Dry skin

Dry skin is first defined by feelings. People consider their skin as dry because their skin feels uncomfortable, tight and possibly rough and think the application of an appropriate product will provide relief. These symptoms can sometimes be accompanied by itching and burning sensations.

A doctor, however, will decide that skin is dry (the term xerosis is also used) based on objective criteria: a dull appearance, specific clinical epidermal signs of desquamation, cracking, sometimes inflammation and loss of elasticity. Irregularities on the skin’s surface are even more significant with dry skin.

Dry skin provides a favourable environment for eczema to develop, especially particularly in the form of pityriasis alba (dry patches). They generally appear on the cheeks and arms of children with systemic dry skin (that occurs as part of atopic dermatitis).

Within the range of dry skin, there are various stages :

 

Healthy skin is naturally protected on its surface by the hydrolipidic film, composed mainly of water and lipids (sebum).

It is impermeable, protects the skin from external stress and reduces water loss. When the upper layer of the epidermis does not have a good balance of water and lipids, it can no longer effectively fulfil its barrier function and becomes uncomfortable to varying degrees, as explained above.

In contrast to dehydrated skin, dry or very dry skin is a chronic condition generally caused by a genetic disorder.

It is a type of skin, like oily skin, combination skin, etc.

In addition to innate or systemic dryness, there are also dry skin conditions triggered by other factors :

Water drops

Grandmother Mother and a Child

Some people are born with dry skin; it is part of their genetic heritage. It is also important to understand that the skin changes with age. It is drier in children (except in newborns; however, water loss is more significant at that age), becomes oilier in adolescence and then becomes dry again in adulthood (the sebaceous glands and sweat glands become less functional).

Natural skin aging causes the epidermis to become thinner (because its cell renewal rate diminishes) and the horny layer to become thicker.

If you have lasting discomfort, contact your dermatologist who will be able to diagnose whether you have dry skin or dehydrated skin.

If skin suddenly becomes dry, the triggering factor should be explored:

  • it may be a change in the environment (working in a different atmosphere, engaging in an activity that dies out skin such as swimming in a pool, or using an aggressive soap or shower gel after sports),
  • an internal disease or a medicated treatment (anti-cholesterol drug, etc.).

If there is a responsible factor, it should be corrected insofar as possible.

Bioderma - dermatological expert

In addition to the discomfort it causes, dry skin allows irritating and allergenic agents to penetrate the skin. It also promotes the appearance or persistence of certain conditions (eczema, psoriasis).

This is why it needs to be rehydrated.

  1. The first step is to drink a sufficient amount of water.Try to drink 1.5 litres of water per day (unless your doctor tells you otherwise).
  2. Also, it is always important to choose non-aggressive cleansing and skincare products. Use replenishing, non-detergent and, if necessary, rehydrating cleansing products (in the form of milks, creams, balms, ointments and oils depending on the area and degree of dryness). The aim is to reduce water evaporation, maintain a sufficient amount of water in the epidermis and repair the impaired skin barrier.
  3. Avoid the overheated and stuffy atmospheres of apartments.
Woman drinking water

Once or twice a day, wash your face with a mild cleanser that will not damage the skin barrier.

To dry, gently dab skin without rubbing.

Woman washing her face with water

Each morning and evening after washing, gently apply a moisturising and emollient treatment to relieve pulling sensations and protect your skin from external stress. Remember to nourish the skin on your face and body with suitable products.

Woman applying cream

Rinse-off daily cleanser

Normal to dry sensitive skin

Skin Protect™ Complex

Atoderm Gel douche

The soap-free softness cleansing gel that respects the skin.

For whom ?

For all the family (except premature infants)

Rinse-off daily cleanser

Normal to dry sensitive skin

Skin Protect™ Complex

Atoderm Crème de douche

Daily nutri-protective hygiene to prevent skin drying out.

For whom ?

For all the family (except premature infants)

Rinse-off daily cleanser

Very dry, irritated to atopic sensitive skin

Skin barrier therapy™ patent

Atoderm Huile de douche

24h hydration and immediate comfort right from the shower.

For whom ?

For all the family (except premature infants)

Daily skincare

Very dry, irritated to atopic sensitive skin

Ecodefensine™ patent

Atoderm PP Baume

The extreme nutrition balm that provides long-lasting comfort for 24 hours.

For whom ?

For all the family (children older than 3 years)

Daily skincare

Normal to dry sensitive skin

Skin Protect™ Complex

Atoderm Crème

Ultra-nourishing and protecting daily care.

For whom ?

For all the family (except premature infants)

BIODERMA product photo, Atoderm Lait 200ml, moisturizing milk for dry skin

Daily skincare

Normal to dry sensitive skin

Skin Protect™ Complex

Atoderm Lait

Mosturising body milk.

For whom ?

Adults, Children, Babies

Classic and tanning photoprotection

Normal to combination skin

Cellular bioprotection™ patent

Photoderm MAX Aquafluide SPF 50+

Very high sun protection as light as water, with a dry touch finish.

For whom ?

Adults, Teens