What causes dry skin and how to restore your skin barrier
One in three Dutch people regularly suffer from dry skin. Especially during the winter months, skin feels tight, flakes appear, and no cream seems to really help. Dry skin is more than just a lack of moisture: it's a sign that your skin barrier is out of balance .
What is dry skin?
Dry skin (also called xerosis cutis ) is a skin condition in which the skin lacks enough lipids and moisture-binding substances . As a result, it cannot retain water effectively, leading to dryness, tightness, and sensitivity.
You recognize dry skin by:
- A tight or pulling feeling after showering
- Flakes or rough skin texture
- Dull complexion or gray appearance
- Sometimes itching or redness
Healthy skin contains a combination of ceramides, fatty acids, and humectants . When this balance is disrupted, the skin barrier doesn't function properly, and the skin loses its ability to protect itself.
What causes dry skin?
There are several factors that contribute to dryness:
- Climate and seasons: Cold, wind and dry air draw moisture from the skin.
- Over-cleansing: Washing too often or using harsh cleansers can damage the skin’s natural barrier.
- Strong active ingredients: Acids or retinol without supporting hydration can weaken the skin barrier.
- Age and hormonal changes: sebum production decreases, making the skin feel less supple.
- Insufficient protection: lack of SPF or nourishing cream causes the skin to dry out faster.
Our recommendations for dry skin
For those who suffer from dryness, Prescription Skincare has developed a complete solution:
This set has been carefully formulated by our skin specialists to replenish moisture, restore the barrier and keep the skin supple, without irritation.
