What Causes
Dry Skin and How Can It Be Reduced?
What is
DRY SKIN?
5 Common Signs of
DRY SKIN
Knowing the signs of dry skin makes it easier for you to look after it properly. Some common signs include:
Tightness or a feeling of “pulling” on your skin, especially after washing
Itchiness, which can sometimes lead to scratching and further irritation
Redness or inflammation, particularly in more severe cases
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.
5 Causes of
Dry Skin
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
- 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*.
*Instrumental test, 42 participants
- 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.
- 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.
- Stay hydrated
Drink plenty of water throughout the day to help keep your skin hydrated from the inside out.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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
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.
*no Ethylalcohol
Skincare Routine for
DRY SKIN
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.
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.
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.
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.
**Instrumental test, 51 men
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.
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.
*Instrumental test, 33 participants
