What Causes
Dry Skin and How Can It Be Reduced?
What is
DRY SKIN?
5 Common Signs of
DRY SKIN
Recognising the signs of dry skin is essential for effective skincare management if you want to know how to get rid of dry skin. Some common signs include:
Tightness or a feeling of "pulling" on the skin, especially after washing
Itchiness, which can sometimes lead to scratching and further irritation
Redness or inflammation, particularly in severe cases
Cracks or fissures in the skin
Dry Skin vs
Dehydrated Skin
The signs of dehydrated skin are similar to those of dry skin, however, it is possible for dehydrated skin to feel both oily and dry at the same time. Signs of skin dehydration can also include skin feeling tight, looking dull and showing signs of premature ageing, such as sagging skin and wrinkles.
Whether you have dry or dehydrated skin, it is important to drink the recommended water intake daily, to have a balanced diet, as well as using hydrating skincare products to prevent dryness. This combination of healthy habits will really help when you’re asking yourself why is my skin so dry and how can I make it feel more comfortable.
5 Causes of
Dry Skin
Dry skin could be a sign of a skin condition such as eczema or psoriasis. If this is a concern, it’s best to seek professional medical advice to find a solution for your skin type and to understand exactly what causes dry skin in your case.
Hot Showers or Baths: Hot water can strip the skin of its natural oils so limiting shower or bath time can help preserve the skin's moisture.
Indoor Heating and Air Conditioning: Using indoor heating and cooling can strip the moisture from the air and make you ask yourself why is my skin so dry, especially in winter.
Low Humidity Levels: During dry and cold weather, moisture evaporates more quickly from the skin, leaving it dry.
Severe weather conditions: Wind, sun, and extreme temperatures can damage the skin's natural barrier, leading to moisture loss.
Frequent Flyer: Recycled air in planes has low humidity levels, which strip moisture from the skin, leaving it feeling tight, parched, and sometimes even flaky.
Medical conditions: Certain medical conditions like eczema, psoriasis, or hypothyroidism can also cause skin dryness, which sometimes occurs on the legs. Understanding these age and health factors can make it easier to pinpoint what causes dry skin for you personally.
Harsh Soaps and Cleansers: Harsh chemicals can disrupt the skin's pH balance and strip away its natural oils, leaving it dry and vulnerable.
Overwashing: Washing the skin too frequently can remove its protective oils and disrupt its natural moisture balance. It's essential to cleanse the skin gently and only as needed to avoid dryness and to support you if you’re wondering how to get rid of dry skin without irritating it further.
7 Skincare
TIPS FOR DRY SKIN:
- Moisturise regularly
Consistency is key in skincare, and regular moisturising ensures that your skin stays hydrated and protected, and looks its best over the long term.
For dry skin on the body, try the NIVEA Repair and Care Body Lotion, that immediately relieves itching sensations in dry, tight skin and provides 72 hours of hydration*.
*Instrumental test, 42 participants
- Avoid hot water
Opt for lukewarm water instead of hot water when showering or bathing, as hot water can strip the skin of its natural oils and make you feel like your skin is always dry.
- Wear breathable clothing
Choose breathable fabrics like cotton or linen, especially if you have dry skin. Avoid wearing tight clothing that can rub against your skin and cause irritation.
- Stay hydrated
Drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your skin hydrated from the inside out and to support any other steps you're taking to get rid of dry skin.
- Humidify the air
Use a humidifier in your home, especially during the winter months, to add moisture to the air and prevent your skin from drying out.
- Protect your skin
Wear sunscreen when spending time outdoors to protect your skin from sun damage, to prevent skin sensitivity and skin dryness.
- Consult a dermatologist
If your dry skin persists despite trying these remedies, or if you experience severe symptoms like cracking or bleeding, it's important to consult a dermatologist for further evaluation and a check of potential underlying medical conditions, especially if you’re worried about why your skin is so dry all the time.
Dry Skin
Symptoms: Skin dryness on the body can appear as rough or flaky patches, often more noticeable in certain areas like the elbows, knees, and heels.
Causes: Low sebum production, exposure to harsh weather conditions, and indoor heating or air conditioning systems can cause dry skin by taking out the skin's moisture.
Treatment: Apply a moisturising cream for dry skin to your face and body after cleansing, as this helps to replenish moisture and strengthen the skin's natural barrier.
Prevention: Maintaining a consistent skincare routine is vital to maintain hydration and improve the overall condition of the skin. Wear breathable clothing, protect your skin from sun damage and humidify the air inside your home. These simple habits are some of the most effective answers to how to get rid of dry skin in everyday life.
Men and
DRY SKIN
Men often face unique challenges when it comes to dry skin, primarily due to differences in skincare habits and lifestyle factors. A common challenge includes shaving, which can make the skin more sensitive and reactive.
On average, men who shave, subject their skin to 16,000 shaves in a lifetime and up to 40% of men have shaving-related skin problems including dry skin. Shaving removes the uppermost layer of skin cells, which exposes particularly sensitive skin, alongside this, regular shaving can strip away the skin's natural oils, leading to dryness, irritation, and razor burn.
Use a moisturising shaving cream or gel before shaving and follow up with the hydrating NIVEA MEN Sensitive 0% Alcohol Post Shave Balm, enriched with Chamomile and Vitamin E to help with shaving irritations like redness, tightness, itchiness, and dryness.
*no Ethylalcohol
Skincare Routine for
DRY SKIN
Use a gentle, non-stripping cleanser appropriate for your skin type. NIVEA Face Cleansers provide a variety of products, including micellar waters and face washes, tailored to meet your skin's needs effectively.
For men: NIVEA MEN Sensitive Face Wash, a soap-free face wash for sensitive skin, contains Vitamin E and Camomile extract to cleanse gently, without drying the skin.
Incorporating an exfoliant into your routine can help remove dead skin cells and encourage skin renewal. However, if you have dry skin, you should avoid exfoliating too often or using products that are too powerful. So it's essential to choose a gentle exfoliant that won't dry out your skin. The NIVEA Face Scrubs range offer a variety of face exfoliants for all skin types.
For men: NIVEA Protect & Care Face Cleansing Scrub, with Aloe Vera, clears your skin thoroughly yet mildly, to unclog your pores and clear away excess oils and impurities.
Discover NIVEA Cellular Expert Filler Plumping Hyaluronic Serum – a hydrating and anti-wrinkle serum containing Hyaluronic Acid to target signs of ageing and boost skin hydration.
For men: NIVEA Anti-Age Power 2 in 1 Serum combines Hyaluron with the patented anti-pigment ingredient LUMINOUS630, providing dark spot reduction with an anti-ageing effect.
Apply a rich, nourishing moisturiser such as NIVEA Nourishing Day Cream, with SPF 15 and Almond Oil to help protect the skin's moisture levels.
For men: NIVEA MEN Sensitive Intensive Cream-Gel provides instant relief from irritation, 48h moisture and long-lasting skin comfort.
**Instrumental test, 51 men
If you're experiencing dryness around the eye area, incorporate a hydrating eye cream specifically formulated to hydrate the delicate skin around the eyes. The NIVEA Q10 Anti-Wrinkle Power Firming Eye Cream contains skin-identical Coenzyme Q10 and Creatine. Its intensive moisturising formula helps to reduce crow's feet, revitalise your eye area and reduce puffiness.
For men: NIVEA MEN Anti-Age Hyaluron Eye Cream with Hyaluronic Acid helps to reduce eye bags and signs of tiredness while reducing wrinkles in the eye area, for a healthy and younger look.
The NIVEA Face Sunscreen range provides a diverse selection of sun care products tailored for all skin types, including high SPF sunscreens and hydrating formulas for sensitive and dry skin. Whether you prefer a lightweight, fast-absorbing lotion or a rich cream, the NIVEA Sun range offers a wide array of options, keeping your skin cared for on a daily basis.
Combine Moisturising and Light SPF with Ease by
USING NIVEA SOFT SPF 15
Try the NIVEA Soft Daily UV SPF 15 for your everyday routine, offering hydration and light sun protection in one step. Its unique, light formula is designed to intensely moisturise while offering basic daily protection against UV rays. Infused with Shea Butter and Jojoba Oil, it softens the skin, ensuring lasting moisture. Suitable for face, hands and body, this versatile treatment can be used anywhere, anytime, making it an ideal addition to your daily skincare routine.
Daily SPF use is essential to help prevent photoaging, the premature ageing of skin caused by UV rays. However, to protect your skin effectively, you should use a sun protection product containing an SPF suited to the intensity of the UV rays, your skin type and your exposure, and reapply regularly. Our Moisturising Cream SPF 15 is designed for everyday use, but use SPF 30 or 50 for direct exposure to the sun.
Body Care Routine for
DRY SKIN
When the skin is damp after showering or bathing, apply a rich, nourishing moisturiser, as this allows the moisturiser to seep into your pores more easily, providing deeper hydration. The NIVEA Repair & Care Fragrance-Free Body Lotion is suitable for dry and sensitive skin. Formulated without fragrance and with 10% Glycerin & Panthenol, it provides intense care and moisturises the skin for 72 hours*. Simply massage it into your skin to relieve feelings of tightness.
If you are going out into the sun and your body is exposed, a moisturising sunscreen will ensure your skin remains hydrated and protected. Explore a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher during the day such as NIVEA SUN Protection And Moisture Lotion SPF 30. Designed to protect the skin from UV damage and premature ageing while moisturising your skin – remember to reapply sunscreen to prevent sun damage.
*Instrumental test, 33 participants
