Collection: Dry skin

Anyone suffering from dry skin is definitely not alone. Around 40 percent of all visits to a dermatologist are due to this very problem. It can occur anywhere on the body, with the face, hands, feet, elbows, and knees being the most commonly affected. This is particularly true because these areas are more exposed to external influences than others. Dry skin occurs when the moisture balance is imbalanced.

The sebaceous glands produce oils, which provide the protective layer with a smooth, soft texture. If they secrete fewer of these oils, the pores shrink. If the skin is only slightly dry, it appears rough and is often accompanied by a feeling of tightness. If it lacks even more moisture, its roughness intensifies, and it tends to become brittle. In some cases, flaking also occurs. This is often accompanied by mild itching. Extremely dry skin is noticeable simply by a strong feeling of tightness or annoying itching. Because those affected react to this by scratching, whether consciously or unconsciously, they only further destroy the damaged barrier. Cracks or even eczema develop. Conditions such as neurodermatitis and psoriasis are also associated with dry skin. Redness is very typical in these cases, and the risk of inflammation is particularly high.

It's extremely important to treat dry skin with specially formulated care products. It performs a whole host of important functions. As an outer layer, it protects the body from light, water, germs, and pollutants. It serves as a sensory organ, thus conveying pain, pressure, and temperature. Furthermore, it regulates water balance and body temperature.

The causes of dry skin are diverse—which explains why it's such a widespread problem. A distinction must be made between internal and external factors. Hormonal changes—especially estrogen and testosterone levels—have an impact. Stress plays a significant role in this.

Dry skin is often hereditary. This also applies to diseases such as atopic dermatitis and psoriasis. Internal triggers also include an unbalanced diet. Vitamin and unsaturated fatty acid deficiencies are particularly important here. With age, the number of sebaceous and sweat glands decreases. This also dries out the skin and makes it less able to retain moisture. This ultimately leads to the formation of fine lines and wrinkles.

Numerous external factors also influence the skin. Many will confirm that they struggle with dryness, especially in the cold season. This is because the skin produces less oil. Dry air from heating draws moisture away from it even further. Heat and UV radiation also put a strain on our protective barrier. Taking certain medications can also cause the skin to dry out. This can occur with antibiotics or oral acne medications, among others. And it's not just neglected skin care that leads to problems – the use of unsuitable products that dissolve oils from the skin can also cause this. Washing too often attacks our surface, as does water that is too hot.

In dry skin, the acid mantle is already compromised. Proper skin care requires products that don't further damage it. Dermaplan therefore avoids harmful and allergenic ingredients in its entire product range. Furthermore, since no animal-derived ingredients are used, vegans can also fully benefit from its effectiveness.

The Sensitive Tonic is a particularly mild facial toner, as it doesn't contain alcohol. Instead, urea, panthenol, and allantoin help moisturize the skin and strengthen the already damaged skin barrier. They also improve the condition of redness. Dermaplan Wash Balance is suitable for daily cleansing of the face and body. This mild wash lotion contributes to skin regeneration through its moisturizing properties. It doesn't foam, which is a sign that it doesn't contain emulsifiers. However, this doesn't affect the thorough cleansing effect—it simply speaks to the product's skin-friendliness.

For the care of dry skin, creams with moisturizing properties are important. The Dermaplan Lipid Balance range is the perfect match. The products differ in their lipid content. The drier the skin, the higher the lipid content should be. The same principle applies to the seasons: In winter, the skin has a greater need for lipids than in the transitional phases of spring and autumn. All Dermaplan products were developed in collaboration with dermatologists and gently care for both baby and aging skin. They can also be used for psoriasis and atopic dermatitis.

All DERMAPLAN products for dry skin are available in our online shop and in your pharmacy.

Not all dry skin is created equal. Dry skin is generally classified into three levels. Slightly dry skin may feel slightly tight and rough. If the surface loses even more moisture, its roughness becomes more pronounced. It may then also tend to become brittle or flaky. This is often accompanied by itching. Very dry skin can sometimes feel very tight, loses its elasticity, and becomes cracked and rough. This is often accompanied by distressing itching.

While skin can lack moisture in the summer too, it is actually more likely to dry out during the winter months. There are several reasons for this. The low temperatures affect the body by making the skin's lipid film thicker, making it harder for it to spread over the surface. In general, the productivity of the sebaceous glands also decreases, meaning they generally produce fewer lipids. Added to this are other unfavorable conditions: Humidity is lower in winter – both outdoors and in many heated rooms. This means that the skin loses moisture more easily. Therefore, the need for care is generally greater in cold weather.

If lipids and moisturizing factors are lacking, the skin cells are less well-connected. The protective barrier is thus more permeable to foreign substances, and infections can develop more easily. Itching is often an unfavorable factor, setting off a cycle. Those who give in to this annoying sensation and scratch themselves further damage the already damaged skin. This makes it easier for pathogens to spread, and further infections may develop. To avoid this, gentle and regular care for dry skin is important.

For the care and cleansing of dry skin, mild products without harmful or allergenic ingredients are absolutely recommended. Such components would only further irritate the weakened barrier. Cleansers should be free of emulsifiers and surfactants. Washing too frequently is counterproductive for dry skin because it removes even more moisture. A good cream or body lotion moisturizes, soothes the surface, and has a replenishing effect. Fundamentally, however, skin care should be viewed as a holistic approach: A balanced diet, adequate fluid intake, sufficient sleep, and avoiding excessive sun exposure, alcohol, and nicotine also help optimize the skin's appearance.