Dry Skin: Causes, Symptoms & Care Tips

Why is my skin so dry?

In short, dry skin on the face and body is caused by a lack of moisture. There are many factors that can contribute to this lack of moisture in the skin, such as certain skin conditions, seasonal changes, excessive sun exposure, heating and air conditioning, or it may simply be a natural predisposition to dry skin. Certain areas of skin are also more likely to be dry, such as where the skin is especially delicate (like the under-eye area), or conversely, skin that’s especially thick, like the soles of the feet. But let’s break down these causes in a little more detail.

What are the common causes for dry skin?

Environmental factors

Dry skin can be either triggered or worsened by external and environmental factors. The main culprits for this are:

• Excessive sun exposure: Sun exposure is the leading cause of overly dry skin. UV exposure can impair the skin moisture barrier which can lead to dry, sensitive skin. 

• Dry climates: Places where there is very low humidity can soak up moisture in the skin. 

• Cold weather and harsh winds: In addition to low-humidity climates, the cold air in winter, combined with drying winds, can soak up moisture and dry your skin. 

• Heating or air conditioning: Indoors, it can be just as bad, with indoor heating and air conditioning often generating a dry air that dries out the skin.

Ageing

As we age, the skin’s natural cell renewal cycle and the production of moisture-locking humectants declines as we age, leading to drier skin and more visible fine lines and wrinkles. The natural production of proteins like peptides also declines as we age, which are responsible for the skin’s elasticity and suppleness. These changes usually mean mature skin is more prone to dryness.

Lifestyle factors

Many lifestyle factors can affect your skin’s condition and propensity for dryness. 

• Working conditions: Work where you come into contact with materials like cement or soil can dry out the skin, working conditions where you’re often on your feet can lead to dry heels, and working conditions where you have to regularly use hot water or harsh soaps. To name a few. 

• Stress: For certain skin-drying conditions, stress can trigger flare-ups of dry patches, irritation or visible redness.  

• Scrubbing the skin or bathing in hot water: Frequent scrubbing of the skin and long, hot showers can remove the skin’s natural oils, leading to skin dehydration and dryness. 

• Medication: Some medications can have dry skin as a side effect.

• Household products: Cleaning and household products, like surface cleaners and harsh detergents, may dry out the skin.

• Harsh skincare products: Skincare products containing fragrance, alcohol or astringents (such as astringent toners) dry out the skin.

Skin conditions

Finally, extremely dry skin can be caused by an underlying skin condition, particularly when dryness leads to visible skin flakes or cracks. Irregular dry skin patches can also indicate a skin condition or an allergic reaction to a chemical or product.

What are the characteristics of dry skin?

Dry skin is characterised by tight-feeling skin that's prone to visible redness. Of course, everyone’s skin will have its own unique characteristics, but dry skin has a few telltale signs: 

• Rough texture: Dry skin often feels rough or bumpy to touch.

• Scaly skin or visible skin flakes: Very dry skin may look scaly or appear flaky.

• Itching sensations: Dry skin can be itchy, and scratching only makes things worse.

• Visible redness: Along with dryness, you might experience redness or have sensitive skin. 

• Fine lines and wrinkles: You may show visible signs of ageing quicker, including more pronounced fine lines and wrinkles.

• Tightness: The feeling that your skin is stretched too tight, especially noticeable after washing the skin. 

• Cracked skin: Dry skin may appear as small cracks.

How to prevent dry skin?

Prevention is always the best approach to managing dry skin. There are a few ways to minimise dry skin, whether through your skincare routine or through lifestyle behaviours. 

Stay sun safe

Always practise proper sun safety with a broad spectrum sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat. This will prevent you from exacerbating the visible signs of dry skin and photoageing.

Maintain a winter skincare routine

Aim to cover as much of your skin as possible with clothing to protect your skin from cold, dry winter air. You might want to wear gloves to prevent dry hands in winter as part of your winter skincare routine. 

Maintain a balanced diet

Certain food and drink dehydrates the body, which appears on the skin. Alcohol, caffeine, sugar and salt can all dry out the skin, and a diet high in salty foods, sweets and caffeine combined can leave you with very thirsty skin.

Stay hydrated

While dehydrated skin and dry skin are different, the dry skin is more prone to dehydration, so be sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day.

Protect the skin from chemicals and hot water

On that note, always wear gloves when using household cleaners, or washing the dishes with hot water. The same goes for working conditions that require regularly using chemicals or hot water.

Wash with lukewarm water

When washing your face, hands or body, use lukewarm water over hot water. Hot showers and baths can strip the skin of its natural moisture barrier. 

Use fragrance-free skincare products

Avoid any harsh ingredients in your skincare routine. Simple is best, so opt for fragrance-free, hydrating skincare products that won’t strip the skin’s moisture barrier.

Be gentle with your skin

Always be gentle with dry skin. Don’t use harsh scrubs or be aggressive when washing, as this may irritate the skin. When it comes to cleanser, always pat your skin dry with a soft towel, and apply any serums and creams by gently pressing and massaging into the skin. 

Skincare for dry skin

Cleanser for dry skin

To prevent irritation, always cleanse with a mild, fragrance-free, gentle cleanser, like the Ceramides Hydrating Cleanser. Wash with lukewarm water as hot water can strip the skin of its natural moisture barrier. You may find that oil-based cleanser works best on very dry skin. In that case, we recommend the Foaming Oil Cleanser. 

Exfoliating dry skin

Exfoliating dry skin is equally as important as any other skin type, but physical exfoliants, like scrubs and textured tools can be too harsh on dry skin. Look for skincare containing hydroxy acids, like the SA Smoothing Cream to gently clear away dead skin cells without affecting the skin moisture barrier. 

Serums for dry skin

• Vitamin C: A potent vitamin C serum helps protect dry skin from environmental aggressors and harmful free radicals that can affect the skin moisture barrier. The Skin Renewing Vitamin C Serum contains both vitamin C, retinol and 3 essential ceramides for brighter, smoother skin.

• Hyaluronic acid serum: A serum containing high concentrations of hyaluronic acid can help to hydrate and soothe dry skin types. Try the Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum for replenishing the skin and strengthening the moisture barrier.

Moisturiser for dry skin

Moisturise your skin morning, night and immediately after bathing or showering (as damp skin absorbs moisture better). When it comes to moisturisers and creams, look for:

• Lotions that contain humectants to attract moisture into the skin, and essential ceramides to strengthen the moisture barrier.

• Emollients like shea butter or petrolatum help to relieve dry skin by sealing in moisture for long-lasting hydration. Because they offer deep hydration, emollients are ideal for very dry, rough skin on the feet and heels.

• Anti-ageing skincare that promotes the production of collagen, like peptides and retinol, that can affect the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

When to speak to a dermatologist

For more severe dry skin, if your skin is irritated, if you notice inconsistent dry patches on your skin or dryness that seems to have appeared suddenly, consider speaking to a dermatologist. A dermatologist will be able to determine any underlying skin conditions and recommend a personalised skincare regime.