Understanding and taking care of your dry skin

Understanding and taking care of your dry skin

Published on January 18, 2024, by Christelle

Reading time: 6 minutes

Dry skin, a common dermatological problem that affects people of all ages, occurs when the skin lacks moisture. A source of discomfort and irritation, it can be attributed to various internal factors (genetic heritage, aging of the skin, etc.), external factors or even lifestyle habits. In this article, we'll look at the causes and signs of this skin type, while also telling you how to care for it. We will thus see how to maintain an effective protective barrier.

SUMMARY

Recognize the signs and origins of dry skin

Some Common Signs of Dry Skin

Dry skin occurs when the skin loses its natural moisture and is no longer able to retain it. Recognizing the symptoms of dry skin is the first step in combating this common problem.

Dry skin is uncomfortable, especially after cleansing it. People with dry skin may experience itching, flaking, and often tight skin. Makeup doesn't last very well and the skin may lack radiance. On the eye contour, forehead and cheeks, fine superficial lines begin to appear. In summary, the skin needs to be soothed, comforted, nourished and hydrated, because it is no longer able to play its role as a barrier against external aggressions.

Understanding the main causes of dry skin

Several factors contribute to the development of dry skin. It is essential to understand the underlying conditions and possible aggravating factors that can contribute to dry skin in order to choose appropriate care.

Environmental conditions, such as low humidity or strong winds, can disrupt the skin barrier. In winter in particular, the air becomes drier, which causes the skin to lose moisture. Indoor heating can make this situation worse.

Skin aging : with age, mature skin is naturally more prone to dryness and dehydration.

Certain habits, such as excessive use of hot water or the use of harsh skincare products, can attack the sebaceous glands and the skin's lipid barrier, resulting in dryness.

The lack of water : our main hydration intake comes from the water we drink. Too little hydration or a poor diet can cause dry skin.

Alteration of the skin barrier : A damaged or unbalanced skin barrier prevents the skin from retaining moisture, making it more prone to dryness and irritation.

Certain skin diseases, like atopic dermatitis, can also be associated with dry skin.

Recognize the signs and origins of dry skin

Avoiding Dry Skin: Prevention and Treatment

How to prevent dry skin

Prevention is the key to maintaining healthy, hydrated skin.

Moisturize your skin regularly : Using a quality moisturizer is essential to keeping your skin hydrated. Look for products with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or ceramides to lock in moisture.

Avoid long, hot showers : Opt for lukewarm water when you shower and limit the time spent in the shower to avoid overdrying the upper layer of the epidermis.

Use a humidifier : Adding a humidifier to your home can help maintain adequate humidity in the air, which prevents dry skin.

Protection of the skin barrier : Using suitable products that help repair the skin barrier, such as those containing niacinamide or fatty acids, can benefit long-term skin health.

Taking care of your dry skin

First of all, it is essential to choose a suitable moisturizer. Look for products with ingredients that improve the skin's ability to retain moisture, such as hyaluronic acid and glycerin. Applying a moisturizer to the skin immediately after cleansing helps lock in moisture.

Additionally, repairing the skin barrier is essential in treating dry skin. Products containing ceramides, which are natural components of the skin barrier, can help restore and strengthen the skin's lipid barrier. For people suffering from atopic dermatitis, appropriate topical treatments and hygiene products can be prescribed by a dermatologist.

In winter, it is essential to use richer moisturizing creams, wear protective clothing and hydrate to combat the effects of external aggressions due to the climate.

But cosmetic products are not the only solution. We also take care of our skin by adopting a holistic approach. In addition to choosing the appropriate care products, remember to drink at least 1.5 L of water per day and include enough fatty acids (oily fish, oilseeds, etc.) in your diet to avoid a lack of lipids.

Avoiding Dry Skin: Prevention and Treatment

A daily routine for dry skin

Morning routine to maintain hydration in dry skin

Cleaning : use a gentle and moisturizing cleansing treatment, preferably without soap, specially formulated for dry skin (cream, foam or make-up remover milk such as the Domaine's Cleansing Emulsion). Avoid cleansing products containing sulfated surfactants, which can remove lipid elements from your skin and alter the hydrolipidic film on its surface.

Tonic : Opt for a toner specially designed for dry skin. Look for products with hydrating ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, glycerin, or nourishing plant extracts. Avoid toners containing alcohol, which dry out the skin even more.

Treatment : Continue your routine with a serum (choose it according to your needs: wrinkle prevention, anti-aging, firmness, radiance, hydration...). For any questions regarding serums, do not hesitate to consult our article explaining what a skin serum is, and how to use it. Then apply your eye contour treatment (adapted to your needs: anti-dark circles, anti-puffiness, anti-wrinkle, moisturizer, etc.).

Moisturizing cream : Choose a nourishing cream with a rich, creamy texture suitable for dry skin, containing hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin, and nourishing ingredients like olive oil and shea butter.

A night routine to repair dry skin

Cleaning : Opt for a cleansing oil, balm or milk to remove makeup while retaining moisture, then apply your hydrating toner to remove all residue.

In the evening, choose a serum which works to repair the skin and increase its natural capacity to recharge, as The Serum by Beau Domaine. You can then apply your eye cream.

Before bed, it is best to focus on skin regeneration and repair. Opt for one richer moisturizing cream to help the skin regenerate during the night, with a "plumped" effect and soft skin when you wake up, like The Cream by Beau Domaine.

Consider exfoliating your skin once a week to remove dead cells and promote better absorption of moisturizing products. However, choose a gentle, non-irritating exfoliant (mechanical scrub with very fine grains or peeling). Follow with a nourishing mask to deeply hydrate the skin and restore suppleness.

In summary, understanding the causes, symptoms and effective treatments for dry skin is essential to maintaining a healthy, hydrated complexion and avoiding premature skin aging.

By acting on external factors, choosing the right routine, appropriate moisturizers, and adopting preventive measures, you can help prevent or take care of your dry skin. If clinical signs persist or worsen, it is advisable to consult a dermatologist to develop a personalized treatment plan for optimal skin care.

A daily routine for dry skin