What causes dry skin?

Dry skin is not a case of "it goes away and it comes back". Dry skin is a constant, permanent condition caused by a lack of lipids. But rest assured, it is entirely possible to take care of it with targeted actions. The exact causes of this dry skin must be determined. We help you to see more clearly.

Understanding and taking care of dry skin

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Dry skin: internal causes

A feeling of tightness and stinging. Fine flaking, less soft skin, duller complexion. These are all signs of dry skin. But where does it come from? The first cause is genetics. This is the constitutional (or innate) dry skin that naturally produces few lipids.

Certain pathologies also tend to dry out the skin. You immediately think of eczema (or atopic dermatitis) or psoriasis. You’re right. But that’s not all. A hereditary ingredient is a genetic disease characterised by extremely dry, rough skin and an excessive amount of squames.

Finally, other diseases such as diabetes or renal insufficiency increase predisposure to dry skin.

How to recognise dry skin?

Dry skin: also external causes

Certain factors, although not strictly responsible for skin dryness, greatly contribute to it. This is called "extrinsic dry skin". What are the elements that dry out our skin on a daily basis?

Overly frequent washing and overly irritating soaps also alter the skin’s hydrolipidic film
Clothing that is too rough, with direct contact with the skin, may also dry out your epidermis
Tobacco
And of course, atmospheric conditions. Climatic conditions such as cold, dry air or UV rays impact directly the skin’s hydration.

Learn more about dry skin in winter

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Dry skin: the function of hormones

Other factors, which may not necessarily be considered, may cause skin dryness: hormonal changes.

Pregnancy

Pregnancy is a time of hormonal changes. Pregnant, these variations can change your body, leading to a loss of water in your epidermis. As a result, your skin can become uncomfortable and more reactive.

How to care for your skin during pregnancy

Age

Other hormonal changes are linked to age, particularly during the menopause. These changes can slow down the activity of the sebaceous glands (which produce sebum) and sweat (which secrete sweat). The skin is therefore less well hydrated and becomes drier and rough.

All you need to know about age-related dry skin

FRIENDLY (AND EXPERT) ADVICE

For dry skin, tailored care

Whatever the reasons for your skin dryness, whether it is on your face or the rest of your body, it’s important for you to adopt an appropriate skincare routine. Start with gentle cleansing with soap-free cosmetics and then apply a nourishing treatment in the morning and evening, as well as a weekly scrub to remove dead skin cells.

Remember to adapt your daily habits:

Take showers rather than baths and avoid hot water
Drink at least one liter and half of water per day
Protect yourself from the sun and the cold
Enrich your diet in essential fatty acids (omegas 3 and 6 found in fatty fish, rapeseed oil, oleagines, etc.).

All our tips for caring for dry skin

Dry skin: a secondary effect of certain medicines

Finally, again we don’t think about them always, but some treatments also thoroughly dry out the skin. Isotretinoin for example in the treatment of acne, as well as anti-cancer, some diuretics, medicines against prostate disorders, or local medications with alcohol. In the event of persistent symptoms, do not hesitate to consult your doctor or dermatologist. It may determine the cause of your skin dryness and will advise you (this will adapt your treatment for example if your dry skin is associated with a medical treatment), and provide you with products adapted to soothe your dried skin.