
All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.
We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.
Dry skin
Medical expert of the article
Last reviewed: 04.07.2025
How does dry skin manifest itself? It is a feeling of tightness, sometimes peeling, thinning, dullness of color, tendency to irritation. Dry skin on the face can lead to early wrinkles and flabbiness. Theoretically, it is characterized by a disorder of electrolyte and fat metabolism, the work of the glandular system, and a change in the skin pH environment.
Is it possible to correct this situation? How to help the tissues and restore the water and fat balance? Perhaps the following information will be useful for many.
[ 1 ]
Causes of dry skin
It is known that the human body consists of 90% water, so the normal course of all vital processes without moisture is simply impossible. If, due to some circumstances, moisture leaves the body, this can lead to metabolic disorders, which will automatically affect the condition of the epidermis and health in general. In almost all cases, the body's tissues react sharply to dehydration by withering, thinning, and peeling.
The main reasons can be divided into external and internal.
External causes:
- environment – exposure to low temperatures, wind, solar radiation, including ultraviolet burns, etc.;
- exposure to chemicals – bad habits (nicotine, alcoholic beverages), excess chlorine in water, aggressive detergents, alkalis, etc.;
- the presence of infections – fungal, microbial and even viral – skin diseases, systemic pathologies.
Internal reasons:
- lack of minerals and vitamins (especially retinol, tocopherol, vitamin D, zinc, calcium, etc.);
- Hormonal imbalance – decreased estrogen levels in females or testosterone levels in males. Hormonal imbalances during pregnancy, menopause, and diseases associated with hormonal disorders: thyroid pathologies, etc.;
- some diseases of the nervous system, neuritis;
- hereditary diseases – congenital metabolic disorders, ichthyosis, etc.
Dry skin can be a reflection of physiological changes in the body (for example, aging, menopausal changes due to a significant decrease in the content of estrogens in the blood), as well as disease conditions. Among them, the most important are the following.
- Conditions accompanied by dehydration: acute intestinal infections with fluid loss due to vomiting and diarrhea, prolonged use of diuretics or laxatives, burns with loss of plasma from the burn surface, dehydration due to insufficient water intake, diabetic coma caused by increased glucose levels in the blood (ketoacidotic and non-ketoacidotic coma).
- Hypothyroidism (insufficient levels of thyroid hormones in the blood), often found in women over 40 years of age.
- Feverish conditions accompanied by dry skin during periods of elevated body temperature.
- Dry skin is possible with various types of dermatitis.
- Poisoning with atropine-containing agents, such as belladonna.
The above short list includes the main causes of drying out of integumentary tissues, however, a more detailed examination of the body is required for an accurate diagnosis.
Dry skin of the body may indicate age-related changes – banal aging of the body. Most people notice that after 40-45 years the surface of the body becomes less elastic and moisturized. The reason for this is the decreased activity of the sebaceous glands, a change in the amount of hormones in the blood. You can resist such changes by determining the features of body care, making some adjustments to nutrition and lifestyle.
Dry skin of the face can be explained by improper care. Often women overdo it with hygiene procedures, or do it incompetently, gradually reducing the degree of natural tissue protection. Over time, the surface layer begins to dehydrate. Insufficient or excessive care, the use of unsuitable cosmetics - all this sooner or later leads to drying out of the epidermis. If you are not sure whether you are using the right facial products, seek help from a cosmetologist or dermatologist.
Dry skin on your hands, as well as on other parts of your body, can be a result of insufficient fluid intake. Lack of moisture is a common problem, because many people consider it necessary to eat food, and for some reason water fades into the background. With a lack of moisture, the pads of your fingers can wrinkle, and the condition of your nails worsens. It is not without reason that cosmetologists and nutritionists recommend drinking at least one and a half to two liters of liquid a day, and it is preferable to drink water, mineral water, but still water. A sufficient amount of water allows you to saturate your body with moisture and promptly remove toxic substances from your tissues.
Dry skin of the feet can be explained by dysfunction of the sebaceous and sweat glands. Some people have increased sweating or fungus on their feet, while others experience this disorder as excessive tightness and drying of the surface epithelium. Sometimes the cause is various dermatoses, which are practically pointless and useless to combat without consulting a doctor.
Dry scalp can also be the result of improper care. Frequent hair washing, the wrong shampoo, ignoring headwear in the cold season, excess ultraviolet radiation - all these factors negatively affect the hair and skin. Chlorinated and excessively hard water, sea water, lack of vitamins and other nuances contribute to the deterioration of the condition. A doctor - cosmetologist, trichologist, dermatologist can help in this situation.
Itching and dry skin are frequent companions of women in the winter, and this cannot be a simple coincidence. Winter is a difficult test for organs and tissues, and the presence of other harmful factors only spur and aggravate the situation. What problematic factors lie in wait for our body in winter:
- sudden temperature fluctuations (frost, warm room);
- low humidity level in the room (heating, heaters);
- chapping of the skin, especially from cold wind;
- vitamin deficiency;
- nutritional deficiencies;
- poor nutrition – the abundance of winter holidays leads to excessive consumption of fatty and spicy foods and alcohol.
Dry and flaky skin is often the result of alcohol abuse and, naturally, smoking. The skin is the most extensive tissue in our body, which can suffer from unacceptable human habits no less than, for example, the lungs or the body's cleansing system - the liver. In people who do not smoke and do not abuse alcoholic beverages, the surface of the body is much less prone to irritation, moreover, it is less susceptible to the effect of aging.
Severe dry skin can also manifest itself as a consequence of professional activity: hot air in workshops, chemical fumes, an abundance of dust in the air, air conditioners - all this can also provoke drying of the surface of the skin. Working in such conditions requires additional protection and enhanced methods of tissue moisturizing. Maintaining water balance in this situation is extremely important and necessary.
Dry skin in diabetes
Diabetes occurs as a result of metabolic disorders, which cannot but affect the condition of the epidermal layer. Most people suffering from diabetes sooner or later notice that some areas of the skin surface become dry, lose elasticity, and itch. Often the condition is aggravated by the addition of a fungal or bacterial infection, pustules and abscesses appear.
All this happens due to tissue nutritional disorders, which significantly increases the risk of infection. It should be noted right away that it is quite difficult to restore the level of moisture and treat skin damage in diabetes. Therefore, diabetics need to make every effort to prevent tissue drying and infection. When washing, you should not use soap, but a special moisturizing gel. The washcloth should be soft, not causing irritation and redness of the body.
Because of the risk of thrush, it is important to maintain the natural level of microflora in the intestines, in the genital area, on the skin. If unpleasant symptoms appear, you must consult a doctor, because without treating the underlying disease - diabetes - it is impossible to restore balance and tissue trophism.
Dry skin due to allergies
Allergies are most often accompanied by a rash - this is its most common manifestation. However, dehydration of the outer layers is often observed simultaneously with or after the rash. This condition must be treated from the inside.
What is an allergy? This is a specific reaction of the body to a certain type of allergen - a food product, a medicine, household items, etc. This condition is also called hypersensitivity of the body. Allergy symptoms can occur immediately or within 2 days after contact with the allergen. The most common signs are itching, tissue swelling, redness, rashes. If you have noticed, then all manifestations in one way or another concern the skin, so further dehydration of the superficial tissues may be a consequence of a violation of their nutrition and metabolic processes in them.
In case of any allergic manifestations, you should immediately contact an allergist or dermatologist. It is important to determine what exactly causes the allergy and eliminate this factor. Further restoration of the skin function should also take place under the supervision of a doctor, who will prescribe not only external agents, but also drugs for the general restoration of metabolism.
Dry skin during menopause
Changes in the condition of the surface epithelium are a characteristic symptom of menopause. These changes can be different: in some women, this is an increase in sebum production, increased sweating, while in others, it is the withering and dehydration of tissues. All these signs most often mean one thing - that age-related processes are beginning to occur in the body.
The climacteric period is the time of another hormonal restructuring, when there is a decrease in estrogen production. As a result, the synthesis of mucopolysaccharides in tissues is disrupted, which, in turn, negatively affects the production of collagen - the main component of youthful skin.
During the first few years of this period, tissues can lose up to 30% of their collagen. Between the collagen fibers is hyaluronic acid, which is designed to retain moisture. As the number of these fibers decreases, the amount of hyaluronic acid also decreases, causing the tissues to become less elastic, and flabbiness and flabbiness appear.
Among other things, estrogen deficiency leads to a decrease in the function of the sebaceous glands, which only worsens the situation.
Changes that occur during menopause reduce the protective properties of the skin surface, which increases the risk of developing dermatitis and various infectious skin lesions.
Only a medical specialist can help improve the condition of the body during menopause by prescribing hormone replacement therapy. Most often, treatment involves taking and externally using estrogen-containing drugs.
Dry skin in hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is a decrease in the production of thyroid hormones by the thyroid gland. This disease often manifests symptoms such as weakness, drowsiness, and memory impairment. The surface of the body is often pale, dry, and flaky; hair is dull, brittle, and prone to loss. Peripheral edema may occur. Hypothyroidism has no specific signs, so patients usually do not come to the doctor right away. Many do not understand for a long time why they have problems with their hair, nails, skin, and well-being.
It is practically pointless to fight such problems without starting treatment for hypothyroidism. Therefore, it is important to start treatment for hypothyroidism in time, with the prescription of special medications that correct the level of hormones in the body. In case of severe dysfunction of the gland, it is necessary to take hormonal replacement drugs - such therapy can sometimes continue throughout the patient's life.
In case of hypothyroidism, special attention should be paid to diet. We will talk about the rules of such a diet, which restores the balance of the skin, a little later.
Dry skin after childbirth
Dry hands, feet and face in the postpartum period are usually observed due to changes in hormonal levels, which is associated with the termination of pregnancy and the birth of a child. For many, hormonal balance is restored quickly, for some - slowly, so skin problems can bother you for several months after childbirth. If the situation is critical, you can take a blood test for hormones and consult a doctor. It is possible that the doctor will prescribe some corrective drugs.
Another reason for the problem may be a lack of vitamins. And this is a very common phenomenon: first, a pregnant woman gave all the nutrients from her body to the future child, then the same substances passed to the baby with mother's milk. It is also necessary to take into account that the diet of a nursing mother is not particularly varied. It is necessary to carefully choose the products that a nursing woman can or cannot eat.
And the third possible reason is insufficient fluid intake. During pregnancy, the tissues accumulated quite a lot of moisture, and now the body has gotten rid of it. Moreover, fluid is also lost with breast milk. This means that the intake of pure water should be increased.
[ 10 ]
Dry skin after shower
A feeling of tightness after a shower, peeling or even redness of the body surface can be explained by many reasons:
- chlorinated water;
- too hard water;
- a detergent, soap, or shower gel that is too aggressive for your body;
- hypofunction of the sebaceous glands;
- metabolic disorders;
- lack of vitamins;
- improper body care;
- excessive passion for tanning;
- other factors.
Too hot water and prolonged showering with soap or special gels can provoke drying of external tissues. When washing, we wash away not only dirt, sweat, fat and exfoliated epithelium. At the same time, the protective film covering the skin surface is washed away. Chlorinated water in tap water or swimming pools is especially harmful.
It is not recommended to overdo it in a bathhouse or sauna. Hot air and thermal procedures promote the evaporation of a large amount of moisture from the surface of the body, which means that the tissues become drier.
Taking all this into account, you can combat dehydration of the body surface after taking water procedures.
Dry skin on elbows
The outer surface of the elbows is quite dense, and it is often subject to stretching, which can affect the structure of the tissues and contribute to the peeling of the epidermis. The rough, textured cover of the elbows is often covered with cracks and scales. Of course, elbows require special care.
There could be many reasons for this:
- malnutrition, lack of vitamins (especially retinol and tocopherol);
- lack of elbow care as such;
- endocrine system disorders.
If the problem is lack of care, then the matter is fixable: properly selected moisturizers, scrubs, applications will help to quickly get rid of the problem. However, if cosmetics do not work, then the problem must be looked for deeper.
Unfortunately, it is impossible to say with absolute certainty what the cause of the problem is based on the condition of the elbows and their appearance. Only a qualified doctor can do this. If there is no positive dynamics with proper care, it is necessary to undergo an examination for endocrine disorders.
[ 11 ]
Dry skin and hair
The health of our body is the condition and health of the epidermis, the superficial epithelial tissue. This tissue is of great importance to the body, since it maintains the delicate balance of moisture on the skin surface.
The epidermis has a unique structure that helps maintain optimal moisture and protect underlying tissues. The flat scales that form the stratum corneum of the outer layers resemble miniature bricks connected by an intercellular lipid layer. Lipids in the epidermis are fatty acids, cholesterol, phospholipids, glycosylceramides, and other compounds.
The above compounds are produced inside the cells of the granular layer of the epidermal tissue. In this layer, the main processes that prevent water from leaving the tissues are formed.
Unfortunately, often, when faced with dehydration of the body surface, hair and nails, few people turn to specialists. And this is completely in vain, because it is extremely important to determine the reason that the surface tissues lose and do not restore the percentage of moisture. Peeling, cracks, tightness, itching - this is already a sufficient number of reasons to see a doctor. Dermatologists, cosmetologists, trichologists - all of the listed specialists have a special narrow medical focus to help patients with deterioration of the skin and hair.
[ 12 ]
Dry skin on the buttocks
Dry areas in the buttocks area are an unpleasant and delicate issue. Particularly inconvenient if there is itching, a feeling of tightness and even pain. So what is this, normal or pathological?
First of all, you need to know why this is possible in the gluteal area.
In early childhood, external tissues are subjected to a large number of tests: irritation and dryness of the skin are caused by wearing diapers, untimely hygiene, etc. It should be noted that the epidermal layer of the "fifth point" is initially prone to dryness, since this area contains an insignificant amount of sebaceous glands, and for this reason the secretion of sebum is very, very small.
Moreover, a person spends a lot of time sitting, so the tissues on the buttocks experience prolonged oxygen deficiency, which is aggravated by wearing synthetic or uncomfortable clothing. Deficiency of moisture, oxygen, nutrients, and trophic disorders can lead to deterioration of the skin.
To correct the situation, you should take air baths more often and avoid physical inactivity. When taking a shower or bath, do not use alkaline detergents on this area, and after washing, lubricate dry areas with a moisturizing cream or special oil.
[ 13 ]
Dry skin on penis
Unpleasant sensations, a feeling of tightness and burning in the penis area may be signs of an inflammatory reaction of the foreskin or head of the organ.
Balanitis is an inflammatory reaction of the mucous tissues of the head.
Balanoposthitis is an inflammation of the glans penis in combination with the foreskin.
Unpleasant sensations during sexual intercourse, the presence of discharge, foreign odor, dry flaking and itching - all these symptoms can accompany the above-mentioned diseases.
In addition, dryness may be a consequence of sexually transmitted diseases or diabetes. Of course, it is unlikely that you will be able to recognize the primary disease on your own - for this you should consult a doctor. You should not delay a visit to the doctor, since dehydration of the skin and mucous surfaces, as a rule, is one of the first symptoms of diseases. Then, if you do not take measures, the condition may worsen: erosions, ulcers, redness, cracks, swelling of the foreskin, etc. will appear. Over time, sexual intercourse may become impossible due to an increased feeling of discomfort, pain, loss of sensitivity of the head, which leads to premature ejaculation.
What to do? See a doctor, conduct a bacteriological analysis and determine the cause and type of inflammatory process.
[ 14 ]
Dry skin in children
Dry skin in a child is an absolute deviation from the norm, and there is always a reason for it. A child's delicate body reacts much more acutely to unfavorable factors than an adult organism, and it should be helped immediately. Let's consider the main reasons for this problem:
- Low humidity and high room temperature.
Dry skin in winter is especially relevant during the heating season. Caring mothers tend to wrap up their children warmly regardless of the ambient temperature, and also forget to ventilate the child's room and monitor the humidity. The optimal temperature in the house should be about 20°C, and the humidity should be at least 40%. Of course, it is advisable to use a special humidifier. If you don't have one, you can simply put plates of water, a wet towel, etc. on the radiators.
- Incorrect detergents, including children's cosmetics.
The baby's skin may become dry due to the detergent used in the house. It is advisable to use special baby powder for washing baby clothes and bedding. Soap may also be the cause - it is recommended to use it only for special stains, not every day. In addition, pay attention to the water in which the baby bathes: frequent addition of potassium permanganate, special foam, excessively hot or hard water.
- Lack of epidermal protection in a child.
It should not be forgotten that in frost, wind, cold or sun it is necessary to use special children's cosmetics to retain moisture. These can be vitaminized moisturizing or nourishing creams or milk.
- Dermatitis.
The most unpleasant cause of skin dehydration is dermatitis. In this situation, you cannot do without medical help. It is necessary to find the product that causes such a reaction in the child's body: perhaps in some cases, the mother who is breastfeeding is to blame if she allows herself not to monitor her own diet.
[ 15 ]
Who to contact?
Diagnosis of dry skin
Flaking and dehydration can be caused by systemic diseases, which means that in most cases the doctor must conduct certain tests to find specific causes. However, sometimes a close examination of body parts may be enough to suspect, for example, atopic dermatitis.
What diagnostic procedures may the doctor perform:
- general blood test for the presence of an inflammatory process in the body;
- analysis of hormonal status (as a rule, blood is taken for a certain type of hormones - thyroid hormones, estradiol, testosterone, etc.);
- blood sugar test (glucotest);
- study of metabolic disorders;
- consultations with a dermatologist, geneticist, cosmetologist, endocrinologist, etc.
If the patient has chronic diseases, the doctor may ask for medical history, as well as the results of previous tests.
If the doctor suspects a household factor in the problem, the tap water may be tested for hardness and chlorine content.
[ 16 ]
Dry Skin Treatment
Most problems with dehydration of the integumentary epithelium are solved by increasing body care, regular use of cosmetics, and correcting nutrition and drinking regimen.
As we have already said, tissues become drier when they lose moisture and natural fat, causing them to become thinner and flaky. Although diseases can also be the cause, in most cases factors such as age-related changes, dehydration, low air humidity and improper care are decisive.
If these problems are ignored, they can provoke more serious diseases: dermatitis, fading, peeling. However, this can be avoided if you follow a few rules.
How to get rid of dry skin?
- Don't forget to drink enough water, compotes, and fruit drinks. Eat foods rich in liquid: cucumbers, juicy apples, oranges. All this will help maintain the body's hydration level. Foods rich in fatty acids can help retain moisture - these are sea fish, nuts, and flaxseed oil.
- Try not to take a long bath or shower. Use lukewarm water, not hot. Don't shower too often: if your body tends to be dry, limit yourself to once a day.
- When buying detergents, pay attention to the composition: cream soaps and moisturizers have the most gentle effect on the skin. Do not use rough and hard washcloths, which will only increase irritation.
- Monitor the humidity level in the room. If possible, use a humidifier. Ventilate the room more often, do wet cleaning, spray indoor flowers - this will help maintain optimal humidity.
- After any water procedures, do not neglect special moisturizing products: milk, lotion, cream. Choose the right one for yourself and use it regularly. •
If you are prone to irritation, use soft towels, clothes made of natural fabrics, etc.
Next, we will talk about body care products that are the most common and effective among users.
Dry Skin Remedies
Products that restore water balance are widely available in cosmetic stores and pharmacies. All you have to do is choose the most suitable one. As a rule, many patients prefer to use natural products that contain natural plant components - extracts, extracts, oils. The content of glycerin, ammonia - components that soften the epidermis - in such a product is welcomed. It is good if the cream or lotion contains minerals and vitamins.
Good quality products should be easily absorbed, quickly soothe irritations and redness, and should not leave a greasy shine or film on the skin surface. Of course, before making a choice, it is advisable to consult, for example, a cosmetologist, dermatologist, or pharmacist. If this is not possible, then you will have to act by trial and error.
By the way, when choosing a cream or oil for moisturizing, do not forget to review your detergents and shampoos that you use for taking a bath and shower, for washing clothes. They can also cause irritation and drying of the skin, so they often need to be replaced.
Cream for dry skin
The choice of cream depends on the characteristics of your body. In this case, with fading and dehydration, the following creams can be recommended:
- "Velvet Hands" - extra moisturizing cream, has a softening effect;
- Natura Siberica – night cream for restoration;
- Johnson's ® Body Lotion - 24 Hour Moisturizing "Intensive Care and Nutrition";
- Johnson's ® Daily Essentials Nourishing Cream Cleanser;
- Lancôme Nutrix Royal for women – intensive restoration of dry and very dry areas;
- Garnier – cream, restorative, intensive care for problematic and dry areas;
- Day cream for dehydrated and sensitive areas L'Oreal Paris Dermo Expertise trio-active.
Baby cream for dry skin
A quality baby cream should contain only the most gentle and useful ingredients. How to determine such a quality cream that will not only not harm, but will also help restore dry areas?
It is important that the list of ingredients in baby cream does not include mineral oils, parabens, and phenoxyethanol.
Mineral oils in domestic and foreign creams are most often represented by paraffin and petroleum jelly, which have a greenhouse effect - block skin respiration, disrupt thermal processes and natural self-regulation. Such oils are "foreign" to tissues.
Parabens are used as synthetic preservatives and are carcinogenic substances.
Phenoxyethanol is a substance that can cause allergies and aggravate irritation, and with constant use has a toxic effect on local skin immunity.
It is good if the baby cream contains vitamins (for example, provitamin B5, which is useful even for atopic dermatitis or eczema).
However, it should be noted that the presence of vegetable oils in the cream - olive, almond, shea (karite), jojoba, etc. - indicates that the product is truly useful and will saturate the tissues with valuable polyunsaturated fats.
Ointment for dry skin
- Radevit ointment – for softening and nourishing the epithelial layer. Helps restore water balance in tissues, eliminates cracks, small wounds, irritation. Enhances local natural protective function.
- D-Panthenol (dexpanthenol) - ointment for external use 5%. Helps not only with dermatitis, wounds, cracks and diaper rash, but also eliminates skin dehydration and aging.
- Ointment "Boro Plus" - a natural effective antiseptic, sold in pharmacies. The drug is represented mainly by plant components brought from India.
- Boro-Care ointment - for body care. Reduces inflammation, eliminates itching, prevents cracks, helps with minor scratches and redness.
- Sulfur-salicylic ointment – eliminates dryness, itching, soothes irritation, helps soften keratinized scales and painlessly remove them. Use 2% sulfur-salicylic ointment (not to be confused with zinc-salicylic or simply salicylic ointments, which, on the contrary, dry out the epidermis).
Vitamins for dry skin
Vitamin deficiency can also cause deterioration of the outer epithelium, because vitamins are of great importance in maintaining our health. Thanks to them, the necessary balance of metabolic processes in organs and tissues is restored. However, there are such vitamin representatives that are most important for the health and beauty of the body.
- Vitamin A – retinol – has an antioxidant effect, helps the correct formation and renewal of cellular structures. Vitamin deficiency reduces immune protection and affects the structuring of the skin epithelium, which can provoke a violation of the integrity and withering of tissues. To maintain balance, it is necessary to take retinol every day, in the amount of 300-1300 mcg, which depends on age, concomitant diseases and other factors. This vitamin is abundant in carrots, greens, pumpkin, egg yolk, milk, apricots, hard cheeses.
- B vitamins are usually added to the best products for restoring dry areas. And for good reason – these vitamins eliminate cracks, peeling, itching. And vitamin B³ is specifically prescribed for acne. B vitamins are found in cereals, legumes, eggs, meat products, and are components of brewer's yeast.
- Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) helps to renew and form tissues, stimulates the production of collagen - an important ingredient for freshness and youth. Among other things, ascorbic acid is an excellent antioxidant that helps improve blood flow in tissues. This property of the vitamin provides us with a healthy and rosy shine of the skin and hair. With a lack of this vitamin, the epidermis becomes rough, dull, dry. Ascorbic acid can be obtained from citrus fruits, bell peppers, pineapples, kiwi, tomatoes, berries.
- Tocopherol (vitamin E) – is designed to protect body tissues from toxic substances, free radicals, and harmful environmental influences. Some women use an oil solution of this vitamin not only internally, but also externally, as a face mask. Where tocopherol is found: in beans, nuts, seeds, greens, and sprouted wheat grains.
If your diet is complete and varied, then most likely you will not be at risk of vitamin deficiency. However, in some cases, for example, in the presence of chronic diseases, you have to additionally take multivitamin complex preparations. To improve the condition of the outer layer of the epithelium, the combination drug "AEvit" is most often prescribed.
Aevit for dry skin
The complex product Aevit is often used by dermatologists and cosmetologists in their practice, because its components – vitamins retinol and tocopherol – have a positive effect on skin structures.
As the name suggests, Aevit consists of vitamins A and E. These are antioxidants that serve as a preventative measure against cell intoxication in the body, thereby preventing the onset of age-related processes.
Retinol accelerates cellular metabolism, increasing the flow of moisture to tissues, which contributes to additional hydration. It stops inflammatory reactions inside tissues, strengthens local skin protection, strengthening the barrier against all kinds of external pathogens. Vitamin A also stimulates the production of sex hormones, which additionally affects health, returning us freshness and youth.
Tocopherol potentiates the effects of retinol, preventing the vitamin from being destroyed in the digestive system, and also improves the function of the sex glands and activates metabolic processes at the cellular level.
Take AEvit 1 capsule 1-2 times a day to prevent age-related changes, in complex treatment of wrinkles, acne, aging and dehydration of the outer skin. The duration of the course of therapy is from 2 to 4 weeks. It is recommended to conduct 2 courses of treatment with the drug annually.
Treatment of dry skin with folk remedies
Herbal infusions and decoctions are often used to treat dry, dehydrated areas. It is best to brew the infusion as you usually brew tea: pour hot water at +90-95°C. You can also prepare the medicine using a water bath, which you set for 15 minutes.
You can add the required amount of vegetable or essential oils, honey, and other components to the prepared warm infusion. Infusions and decoctions are used for rinsing or wiping the outer covers, for applying applications and wet masks. You can also apply compresses or add to cleansing milk.
What plants can be used in the presence of dehydrated zones? Usually, plant materials are purchased in pharmacies or collected independently, selecting herbs individually.
- Linden blossom – contains many useful substances, including essential oils, ascorbic acid and carotene.
- Yarrow – contains a large amount of ascorbic acid and beneficial oils.
- Hop cones - soothe and cleanse the outer layers.
- Rose petals – contain vitamin C, soften the surface epithelium and give a healthy color.
- Jasmine flowers – brighten, soothe and moisturize the surface of the epithelium.
- Dill, fennel – restore and strengthen the protective barrier.
- Mint – soothes and refreshes.
- Chamomile color – rejuvenates, gives a healthy shade, strengthens.
- Coltsfoot – makes the skin surface velvety and soft.
- Nettle leaves – enrich with vitamins, improve tissue metabolism.
To prepare a medicinal infusion, herbs can be used separately or mixed in equal proportions.
To eliminate peeling and itching, use an infusion or decoction of three-part succession, birch leaves, and horsetail. Baths and medicinal baths prepared from mixtures of medicinal plants are effective. For baths, you can prepare a collection in the amount of 100-300 g per 4-5 liters of water. The collection may include succession grass, chamomile flowers, valerian, sage, celandine and St. John's wort. The herbal mixture must be poured with boiling water, infused for half an hour, filtered and added to the bath. In this case, the water temperature in the bath should not exceed +36-38 ° C. The duration of the procedure is 10-15 minutes.
After eliminating dryness, you can take preventive courses of herbal therapy: rinses, compresses, baths with general strengthening and stimulating herbal remedies.
Oil for dry skin
The variety of oils available today is truly amazing: almond oil, olive oil, coconut oil, rosebud oil, St. John's wort oil, coriander oil and many, many other types. With such a variety, it is sometimes difficult to navigate and choose the oil that is suitable for solving the problem of dry skin tissues. However, when choosing, you should take into account that the moisturizing and restorative oil should be light, absorb well and not weigh down with its oiliness, not leave a thick greasy film. •
Olive oil is a common type of oil, excellent for dull and sluggish areas. Olives saturate tissues with moisture well, creating invisible protection for the whole day. For quick moisturizing and eliminating signs of fatigue, a spoonful of olive oil should be mixed with a small amount of lemon juice - it is useful to wipe the face with this mixture. On other areas of the body, the oil is used as follows: mix a little sea salt into it so that a semblance of a scrub is obtained. This scrub is used to treat flaky dry surfaces, thereby removing keratinized scales of the epidermis.
It is useful to add a little olive oil to your bath, and also to use it to remove makeup. For the latter, just a couple of drops of oil applied to a cotton pad is enough.
- Coconut oil can also help with the problem of dry skin. This oil has a pleasant aroma and many useful properties. It is applied at night to a clean, damp surface of the face or body, left for half an hour, after which the remains are blotted with a paper towel. This procedure is quite enough for moisturizing, which does not require the use of additional cosmetics.
- Rose petal oil perfectly retains moisture. It is often recommended for use in natural skin aging processes. Rose oil nourishes and soothes dry areas. If you mix 15 drops of rose oil, ylang-ylang oil and almond oil, you can get a useful face mask. Apply the prepared oil mixture to a pre-steamed face, avoiding the area around the eyes. After 20 minutes, blot excess oil with a paper towel.
- Sandalwood oil will help restore moisture levels, which is indispensable for chapped skin or excessive sensitivity of the skin. A couple of drops of oil can be simply added to a moisturizer. Excessively dry areas can be wiped with a napkin soaked in oil.
- Almond oil is light, pleasant, and perfectly moisturizing. It is recommended to use this oil daily. Before rubbing the oil, wet your fingers with water. After applying, you can speed up absorption by lightly patting the surface with your fingertips. After the oil has been absorbed, you can apply makeup on top.
To prepare the scrub, mix almond oil with a pinch of Extra salt and a small amount of ground turmeric. You can massage your face with this scrub for 2-3 minutes, then rinse the mixture with warm, clean water.
Almond oil is the least fatty oil of all oils. It is perfectly absorbed by tissues, having a positive effect even when other moisturizing agents do not help. •
Rosehip oil not only moisturizes, but also eliminates wrinkles, stretch marks, improves the structure and color of the skin. As is known, rose hips contain a lot of vitamin C, which has a very beneficial effect on the epidermis. Fats obtained from rose hips are very similar in structure to natural fats of the human body. That is why rosehip oil is perfectly digestible, absorbs well and does not leave a greasy shine.
Experts advise to always try several types of oils in order to choose the most suitable one for yourself.
Nutrition for dry skin
Nutrition and healthy skin are interrelated concepts, because eating the necessary foods and excluding others from the diet greatly affects the health of the body.
It is necessary to completely give up sweets, alcohol, fast food. Sweets can be replaced with dried fruits, fruits, nuts and seeds. Alcohol - with non-alcoholic smoothies, freshly squeezed juices. Well, instead of hamburgers, you can eat whole grain bread with greens.
It is recommended to limit consumption of:
- sugar, easily digestible carbohydrates;
- refined products;
- salt and spices;
- carbonated drinks and packaged juices;
- products with preservatives, colorings and other chemical additives.
The basis of nutrition should be:
- fermented milk products;
- complex carbohydrates (cereals);
- vegetables, fruits, greens, berries, seeds, nuts;
- clean drinking water;
- protein foods (fish, meat, eggs).
It is important that the menu contains a sufficient number of vitamins and microelements. For example, it is recommended to enrich the diet with vitamins A, C and E. Such vitamins can be found in most vegetables and fruits: carrots, tomatoes, beets, bell peppers, citrus fruits, apples, etc. Never miss the melon season - watermelons and melons will perfectly cleanse the body and improve your appearance.
Berries are excellent food: blueberries, strawberries, cranberries, raspberries, etc. You can eat them not only in compotes or jelly - just eat them fresh, add them to oatmeal, cottage cheese, yogurt.
Of course, dietary correction cannot always replace full-fledged treatment of skin diseases. However, thanks to a properly composed menu, you can significantly improve the condition of the skin.
Dry skin is a very common phenomenon, especially in people over 45-50 years old. But you should not assume that you can get rid of this problem only by using expensive professional procedures. Sometimes, correcting your diet and drinking regimen, choosing the right cosmetics, and proper care of your face and body can help completely restore the moisture balance in your tissues. The main thing is to want and start taking care of your health.