Overview
As highlighted in the study "Barrier disruption, dehydration and inflammation: Investigation of the vicious circle underlying dry skin" (C.Beiz et al, 2021), various internal and external factors can lead to insufficient production of the essential lipids and proteins (known as sebum). This weakens the skin moisture barrier that protects the skin, resulting in dry, redness-prone skin with itching sensations.
Dry skin can either be a long-term skin condition or you may develop dry skin in reaction to changes in the environment or skin’s behaviour. In this article, we’ll discuss the causes of dry skin, how it manifests on the face and body and ways to alleviate its effects.
Key facts:
- Dry skin, also called xerosis or xeroderma, is skin lacking moisture that appears dry, scaly or flaky, often rough, itchy, and redness-prone because the skin moisture barrier is weakened.
- The main reason skin becomes dry is lack of moisture, which can be linked to factors like skin conditions, seasonal change, sun exposure, heating or air conditioning, or a natural tendency toward dry skin.
- Common causes are grouped into four broad categories: environmental factors, ageing, lifestyle factors, and underlying skin conditions.
- Dry skin is typically characterised by tightness, rough texture, flakes or scaling, itching, visible redness, fine lines, and sometimes cracking.
- Dry skin is a skin type caused by a lack of natural oils, whereas dehydrated skin is a temporary condition caused by insufficient water. People with dry skin are often more prone to dehydration.