What Causes Dry Skin? | Prevention and Remedies

What is
DRY SKIN?

Dry skin is often rough and flaky. It can be caused by a few different things, including a lack of skin’s natural oils, harsh weather conditions or washing too often. By following a simple skincare routine for dry skin, along with a few other prevention tips, you can ease any discomfort and help your skin look and feel healthier.

5 Common Signs of
DRY SKIN

Dry skin can show up in a variety of ways, and recognising the signs early makes it easier to care for your skin effectively.³ Common symptoms include:

Knowing the signs of dry skin makes it easier for you to look after it properly. Some common signs include:

1
Tightness or a feeling of “pulling” on your skin, especially after washing

2
Rough or flaky patches, often more noticeable in certain areas like your elbows, knees and heels

3
Itchiness, which can sometimes lead to scratching and further irritation

4
Redness or inflammation, particularly in more severe cases

5
Cracks or little fissures in the skin

Dry Skin vs
Dehydrated Skin

Dry skin is a skin type, and it’s usually caused by your skin naturally making fewer oils or fatty substances. Dehydrated skin, on the other hand, is a temporary condition where your skin is lacking water in its outer layer. So even if you have combination or oily skin, you can still have dehydrated skin.

The signs of dehydrated skin are similar to dry skin, but dehydrated skin can sometimes feel both oily and dry at the same time. Your skin might feel tight, look dull and show early signs of ageing, like sagging and wrinkles.

Whether you have dry or dehydrated skin, it’s important to drink the recommended amount of water each day, eat a balanced diet and use hydrating skincare products to prevent dryness.

Understanding the Key Reasons Behind Dry Facial Skin

5 Causes of
Dry Skin

1. SKIN CONDITION

Dry skin can sometimes be a sign of a skin condition such as eczema or psoriasis. If you’re worried this might be the case for you, it’s best to chat with a health professional so you can find the right solution for your skin type.

Woman with wet dark hair looking over her shoulder in a bright shower, with water droplets on her skin

2. HEAT

Hot showers or baths: Hot water can strip your skin of its natural oils, so keeping showers or baths shorter and using warm (not hot) water can help your skin hold onto moisture.
Indoor heating and air conditioning: Using indoor heating and cooling can dry the air out, which can then dry your skin too.

3. ENVIRONMENT

Low humidity levels: In dry or cold weather, moisture evaporates more quickly from your skin, leaving it dry.

Severe weather conditions: Wind, sun and extreme temperatures can damage the skin’s natural barrier, which leads to moisture loss.

Frequent flyer: Recycled air on planes has low humidity, so it can strip moisture from your skin and leave it feeling tight, parched and sometimes even flaky.

4. AGE AND HEALTH FACTORS

Age: As you get older, your skin tends to produce less sebum, which can lead to dryness.

Medical conditions: Certain medical conditions like eczema, psoriasis or hypothyroidism can also cause skin dryness, which sometimes shows up on the legs.

5. TOO MUCH BATHING AND SCRUBBING

Harsh soaps and cleansers: Strong chemicals can upset your skin’s pH balance and strip away its natural oils, leaving it dry and more vulnerable.

Overwashing: Washing your skin too often can remove its protective oils and throw off its natural moisture balance. Try to cleanse gently and only as often as you really need to, to avoid dryness.

7 Skincare
TIPS FOR DRY SKIN:

Bringing in a few simple lifestyle habits, together with a regular skincare routine, can really help keep your skin in good shape.

1
Moisturise regularly
Consistency is everything with skincare. When you moisturise regularly, you help your skin stay hydrated and protected, and you’ll notice it looks and feels better over time.
For dry skin on your body, try the NIVEA Repair and Care Body Lotion. It immediately helps relieve itchy sensations in dry, tight skin and provides 72 hours of hydration*.
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2
Avoid hot water
Go for lukewarm water instead of hot water when you shower or bathe, as hot water can strip your skin of its natural oils.

3
Wear breathable clothing
Choose breathable fabrics like cotton or linen, especially if you have dry skin. Try to avoid tight clothing that can rub on your skin and cause irritation.

4
Stay hydrated
Drink plenty of water throughout the day to help keep your skin hydrated from the inside out.

5
Humidify the air
Use a humidifier at home, especially in winter, to add moisture back into the air and help stop your skin from drying out.

6
Protect your skin
Wear sunscreen whenever you’re spending time outdoors to protect your skin from sun damage, help prevent skin sensitivity and reduce dryness.

7
Consult a dermatologist
If your dry skin hangs around even after you’ve tried these tips, or if you’re getting severe symptoms like cracking or bleeding, it’s important to see a dermatologist so they can check for any underlying medical conditions.

Facts Overview

Dry Skin

Symptoms: Dry skin on your body can show up as rough or flaky patches, often more noticeable on areas like your elbows, knees and heels.

Causes: Low sebum production, exposure to harsh weather and indoor heating or air conditioning can all cause dry skin by taking moisture out of it.

Treatment: After cleansing, apply a moisturising cream for dry skin to your face and body. This helps top up moisture and support your skin’s natural barrier.

Prevention: Keeping up a regular skincare routine is key for maintaining hydration and improving your skin’s overall condition. Wear breathable clothing, protect your skin from sun damage and use a humidifier at home if the air feels dry.

Men and
DRY SKIN

Morning Routine

Smiling man with curly hair touching his freshly shaved jawline against a clear blue sky

Men often face some unique challenges with dry skin, mainly because of different skincare habits and lifestyle factors. Shaving is a big one, as it can make your skin more sensitive and reactive.

On average, men who shave put their skin through around 16,000 shaves in a lifetime, and up to 40% of men have shaving-related skin problems including dry skin. Shaving removes the top layer of skin cells, which exposes more sensitive skin. Plus, regular shaving can strip away your skin’s natural oils, leading to dryness, irritation and razor burn.

Use a moisturising shaving cream or gel before you shave and follow up with the hydrating NIVEA MEN Sensitive 0% Alcohol Post Shave Balm, enriched with Chamomile and Vitamin E to help with shaving irritations like redness, tightness, itchiness and dryness.

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Effective Skincare Routines and Products for Dry Facial Skin

Skincare Routine for
DRY SKIN

Dry skin is common and can show up on lots of areas of your body, including your legs, arms and face. Sticking to a simple, effective routine can help you manage dry skin now and help stop it from coming back.

1. CLEANSE:

Use a gentle, non-stripping cleanser that suits your skin type. NIVEA Face Cleansers offer a range of products, including micellar waters and face washes, so you can pick what works best for your skin.

For men: NIVEA MEN Sensitive Face Wash is a soap-free face wash for sensitive skin. It contains Vitamin E and Chamomile extract to cleanse gently without drying your skin.

2. EXFOLIATE:

Bringing an exfoliant into your routine can help lift away dead skin cells and support skin renewal. But if you have dry skin, it’s best not to exfoliate too often or use products that are too strong. Go for a gentle exfoliant that won’t dry your skin out. The NIVEA Face Scrubs range offers different face exfoliants for all skin types.

For men: NIVEA MEN Hydrocare Face Scrub, with Aloe Vera, deeply yet gently cleans your skin, helping unclog pores and remove excess oils and impurities.

3. SERUM:

Check out NIVEA Cellular Expert Filler Plumping Hyaluronic Serum, a hydrating and anti-wrinkle serum with Hyaluronic Acid that targets signs of ageing and boosts skin hydration.

Smiling woman holding a silver dropper bottle of NIVEA Cellular serum in a bright, neutral room

4. MOISTURISE:

Apply a rich, nourishing moisturiser such as NIVEA Caring Day Cream SPF30 to help protect your skin’s moisture levels.

For men: NIVEA MEN Sensitive Moisturiser SPF15 provides instant relief from irritation and long-lasting skin comfort.

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5. EYE CREAM:

If you’re getting dryness around your eye area, add a hydrating eye cream that’s specially formulated for the delicate skin there. NIVEA Q10 Anti-Wrinkle Power Firming Eye Cream contains skin-identical Coenzyme Q10 and Creatine. Its intensely moisturising formula helps reduce crow’s feet, revitalise your eye area and reduce puffiness.

6. SPF:

Finish with a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher during the day. This helps protect your skin from sun damage, which in turn can help avoid dryness and irritation caused by UV exposure.

The NIVEA Face Sunscreen range offers a wide choice of sun care products for all skin types, including high SPF sunscreens and hydrating formulas for sensitive and dry skin. Whether you prefer a lightweight, fast-absorbing lotion or a richer cream, the NIVEA Sun range has options to help keep your skin cared for every day.

Body Care Routine for
DRY SKIN

When your skin is still damp after a shower or bath, apply a rich, nourishing moisturiser. This helps the moisturiser sink into your pores more easily and gives deeper hydration. NIVEA Repair & Care Body Lotion is suitable for dry and sensitive skin. It contains 10% Glycerin & Panthenol to provide intense care and 72 hours of moisture*. Just massage it into your skin to ease feelings of tightness.

If you’re heading out into the sun and your body is exposed, a moisturising sunscreen will help keep your skin hydrated and protected. Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 50 or higher during the day, such as NIVEA SUN Protect & Moisture Lotion SPF50+. It’s designed to protect your skin from UV damage and premature ageing while moisturising at the same time – just remember to reapply sunscreen regularly to help prevent sun damage.

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Discover
NIVEA Moisturisers FOR DRY SKIN

Dealing with dry skin can be a bit of a challenge, but the right skincare routine can make a real difference. Dry skin can feel tight, rough and uncomfortable, especially when it’s exposed to cold or windy weather. With NIVEA’s expert formulations, you can help your skin feel hydrated again – whether you prefer a rich, creamy formula for intense hydration or a lighter, refreshing option for every day. Find the moisturiser that suits your skin best with NIVEA.

SUMMARY

Dry skin is a common skin type that happens when your skin doesn’t have enough moisture and natural oils. When you’re trying to figure out what’s behind your dry skin, it’s worth looking at environmental factors and lifestyle habits as well. Then you can build a skincare routine with hydrating products that really works for you. Follow the tips in this guide to help treat dry skin and prevent future flare-ups, so you can feel more comfortable and confident in your own skin.

FAQs

Common Questions About Dry Facial Skin and How to Treat It

FAQs

If your skin still feels tight or dry after you put moisturiser on, it could be that the product just isn’t hydrating enough for you, or your skin might need more than just a basic cream. Try applying your moisturiser after a shower on damp skin to help lock in the water molecules. Very dry skin can take a few days to improve. If your skin is unusually dry and your usual products don’t seem to help, chat with a health professional for advice.