
WHY WE DEVELOP DRY SKIN

To treat dry skin it needs to be supplied with moisture and oil on a daily basis.
Dry skin – what is behind it
The result is that the skin feels taut and scaly and becomes red. The thin areas of the skin or areas without subcutaneous (fatty) tissue and sebaceous glands such as shins, elbows and knees are at particular risk. That is why it is so important to use an effective product for dry skin, to help prevent cracking, soreness or damage. Find out more about the reasons for dry skin here.
Dry skin due to skin ageing
the causes of DRy Skin
Natural vs Environmental
- Some dry skin can be caused naturally - by the weather or by genetics. But some is in your control to prevent and avoid, read the full list of the causes of dry skin. Firstly, ensure you get plenty of sleep to allow cellular repair. Also, avoid excess exposure to harmful UVA/UVB rays, and ensure you are wearing the right sunscreen protection. Exercise regularly to improve circulation and nourish skin from within. Finally, ensure you use the right products for your dry skin.
Beware of medications:

Some medications may dry out your skin as a side effect: ask your doctor for advice if you are unsure whether your medication could cause dry skin.
Basic rules for skin care
- Showering frequently or bathing in water that is too hot damages our skin’s protective film. Ensure that the water temperature is never higher than 38 degrees.
- Soaps and facial toners containing alcohol may dissolve natural oils from the skin. Cleanse your skin with extra gentle care, for example with a lipid balancing cleansing milk.
- Your skin likes routine: care for your skin on a daily basis with special, moisturising care products.
Find the right care line for your skin
Discover natural ingredients
It's Not Sunny, Do I Need to Worry About Dry Skin?

This is a common misconception, unfortunately. It doesn't matter what time of year it is, maintaining dry skin care is vital as it can come at any time. In the summer, the heat can dry skin out, and in the winter the wind. That's why it's important to moisturise and protect your skin all year round.
MOISTURISING RITUALS - HOW TO TREAT YOUR DRY SKIN
- The first rule to dry skin is to try not to aggravate things further by scratching, itching or scaling the affected areas. Instead, there is a whole range of products which will help relieve unpleasant sensations, so when itching occurs, moisturise your dry skin and you should start to feel improvement.
- You should also drink at least two litres of water per day, as a lack of moisture will also dry out your skin. If in doubt, test yourself: Pinch your hand with your thumb and index finger. If, after letting go, the skin returns slowly to its original state, your skin is not being supplied with sufficient moisture.
- Eat nuts! They are a delicious supply of energy and contain lots of healthy fats, minerals and vitamins.
- Carrot and tomato juices are full of healthy vitamins that, with the addition of a little linseed oil, can be absorbed particularly well into the body. Having a balanced healthy diet promotes health and strengthens your body’s largest organ: your skin. Find out more about beauty on the inside here.
Where can dry skin occur?

Dry skin can occur anywhere - from head to toe! The most common places, however, are the face, elbows, knees, hands, feet and lips. But have no fear, no matter where the problem appears, many of the solutions are universal. Eat well, moisturise daily, avoid harsh and damaging products and provide your skin with some TLC.
Product SOS - Which Moisturiser Cream or Lotion For Our Dry Skin?
With so many products out there, it can seem impossible to learn what is the best moisturiser for you and your dry skin. Firstly, before you moisturise it is important not to use any irritating washing gels or heavily foaming makeup removal products on dry skin. They remove extra moisture from the skin and destroy its natural protective barriers.
So when choosing your product for dry skin, it is best to use a cream, body lotion or moisturiser rich in Hydra IQ, dexpanthenol or Eucerit, such as NIVEA Repair & Care SOS Body Lotion. This will help care for your dry skin by preventing tightness and dehydration.
For an even more intensive effect, liberally apply creams like NIVEA Rich Day Cream with a formula of Vitamin E and Almond Oil to your face and use as a mask. Allow to it to absorb for 15 minutes and then carefully remove the excess with a cosmetic cloth or massage it in gently.
Be sure to also check out our NIVEA Repair & Care Body Lotion or Body Cream so we can help ensure your dry skin is a thing of the past. Do you tend to suffer from very dry skin? Find out more about the reasons for dry skin and how to care for it here.
Tips for dry skin
Look after yourself!
- For a healthy appearance, your skin needs a range of nutrients, unsaturated fatty acids and vitamins. A lack of these can contribute to dry skin.
- By drinking a lot, you also treat your skin to some refreshment! Drink at least 1.3 to 1.5 litres a day. If you have been sweating, then drink more to make up for this.
- Stress can also cause the skin to dry out: treat yourself and your skin to regular relaxation, for example with a nurturing moisturising mask.
- Good planning results in less stress: enter all of your daily appointments in a diary. If it turns out you have a few minutes free, use these for yourself!
- A cup of coffee in the sun, an hour of exercise or a quick spa programme in the evening will often work wonders. With a feel-good programme as a balance, your skin will instantly feel better, too. This will allow you to regain your strength and energy for the rest of the tasks you need to do.
The right sun protection for your skin

Excessive exposure to sunlight can dry out your facial skin. You should therefore use a sunscreen product for dry skin which contains moisturising ingredients as well as the SPF. Find out more about sun protection for your face here.