Skin Type: Dry Skin

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If your skin feels dry and rough, uncomfortable, and maybe even flaky, you probably have dry skin.

Dry skin usually appears somewhat dull or matte and is prone to redness. Do you apply makeup and then discover numerous small flakes that are further emphasized by the makeup? This is also a sign of dry skin. Dry skin is particularly sensitive to external environmental influences such as wind, heat, or cold because the skin's natural protective barrier is missing. Especially in winter, the skin's condition can worsen due to cold and dry air from heating. But even in summer, heat and UV radiation can easily stress dry skin. Redness, inflammation, or irritation are more common.

Digression: Dry skin vs. dehydrated skin

It's important to understand: There's a difference between dry and dehydrated, or dehydrated, skin. This difference is that dry skin lacks extra sebum, while dehydrated skin lacks moisture, or water. While dry skin is more likely to be genetic, dehydration is a skin condition. It can affect any skin type and is often caused by external influences. Dehydration occurs when the skin cannot retain moisture properly, and the water above the top layer of skin evaporates.

The so-called transepidermal water loss is then too high. This can occur, for example, in excessively hot baths, dry air from heating systems, or UV radiation.

So how do you know what's wrong with your skin? Does your skin feel tight and flaky, even though you notice an oily film on your forehead and nose, for example? Then that suggests your skin type isn't dry, but rather combination, and the dry feeling is more likely caused by dehydration.

Causes

Dry skin, like most skin types, is largely genetic. If you're prone to dry skin, this condition will likely accompany you throughout your life. However, there are also external factors that contribute to dry skin.

Dry skin produces less sebum, or natural skin oil, than other skin types. The skin's important protective film "crumbles," making it more susceptible to harmful environmental influences such as cold or UV rays. This also makes it harder for the skin to produce and retain sufficient moisture.

Dehydration, an unbalanced diet, hormonal fluctuations, or stress can also cause skin to become drier. Since the skin naturally produces less oil and retains less moisture during the aging process, skin tends to become drier with age.

What your skin needs

Compensate for water loss

To compensate for water loss, give your skin a generous dose of moisture, for example, with hyaluronic acid. This penetrates deep into the skin and replenishes its moisture levels. It also helps the skin retain moisture for a longer period.

Integrate valuable oils

Since your skin doesn't produce enough sebum on its own, you should incorporate valuable oils into your routine. These protect your skin barrier and thus retain moisture. An oil-based moisturizer also makes a great base for your makeup. This will sit smoothly on the skin instead of accentuating dead skin cells or dryness-related wrinkles. Natural oils such as almond, amaranth, or argan oil are suitable.

Use mild products

Avoid harsh soaps or alcohol-based cleansers, as they disrupt your skin's barrier and strip your skin of excess oil and moisture. Mild, pH-neutral cleansers are more suitable.