Dry skin is a type of skin that is generally confused with dry skin, however, they are totally different things.
As we know, there are four basic types of skin: normal, dry, combination and oily. It is usually common to confuse dry skin with dehydrated skin. While the first is skin type, the second is a condition. Therefore, there are specific treatments and care for both cases.
Dry skin is a result of fewer oil-producing glands. In other words, sebum production will be lower than in people with oily or combination skin. Dehydrated skin is caused by a lack of water and other external factors. This way, anyone can have dry skin – even those with oily skin.
Although they are two different things, the symptoms are very similar, such as a whitish appearance, itching, peeling, among others. In all cases, this can be a real nuisance and affect health and self-esteem. Fortunately, there are specific treatments to deal with dry skin, whether the problem is natural or occasional.
Therefore, today we will understand more about what it is, and the best way to deal with dry skin. Let’s go!
What is dry skin
Xerosis, popularly known as dry skin, as previously mentioned, is a type of skin. Thus, it is characterized by an imbalance in the number of sebaceous glands, which directly affects the lubrication of the region.
This can be a consequence of several factors, whether internal (genetics, hormonal changes, etc.) or external (climate, exposure to the sun, very hot baths and others), which can affect different parts of the face and body. Consequently, it is necessary to find ways to balance and compensate for the lack of lubrication in the skin.
In addition to the most common factors, some specific diseases can increase the chances of having drier skin. Thus, problems such as asthma, bronchitis, rhinitis and atopic dermatitis, psoriasis attacks and even diabetes can worsen this problem.
Characteristics and symptoms of dry skin
Dry skin is characterized by a whitish appearance, lack of luminosity, scaly texture, flaking, and red patches. In aggravated cases, it can result in cracks and even wounds.
In addition, symptoms include a lot of itching in the affected areas, tightness, burning and sensitivity.
How to know your skin type?
Because of the similar characteristics, it is very common to confuse dry skin with dehydrated skin. Therefore, first of all, you need to identify whether you really have dry skin, or whether you are just hungover.
To do this, there is a basic test, which you can do yourself at home. Take a regular paper towel and place it in the center of your forehead and leave it for a moment. When you remove it, check to see if it is stained with oil. Repeat the process on the cheeks as well.
Therefore, if the paper has a sign of oiliness on both sides, your skin type is oily. If you only notice oil on the forehead, it is mixed. And if there is no sign of oil anywhere, your skin is dry.
Dry skin
Since dry skin is a specific type of skin, dry skin is only a temporary condition. This happens when the region becomes very dry, presenting symptoms similar to dry skin, such as whitening, cracking, and even wounds.
This condition appears mainly in naturally dry areas, such as knees, elbows, heels and legs.
The causes of dry skin vary greatly between external factors such as:
- Cold weather and very windy
- Excessive sun exposure
- Very hot baths
- Little water intake
- Friction with clothes, shoes and even the floor
- Frequent contact with sea or pool water
- Specific medications for acne treatment (roaccutane, for example)
- Use of products that are inappropriate for your skin type
- Direct contact with cleaning chemicals
Dry skin treatment
As it is a problem caused by a lack of skin lubrication, the main treatment for dry skin is hydration. The main way to balance and compensate for the lack of oil in your skin is to use moisturizing products.
Therefore, the constant use of moisturizing products will balance the skin’s hydration factors, attracting moisture and keeping the epidermis moist. Therefore, in addition to increasing the water concentration in the skin, it will protect and encourage cell renewal. All this to ensure a healthier appearance to the skin.
However, you should be aware that the use of moisturizers varies from the face to the skin of other areas. So, to hydrate your facial skin, look for daily moisturizers specific to that part of the body. Choose creams with prebiotic action, which are rich in vitamins.
The same applies to the body. Therefore, opt for specific moisturizers for the body, and give preference to products that contain urea, shea butter, macadamia nuts, among other active ingredients.
Other care
So, it became clear that the best and most effective treatment to take care of the symptoms of dry skin is hydration. However, there are some other habits and precautions that can help deal with this issue.
To begin with, avoid using very hot water when bathing. Other than that, avoiding rubbing the skin with the towel, causing a lot of friction, is also important. Exfoliating your skin can help, but too much can make the problem even worse. Also avoid applying soap directly to your skin.
Skin hydration is also related to diet. Therefore, to keep your skin well hydrated, try to eat a healthy diet. Choose water-rich fruits and vegetables, which help maintain body moisture.
And last but not least, drink lots of water. This tip is important not only for the skin, but also the body in general.
Skin care routine
Now, we will see a step-by-step guide on what a care routine for dry skin should be like.
Facial skin
1 – Clean your face before anything else, choose micellar water for this;
2 – Then wash your face, with a cleansing soap ideal for your skin type;
3 – Dry your skin with a towel, always remembering to use gentle movements and never rub;
4 – Apply a facial moisturizer (look for options with special moisturizing active ingredients). Moisturizing face masks are also nice, especially on days when you want to rest;
5 – And finish by applying a sunscreen, which is essential for protected and healthy skin.
Body skin
1 – During the shower, wash your body with soap with moisturizing ingredients;
2 – Then, dry the skin with gentle movements;
3 – And lastly, apply body moisturizer. At this stage, do not overuse the product on dry areas, such as knees and elbows.
Demystifying dry skin
It’s very common to hear things about dry skin that are nothing more than common sense.
Dry skin ages faster
This is very common, but it is nothing more than a myth. The truth is that the pace of aging does not change depending on your skin type. What happens is that oil can hide expression lines and wrinkles a little, which doesn’t happen with dry skin. But this is just a feeling that the face has aged less.
Skin becomes drier in winter
Yes, it is common during colder seasons for the skin to become drier. This happens due to lower air humidity, warmer baths, and the cold itself.
Dry skin is more sensitive
Yes, precisely because dry skin weakens its protection barrier. Therefore, more sensitive to symptoms, especially burning and redness.
Anyway, what did you think of this article? Take the opportunity to discover 5 foods that are sources of collagen and leave your skin perfect.
Sources: ADCOS Derma Club Beleza na Web
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Images: The Skin Balance Carol Navarrete SegsMulher Mulher Opas M de Mulher
