last a lifetime. Symptoms of xerosis depend on your general health, age, where you live, and how much time you spend outdoors.

Possible symptoms include:

1. A feeling of tightness of the skin, especially after a bath.
2. Skin is wrinkled and dehydrated.
3. Skin looks rough instead of smooth.
4. The itching is bothersome, sometimes very intense.
5. Peeling of the skin - from slight to severe.
6. Skin cracks, sometimes bleeding and painful.
7. Redness of the skin, usually in limited areas.

1. The condition does not improve despite home measures.
2. Dry skin is accompanied by severe redness.
3. Dryness and itching interfere with normal sleep.
4. Ulcers and infected wounds form due to scratching.
5. The skin peels off in large areas.

Diagnosis of the causes of dry skin

Dry skin can accompany a number of skin and internal diseases, so your doctor will need to run some tests to make an accurate diagnosis. To determine some skin problems, sometimes a careful examination is enough, and to determine, say, thyroid deficiency, you need to analyze the level of thyroid hormones.

A list of skin conditions associated with xerosis includes:

1. Follicular keratosis. This condition causes small, acne-like pimples on the arms, legs and buttocks. Numerous pimples give the skin a rough, sandpaper-like appearance. Pimples are usually flesh-colored, but can also be red and inflamed.

2. Ichthyosis. With this unpleasant disease, skin cells form thick, dry scales that look like fish scales. The scales are small, multifaceted, from white to brown. Ichthyosis can cause deep, painful cracks in the palms and soles of the feet.

3. Xreotic eczema. This disease causes dry skin and numerous cracks in the skin. This characteristic skin appearance is described by some people as “dry riverbed” or “cracked porcelain”. The skin is inflamed, itchy and bleeding.

4. Psoriasis. The disease manifests itself as dry, flaking and itchy skin. The skin in the affected areas is reddish and covered with scales resembling dandruff. In severe cases, the disease may be complicated by infection.

In most cases, dry skin can be treated with simple home remedies such as moisturizing after showering. For peeling skin, your doctor may recommend special creams that contain salicylic acid, lactic acid, or a combination of lactic acid and urea.

For more serious problems, such as atopic dermatitis or psoriasis, ointments and creams containing corticosteroids (Celestoderm B, Elokom, Advantan) can be used. If an infection occurs due to constant scratching or poor hygiene, the doctor may prescribe combination products that also contain antibiotics (Celestoderm B with Garamycin, Triderm).

If you are prone to dryness, it is not always possible to achieve flawless skin.

However, use these tips:

1. Moisturize your skin. There are many products that form a protective film that protects the skin from moisture loss. The simplest and most effective option is baby oil.

2. Limit hot baths and showers. Such procedures should last no more than 15 minutes, and the water should be used warm, not hot.

3. Avoid harsh soaps that dry out your skin. If you have sensitive skin, you can’t save on good soap and shower gels. Use gentle soap with added oils, such as Neutrogena or Dove.

4. Use moisturizers immediately after swimming. After your bath, pat your skin gently with a towel to keep your body slightly damp. Immediately afterwards, apply baby oil or another moisturizer to your body.

5. Use a humidifier. If the cause of dry skin is dry air in the house, do not skimp on a humidifier (humidifier), at least a portable one - for your room. Maintain your device regularly to prevent the humidifier from becoming a source of bacteria or fungi.

6. Choose appropriate clothing. Natural fibers, such as silk and cotton, give your skin the opportunity to breathe. Avoid fabrics with cheap dyes. When washing, do not use fragrances or other chemicals that may irritate the skin.

For itching and inflammation of the skin, American experts recommend limited use of a cream or ointment containing at least 1% hydrocortisone. This is a medium-strength corticosteroid hormone that copes well with inflammation, itching, and allergic reactions. This product is available without a prescription in the US, but in most countries former USSR hydrocortisone is prescribed by a doctor.

Before using such drugs, it would be a good idea to consult a dermatologist.

Possible complications of xerosis

For some people prone to eczema, dry skin can cause the following complications:

1. Atopic dermatitis.
2. Folliculitis (inflammation of hair follicles).
3. Cellulite ( bacterial infection subcutaneous tissue).

These complications usually occur in cases where the skin's protective mechanism is impaired. For example, severe dry skin causes cracks, which open the door to infection.

Konstantin Mokanov

Update: October 2018

Dry skin causes a lot of problems for its owners. As a rule, the matter does not end with dryness; in parallel, other symptoms are present: dullness, irritation, itching, peeling, and tightening. Dry skin is more susceptible to natural and household factors, ages more quickly and becomes more inflamed.

The objective sensations of those with dry skin are also far from pleasant. Clothes in contact with the skin and touch also cause irritation, and the very appearance of the skin, reminiscent of desert soil, depresses the mood.

The problem should not be ignored, since it is not only aesthetically unsightly, but is often a sign of certain diseases.

Why does the skin need water?

Moisture ensures elasticity and firmness of the skin, as well as cell nutrition. The degree of hydration is determined by the condition of the stratum corneum of the skin and the amount of sebum, which are responsible for moisture exchange between the dermis and the environment. The moderate stratum corneum and fat create a lipid film on the skin, which prevents moisture from leaving the skin and aggressive environmental factors from penetrating into the skin.

The unformed protective lipid film, caused by external or internal factors, leads to excessive evaporation of moisture, which means dry skin. At the same time, microcirculation of blood and trophism deteriorates, and collagen fibers suffer. The skin becomes not only dry, but also flabby.

Causes of dry skin

Dry skin occurs due to a decrease in sebum production in the presence of provoking factors. Sometimes ineffective sebum secretion is a hereditary feature of the body.

• If the problem occurs in young people, it is most likely genetic.
• In mature people, this condition occurs against the background of certain external and internal reasons. Hormonal changes lead to a decrease in the activity of the sebaceous glands, which immediately affects the condition of the skin. Lack of proper care makes the problem worse.

It should be understood that in cases where dry skin is caused by internal causes (diseases or conditions of the body), no external influences - creams, baths and other procedures aimed at moisturizing and nourishing the skin do not lead to the desired effect. And only treatment of the underlying disease can improve the condition of the skin.

Internal reasons

External reasons

Skin diseases: keratosis, dermatitis, psoriasis, eczema, allergies, fungal infection Hormonal imbalances (diabetes, menopause, pregnancy) Dehydration, which is a consequence of insufficient drinking, indigestion, hyperthermia, diarrhea, vomiting, etc. Metabolic disease Diseases of the central nervous system Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract Autoimmune diseases Iron-deficiency anemia Natural skin aging Hypovitaminosis, especially A and E Long-term treatment with antibiotics and some other drugs Lack of nutritional intake, exhausting diets Passion for coffee and strong tea Bad habits (smoking, alcohol) Frequent stress

Dry climate Prolonged sun exposure Dry air Freezing Hot or cold water Exposure to household or industrial chemicals Improper care: frequent use of alkaline soap, alcohol lotions, household chemicals, aggressive cosmetics, frequent peelings. Working on the ground, etc. without protective gloves Working in conditions elevated temperatures(hot shops)

Dry skin can be general or affect certain areas of the body (face, arms, legs, etc.). The localization of dryness can directly or indirectly indicate the reasons for its occurrence.

Manifestations of dry skin

There is a simple home test to help determine if you have dry skin: press your fingers on the skin until marks remain - if they do not disappear for a long time, there is a problem with dryness.

Other signs:

• Tightness. When such skin is accidentally or intentionally pulled, visible cracks appear in the stratum corneum;
• Itching. Dryness and accompany each other, with one phenomenon aggravating the other;
• Invisible, erased pores, as if lightly powdered;
• Irritation, redness;
• up to significant, when the skin is literally covered with scales. It becomes most noticeable after washing the skin and then drying it out.
• When complicated by an infection that has penetrated through microcracks: areas of inflammation with swelling.

Treatment of dry skin and flaking

It should be understood that a qualified specialist - a dermatologist - must find out the cause and then prescribe treatment. If harmless dry skin can be dealt with without medical care, then in case of illness, creams and other remedies will simply be useless.

If dry skin occurs with complications in the form of irritation and microcracks, basic therapy should include ointments with dexpanthenol. Only after the irritation has been relieved can you switch to cosmetics and creams. Alcohol-containing cosmetics, aggressive peelings, and film masks should be excluded. Do not actively dry your skin with a towel after washing.

Dry hand skin

In most cases, the cause of this phenomenon is external factors. If, in addition to dryness, there are also cracks in the fingers, this may indicate hypovitaminosis, allergic contact dermatitis, fungal infections, etc. (see). If you have weeping cracks between your fingers, you should consult a doctor - most likely it is eczema.

• Protect your hands with rubber or cotton gloves when working with aggressive compounds or on the ground, washing dishes.
• Protect your hands warm gloves or mittens in winter.
• Use pH-neutral hand and body washes.
• Use sunscreen when tanning in the sun.
• Normalize your diet, be sure to include vegetable and animal oils in the menu.

Traditional medicine recipes

• Potato mask. Peel and mash boiled potatoes in their jackets, add a spoonful of warm milk. While warm, apply the mask to the skin of your hands 2-3 times a day for 4-5 days in a row. Leave until cool.
• Olive oil and lemon juice mask. Take hand cream (1 tsp) as a base, add 1 tsp. butter and half tsp. lemon juice. Apply before bed and put on fabric gloves over it. Repeat weekly.
• Honey-glycerin compress. Mix 1 tsp. glycerin, liquid honey, flour and water and apply the mixture to your hands, wearing cloth gloves on top. It is recommended to do it a couple of times a day, every day, for 20 minutes.
• Sour cream compress. About 200 ml of sour cream with a fat content of 20% is mixed with egg yolk and lemon juice. Clean gauze is soaked in this mixture and applied to the hands, covered with cling film and a towel. After 20 minutes, wash off the residue and put cloth gloves on your hands. It is better to do it before bed for several days in a row.
• Oil bath. Heat any vegetable oil until warm and immerse the brushes in it for 20 minutes. Carry out twice a week.

Wound healing, nourishing and softening creams:

Astroderm healing cream based on D-panthenol, vinylin, allatoin, vitamin E and yarrow and calendula extracts. Quickly restores the protective functions of the skin, heals cracks and regenerates the skin. Price about 85 rub.	Aloe healer Healing and eliminating dryness cream. The extract restores the skin, accelerates regeneration, prevents cracks and softens the skin. 110 rub.	Velvet handles For very dry skin Eliminates irritation, dryness and flaking. Ingredients: cocoa butter, D-panthenol, allatoin, glycerin and olive oil. 75 rub.	Hand restoration cream Belita Soothes, restores and softens the skin thanks to extracts of linden blossom and sea buckthorn, and wheat germ, glycerin, vitamin E. Price about 85 rubles.	Oil cream from Vitex Eliminates dryness and flaking. Ingredients: extracts of calendula, chamomile, burdock, apricot kernel oil and Shea butter. 90 rub.

Treatment of cracks

• Ointment made from honey and resin. In a metal saucepan, mix 10 g of oleoresin and honey, add 30 ml of vodka and 15 g of beeswax. Put on fire, stirring constantly until the mixture becomes homogeneous. Cool and refrigerate. The ointment is applied directly to the crack and sealed with a bactericidal plaster for 7-8 hours.
• Calendula ointment. Grind about 100 ml of dried plant flowers into powder and mix with 200 ml of melted pork fat. Bring until smooth in a water bath, cool. It is applied in the same way.
• Plantain ointment. Grind the dry herb into powder and add 9 parts of Vaseline and 3 drops of vegetable oil. It is applied in the same way.

• Wear comfortable and proportionate shoes made of quality materials.
• Once a week, carefully remove the stratum corneum using natural pumice or scrubs.
• Use foot creams regularly.
• Make contrasting foot baths that improve skin nutrition.
• Do not walk barefoot on gravel or sand.

Traditional medicine recipes

• Apple mask. Green apple grate on a fine grater, put the puree on gauze and apply it in this form to your feet, putting it on over your socks. Leave it overnight, and in the morning wash it off and apply a suitable cream.
• Mask with castor oil . Soak gauze in warm oil, apply it to your feet and put on socks. Leave overnight, and in the morning blot off any remaining oil with a napkin.
• Oil baths. Heat the vegetable oil, pour it into a wide, flat bowl and place your feet in it. Leave for 20 minutes, then try to rub the remaining oil into the skin. Remove excess oil with wet wipes.

Nourishing and softening creams

Foot cream BALLET Contains extracts of wormwood, oak, horse chestnut. Effectively softens and protects against dryness, heals small wounds, stimulates blood circulation. Price about 35 rubles.	Cream Instant effect Reduces peeling and irritation of the skin, effectively nourishes the skin thanks to vitamins A, E, D and B5, Shostakovsky balm, St. John's wort and sage. Price about 90 rubles.	Foot cream with calendula and Belita extracts The active composition of the cream contains provitamin B5, mint oil and medicinal plant extracts. Reduces dryness and heals microcracks. Price about 40 rubles.