young woman using Nivea Repair & Care cream

What Causes Dry Skin and How Can It Be Reduced?

Discover the causes, care, and preventative measures for dry skin.

What's in this article:

What is Dry Skin?

Dry skin is often rough and flaky, caused by various reasons, including a deficit in skin’s natural oils, harsh weather conditions, or excessive washing. By adopting a skincare regime for dry skin along with other preventative methods you can minimise discomfort and enhance the appearance of your skin.
young woman using Nivea Nourishing Day Cream

5 Common Signs of Dry Skin

Recognising the signs of dry skin is essential for effective skincare management. Some common signs include:

  1. Tightness or a feeling of "pulling" on the skin, especially after washing
  2. Rough or flaky patches, often more noticeable in certain areas like the elbows, knees, and heels
  3. Itchiness, which can sometimes lead to scratching and further irritation
  4. Redness or inflammation, particularly in severe cases
  5. Cracks or fissures in the skin, in areas like hands and feet

Dry skin vs Dehydrated Skin

While dry skin is a skin type, characterised by a natural shortage of certain oils or fatty substances in the skin, dehydrated skin is a condition when the skin lacks water in its outer layer. People with combination and oily skin types can also experience dehydrated skin. 

The signs of dehydrated skin are similar to those of dry skin, however, it is possible for dehydrated skin to feel both oily and dry at the same time. Signs of skin dehydration can also include skin feeling tight, looking dull and showing signs of premature ageing, such as sagging skin and wrinkles.

Whether you have dry or dehydrated skin, it is important to drink the recommended water intake daily, to have a balanced diet, as well as using moisturising skincare products.

Why Is My Skin so Dry? 5 Common Causes

1. Skin Condition

Dry skin could be a sign of a skin condition such as eczema or psoriasis. If this is a concern, it is best to seek professional medical advice to find a solution for your skin type.

young woman using Nivea Repair & Care cream

2. Heat

Hot Showers or Baths: Hot water can strip the skin of its natural oils so limiting shower or bath time can help preserve the skin's moisture.
Indoor Heating and Air Conditioning: Using indoor heating and cooling can strip the moisture from the air.

3. Environment

  • Low Humidity Levels: During dry and cold weather, moisture evaporates more quickly from the skin, leaving it dry.
  • Severe weather conditions: Wind, sun, and extreme temperatures can damage the skin's natural barrier, leading to moisture loss.
  • Frequent Flyer: Recycled air in planes has low humidity levels, which strip moisture from the skin, leaving it feeling tight, parched, and sometimes even flaky.

4. Age and Health Factors

  • Age: As people get older, their skin tends to produce less sebum, which can result in dryness.
  • Medical conditions: Certain medical conditions like eczema, psoriasis, or hypothyroidism can also cause skin dryness, which sometimes occurs on the legs.

5. Too Much Bathing and Scrubbing

  • Harsh Soaps and Cleansers: Harsh chemicals can disrupt the skin's pH balance and strip away its natural oils, leaving it dry and vulnerable.
  • Overwashing: Washing the skin too frequently can remove its protective oils and disrupt its natural moisture balance. It's essential to cleanse the skin gently and only as needed to avoid dryness.

7 skincare tips for dry skin:

Implementing the following lifestyle habits, combined with a consistent skincare routine, will contribute to promote optimal skin health:
1
Moisturise regularly

Consistency is key in skincare, and regular moisturising ensures that your skin stays hydrated and protected, and looks its best over the long term.

For dry skin on the body, try the NIVEA Express Hydration Body Lotion, which immediately relieves itching sensations in dry, tight skin and provides 48 hours of hydration.

2
Avoid hot water

Opt for lukewarm water instead of hot water when showering or bathing, as hot water can strip the skin of its natural oils.

3
Wear breathable clothing

Choose breathable fabrics like cotton or linen, especially if you have dry skin. Avoid wearing tight clothing that can rub against your skin and cause irritation.

4
Stay hydrated

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

5
Humidify the air

Use a humidifier in your home, especially during the winter months, to add moisture to the air and prevent your skin from drying out.

6
Protect your skin

For sun protection, wear sunscreen when spending time outdoors to protect your skin from sun damage, to prevent skin sensitivity and skin dryness.

7
Consult a dermatologist

If your dry skin persists despite trying these remedies, or if you experience severe symptoms like cracking or bleeding, it's important to consult a dermatologist for further evaluation and check of potential underrlying medical conditions.

Dry Skin

Facts Overview

Symptoms: Skin dryness on the body can appear as rough or flaky patches, often more noticeable in certain areas like the elbows, knees, and heels.

Causes: Low sebum production, exposure to harsh weather conditions, and indoor heating or air conditioning systems can cause dry skin by taking out the skin's moisture.

Treatment: Apply a moisturising cream for dry skin to your face and body after cleansing, as this helps to replenish moisture and strengthen the skin's natural barrier.

Prevention: Maintaining a consistent skincare routine is vital to maintain hydration and improve the overall condition of the skin. Wear breathable clothing, protect your skin from sun damage and humidify the air inside your home.

Men and Dry Skin

young man using NIVEA MEN Sensitive 0% Alcohol Post Shave Balm
Men often face unique challenges when it comes to dry skin, primarily due to differences in skincare habits and lifestyle factors. A common challenge includes shaving, which can make the skin more sensitive and reactive.

On average, men who shave, subject their skin to 16,000 shaves in a lifetime and up to 40% of men have shaving-related skin problems including dry skin. Shaving removes the uppermost layer of skin cells, which exposes particularly sensitive skin, alongside this, regular shaving can strip away the skin's natural oils, leading to dryness, irritation, and razor burns.

Use a moisturising shaving cream or gel before shaving and follow up with the hydrating NIVEA MEN Sensitive After Shave Fluid, enriched with Chamomile and Vitamin E to help with shaving irritations like redness, tightness, itchiness. And for dryniess, men can use NIVEA MEN Creme for a smoother skin.

*no Ethylalcohol
NIVEA Men After Shave

How to Treat Dry Skin on the Face? Skincare Routine for Dry Skin

Dry skin is a common issue that appears on various areas of the body, including legs, arms, and face. Adopting a consistent and effective routine can help to address existing dry skin and prevent it from reappearing.

1. Cleanse:

Use a gentle, non-stripping cleanser appropriate for your skin type. NIVEA Face Cleansers provide a variety of products, including micellar waters and face washes, tailored to meet your skin's needs effectively.

2. Exfoliate:

Incorporating an exfoliant into your routine can help remove dead skin cells and encourage skin renewal. However, if you have dry skin, you should avoid exfoliating too often or using products that are too powerful. So it's essential to choose a gentle exfoliant that won't dry out your skin. The NIVEA Face Scrubs range offer a variety of face exfoliants for all skin types.
young woman using NIVEA Cellular Expert Filler Plumping Hyaluronic Serum

3. Serum:

As well as adding an additional layer of hydration to your skin, serums can also help to target addditional cosmetic concerns. NIVEA LUMINOUS630 Even Glow Dark Spots & Anti-Age Serum contains Hyauronic Acid to help plump skin and lock in moisture whilst the patented Thiamidol ingredient helps to reduce the apperance of dark spots.

4. Moisturise:

Apply a rich, nourishing moisturiser such as NIVEA Soft to help maintain the skin's moisture levels. The moisturiser is highly effective and leaves the skin soft and refreshed throughout the day. Its fast absorption leaves the skin in a neutral condition without any oily deposits. It is suitable for everyday use, and you can apply it to different areas of the body.

5. Eye Cream:

If you’re experiencing dryness around the eye area, incorporate a hydrating eye cream specifically formulated to hydrate the delicate skin around the eyes. The NIVEA Q10 Anti-Wrinkle Power Firming Eye Cream contains skin-identical Coenzyme Q10 and Creatine. Its intensive moisturising formula helps to reduce crow's feet, revitalise your eye area and reduce puffiness.

For men: NIVEA MEN Anti-Age Hyaluron Eye Cream with Hyaluronic Acid helps to reduce eye bags and signs of tiredness while reducing wrinkles in the eye area, for a healthy and younger look.

6. SPF:

The NIVEA Face Sunscreen range offers products to suit all skin types and protect you from harmful UV rays.

Body Care Routine for Dry Skin:

young woman using NIVEA Protection And Moisture Lotion SPF 30

When the skin is damp after showering or bathing apply a rich, nourishing moisturiser as this allows for the moisturiser to seep into your pores easier providing deeper hydration. The NIVEA Express Hydration is suitable for dry and sensitive skin. The product is formulated with Sea Minerals supplies, and is fast absorbed, leaving your skin immediately soft and refreshed all day.

If you are going out into the sun and your body is exposed, a moisturising sunscreen will ensure your skin remains hydrated and protected. Explore a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher during the day such as NIVEA Protection And Moisture Lotion SPF 30 designed to protect the skin from UV damage and premature ageing while moisturising your skin - remember to reapply sunscreen to prevent sun damage.

***Instrumental test, 33 participants

NIVEA Body Lotion

Summary

Dry skin is a common skin type caused by a shortage of moisture and natural oils in the skin. Consider environmental factors and lifestyle choices when looking into the specific reasoning behind your dry skin and adopt a new skincare routine with hydrating products. Follow the tips provided to not only cure but prevent future dryness, leaving you feeling confident in your own skin.

FAQs

Does drinking water help dry skin?

It does not directly replenish moisture in the skin's barrier - however, drinking enough water (neither too much nor too little) can help with overall hydration. The presence of minerals in water and food also plays an important role. To reduce dry skin, external hydration through the use of moisturisers and hydrating skincare products is crucial because it creates a barrier that locks in moisture.

What causes extreme dryness

Certain external factors can contribute to dry skin, such as the cold or dry weather, sun damage, harsh soaps, and overbathing. Apart from these external factors, age, genetics and certain illnesses can also be responsible for extremely dry skin. If in doubt, consult a doctor.

Why isn't my moisturiser helping my dry skin?

If your skin feels tight or dry after applying moisturiser, it could be that the product is not hydrating enough, or your skin might need more than just moisturisation. Try applying your cream after a shower on damp skin to lock in the water molecules. Extremely dry skin can take a few days to improve. However, if your skin is abnormally dry and cosmetics aren't working, seek medical advice.

How many times a day should I moisturise dry skin?

This will depend mainly on the product you use and the condition of your skin. In general, it is advisable to moisturise your skin twice a day, in the morning and evening for instance. If you have very dry skin, especially on your hands, you may need to moisturise more often.

Will dry skin repair itself?

Dry skin can repair itself to some extent. However, using the right moisturisers can speed up this natural process. If problems persist despite the use of cosmetic products, contact a medical professional for further advice.

What is the best way to clean dry skin?

The best way to clean dry skin and prevent further irritation is by using a gentle hydrating cleanser specially designed for dry skin.

What happens when your skin is too dry?

Untreated or severely dry skin can cause your skin to crack open and bleed, resulting in an infection, therefore dry skin should be treated to prevent further damage to the skin.

Recommended Products

Related articles