Overview
Dry skin is a condition that occurs when the skin lacks the moisture it needs, making the skin look or feel rough, itchy, flaky or scaly. Dry skin can develop on any part or the whole body. It is a common condition that can affect individuals of all ages. Dry skin is a common condition in children and babies, mainly because the skin of newborns, infants and children is much thinner and more sensitive than that of adults. Dry skin, also known as xerosis or xeroderma, has many causes, including adverse weather conditions such as cold or hot weather, sun damage, harsh soaps, and overbathing. The steps that can be taken to eliminate dryness are moisturizing the skin regularly and abundantly, practicing sun protection and creating a skin care routine with various skin care products that work for you.
What causes dry skin?
Skin needs moisture and natural oils to stay healthy and perform its function. Moisture and natural oils make the skin soft and elastic, and if they are lacking, dryness can develop. Dry skin, known in the medical literature as xeroderma or xerosis, is a condition where the skin lacks the moisture it needs to make it feel soft. The causes of dry skin can be outlined as follows:
● Contact dermatitis: Contact dermatitis occurs when something comes into contact with your skin that causes an irritant or allergic reaction. Dryness and flaking of the skin are common symptoms. Itching, redness and skin rashes may also be observed. Examples that may cause contact dermatitis include some accessories and jewelry, cosmetics, detergents or medications.
● Eczema: The most common cause of dry skin is eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis. Eczema is a skin condition that causes red, dry, bumpy and itchy lesions on the skin. Severe forms can cause cracking of skin, which makes the skin more prone to infection.
● Seborrheic dermatitis: Seborrheic dermatitis is a a condition that develops especially on the scalp of both adults and infants. It is characterized by dry skin lesions and a flaky appearance on the scalp, face, groin and inner legs.
● Athlete’s foot: Athlete’s foot can mimic dry skin on your feet, but a fungus causes it. People who have athlete’s foot may have dry, flaky skin on the soles of their feet.
● Age: With advancing age, the oil-producing glands in the skin work less, and the amount of oil and collagen decreases. This can lead to dryness, thinning skin and increase in wrinkles.
● Climate: Weather conditions and the temperature of your environment can affect your skin’s hydration. People often experience dry skin in places with low humidity and high temperatures, such as desert-like climates. Dry skin is more likely to occur in cold weather. Dryness during the winter can be more severe and uncomfortable.
● Genetics: Having a gene sequence that predisposes to dry skin or having a health condition that causes dryness can be another cause of dry skin. People who have a family history of dry skin or who have a disease that can cause dry skin such as diabetes, allergies, eczema or kidney disease that create a genetic predisposition are more prone to dry skin.
● Occupations: Certain professions such as hairdressers, farmers, doctors and nurses may experience dry skin, especially if they work outdoors, with chemicals or wash their hands frequently.
● Pregnancy: Dry skin is a common condition during pregnancy. Causes may include thinning of the skin barrier due to increased water needs and increased blood volume, rapid weight gain, hormonal changes, gestational diabetes and anemia.
● Nutrition and Skin Care: Dryness in especially oily skin is usually due to improper skin care practices and malnutrition. Avoiding the use of skin care products that dry out the skin, consuming enough water and ensuring adequate vitamin intake are among the measures that can be taken.
Which vitamin deficiency causes dry skin?
Dry skin can occur for many reasons, including dehydration, aging, weather conditions, allergies and micronutrient deficiencies. Dry skin can cause symptoms such as itching, irritation, bleeding, inflammation, redness and rashes. Uncomfortable symptoms can be alleviated by using moisturizers such as creams, lotions and ointments. Vitamin deficiencies are among the causes of dry skin. Vitamin deficiencies can be eliminated by using various supplements in consultation with a doctor, thus relieving dry skin and uncomfortable symptoms. Vitamin deficiencies that cause dry skin can be briefly summarized as follows:
● Vitamin D: Vitamin D is critical for human health, including skin health. The cells in the outermost layer of the skin, called keratinocytes, are the only cells that can form vitamin D from its precursor and turn it into a form that your body can use. Low blood levels of vitamin D are associated with skin conditions, including eczema and psoriasis — both of which can cause dry skin. Vitamin D supplements have been shown to significantly improve symptoms of skin disorders that cause dry, itchy skin and to positively affect skin moisture.
● Vitamin C: Vitamin C acts as an extremely important antioxidant for the skin. It promotes collagen production and prevents unwanted symptoms such as dryness and wrinkles. In vitamin C deficiency, the barrier function of the skin is impaired, water loss increases and therefore dry skin may occur.
● Vitamin E: Vitamin E acts as an important antioxidant that enables the skin to fight free radicals and can cause dry skin when deficient. Vitamin E supplements used topically or orally can alleviate the symptoms that cause skin discomfort.
● Vitamin B: B vitamins have an effect on keratinocytes, which form the outermost layer of the skin. They prevent water loss and have a positive influence on fibroblasts that affect skin texture and quality. Deficiency of vitamin B can also cause dry skin.
What are the symptoms of dry skin?
Dry skin is often temporary or can develop seasonally. You might get it only in the winter, in cold weather, or in the summer with excessive sun exposure. Symptoms of dry skin can vary depending on the person’s age, general health, living environment and even skin tone. In general terms, symptoms of dry skin can be listed as follows in general terms:
● A feeling of skin tightness,
● Dull and pale skin,
● Itchiness,
● Slight to severe scaling or peeling,
● Cracked “dry riverbed” look to leg,
● Fine lines or cracks,
● Red and brown lesions om especially white skin,
● Bleeding,
● Swelling and edema,
● Open wounds and infections caused by scratching,
● Skin thickening.
How to treat dry skin?
Dry skin often responds well to lifestyle measures, such as using moisturizers and avoiding long, hot showers and baths, drinking plenty of water, avoiding alcohol, smoking and excessive caffeine consumption. If you have very dry skin, your doctor may recommend a moisturizing product formulated for your needs. Treating underlying conditions that cause dry skin, such as eczema and psoriasis, vitamin A, D, E, B deficiency, or decreased levels of zinc and collagen, can also help to relieve dry skin. There are some measures and practices that are effective in relieving dry skin, but it should be noted that a specialist physician’s opinion should be sought before resorting to any of these practices or supplements:
● Using moisturizers: Moisturizers are the main form of treatment for most types of dry skin. They smooth and soften dry skin and work to recreate the skin’s natural barrier. They also help prevent cracking due to dryness.
● Taking medications: For extremely dry skin that’s itchy or prone to cracking, your healthcare provider may prescribe various topical corticosteroids and antihistamines. It is not recommended to use these medications without the advice of a doctor.
● Collagen: Collagen is the most abundant protein in your body and accounts for 75% of your skin’s dry weight. Research has shown that taking collagen-based supplements may decrease wrinkle depth and increase skin hydration.
● Zink: Zinc is especially beneficial in treating dry skin caused by eczema and psoriasis and can reduce inflammation caused by dryness.
● Fish oil: Fish oil has powerful anti-inflammatory and healing properties. It is the main source of DHA and EPA fatty acids, which benefit the skin in many ways. Supplements containing fish oil can increase skin moisture and strengthen the skin barrier.
● Hyaluronic acid: A compound that has many benefits in reducing fine lines and moisturizing the skin.
● Probiotics: Some studies have shown that supplementing with probiotic Lactobacillus plantarum bacteria significantly improves skin barrier function and skin moisture.
● Ceramides: Ceramides are important fat molecules found in healthy skin. Ceramide supplements are known to increase skin moisture levels and help treat dry skin.
Although dry skin is often not considered a major health problem, severe dryness can negatively affect a person’s daily life and take a toll on quality of life. If there is no chronic condition, dry skin can be treated with simple practices. In advanced stages, it may be advisable to consult a dermatologist and start medical treatment if the dermatologist deems necessary.
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