How to treat dry skin

Our skin's natural protective barrier is continuously damaged by wind, cold, heat and daily life. It dries out, becomes cracked and raw. This is why it is so important to use moisturisers for dry skin, to nourish and moisturise the skin to build up the protective lipid layer and prevent dehydration. This is how your skin maintains its fresh and healthy appearance.

WHY WE DEVELOP DRY SKIN

Dry skin often reacts sensitively to external influences such as perfumes, cosmetic products or sunlight. The reason for this lies in its structure and the function of the different layers of skin. In rare cases, however, a skin condition such as neurodermatitis could also be responsible.

To treat dry skin it needs to be supplied with moisture and oil on a daily basis.

Dry skin – what is behind it

Healthy skin is full of vitality and elasticity. Yet it is in winter that its moisture balance can fall out of kilter. When it is cold, the sebaceous glands produce less oil and, without this protective lipid layer, it is harder to maintain the moisture levels in the skin. What’s more, the blood vessels under the skin contract and so the supply of oxygen decreases.

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

Age also plays an important role in dry skin. As we get older, our sebaceous glands and sweat glands work more slowly and supply the skin with less oil and moisture. It therefore loses its resilience and protection – and gradually dries out. So, the older we get, the drier our skin becomes. And lines and wrinkles can form faster on dry skin. That’s why it’s important not to wait until the first signs of skin ageing appear, such as dryness and wrinkles. As soon as you turn 30, start regularly applying the best moisturiser for dry skin including day cream, night cream and eye cream and looking after your face with face masks. Ensure that your face cream is moisturising and contains anti-ageing ingredients. Find out more about the reasons for dry skin here.

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

Skin care for dry skin needs to be consistent. Rich, moisturising creams ease feelings of tension and dryness. NIVEA knows the needs of dry skin and combines natural ingredients in its formula. The result is a product line which strengthens and protects the skin’s natural protective function and treats existing dry skin.

Discover natural ingredients

Aloe vera

Aloe vera comes from tropical Africa. It looks like a cactus, but botanists consider it a member of the desert lily family. It has been used to treat skin problems for over 3,000 years. Even Cleopatra used an aloe paste for skin care and beauty treatments.

Discover natural ingredients

Argan oil

The argan tree is one of the oldest trees in the world. Around 65 million years ago, it covered vast areas of North Africa and South Europe. Today it only grows in southwestern Morocco. Argan oil for the NIVEA Natural Balance care line is manufactured organically in Magador.

Discover natural ingredients

Burdock fruit extract

The roots, leaves and seeds of burdock have been used in natural medicine for centuries. Burdock fruit extract, which complements the recipes of the NIVEA Natural Balance Anti-wrinkle face care range, is grown organically in Saxony-Anhalt.

Discover natural ingredients

Camomile

In the Middle Ages, it was indispensable in every monastery garden – and still, camomile is the most popular herb in Europe. A camomile tea can relax you and help with anxiety and stress. In the Natural Balance line organic camomile can be found in face cream for dry and sensitive skin.

Discover natural ingredients

Jojoba oil

Jojoba oil is extracted from the seeds of an evergreen shrub which thrives in the North American Sonoran Desert. When prepared gently, organic jojoba oil enriches products such as NIVEA Natural Balance Body Milk for dry skin.

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

Your own lifestyle has an influence on the condition and health of your skin. The right care can achieve a lot. But stress and your diet can also have a direct effect on your 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.