Dry skin
The skin is one of our largest organs and visible to everyone. That is why it should look great and be well cared for. One of the many known skin problems represents "dry skin" - or medically correct "Xeroderma". Dry skin is often not only accompanied by a feeling of tension, but it is also inelastic and therefore prone to painful tearing. Additionally, there is often some degree of irritation which tempts those affected to scratch. The skin can be further damaged by this, and the resulting scratch marks are ideal entry points for germs.
Dry skin mainly occurs on the face, feet, elbows or shins, but can also affect the entire body.
Causes of dry skin
Dry skin can have several causes:
- Age
- Seasonal changes and weather can be particularly challenging on the skin. Heated air and cold temperatures can increasingly lead to dry skin. Because of the exposure, the face, hands and lips in particular need special attention.
- Hormonal changes can disrupt the skin's barrier
- Certain medications can have dry skin as a side effect
- Excessive washing or overly aggressive cleansing products can attack the protective layer of the skin. The same applies to long or frequent showers and swimming.
- Predisposition or diseases (e.g. atopic eczema)
If dry skin is caused by certain diseases, a doctor should be consulted regarding treatment.
How does dry skin occur?
Our skin has a natural barrier that prevents it from losing too much moisture. This barrier is made up of horn cells as well as:
- a thin lipid film on the skin, which alleviates the harmful influence of water on the skin;
- structural lipids rich in linoleic acid, which lie between the horn cells and bind them together in a flexible form
- natural moisture factors, which help to stabilize the skin's moisture content
Together with the horn cells, all three form a protective structure, similar to a wall, which prevents bacteria and harmful substances from penetrating the skin.
If, on the other hand, the structural lipids and the moisturizing factors are removed, e.g., by too frequent washing, showering, or swimming, or if they are not sufficiently formed, as in the case of aged skin or atopic dermatitis, the horn cells detach from each other, and the skin's protective barrier becomes porous. Regardless of whether the cause is internal or external, the result is always the same - dry, flaky and brittle skin that is increasingly prone to inflammation, itching and eczema.
Caring for dry skin
To protect the skin from barrier disorders as well as fat and moisture deficiencies, a continuous supply of essential components is vital for healthy skin. Linoleic acid is of major importance here. However, the body cannot produce this special, polyunsaturated fatty acid itself; like a vitamin, it must be supplied regularly to keep the skin healthy. Linoleic acid is found in high concentrations in sunflower, safflower and wheat germ oil, for example.
Many Linola skin care products (e.g. Linola Lotion) make it directly available to the skin. Daily care is essential for dry skin. For very dry skin, as well as for normal skin in winter, a higher fat content is preferable, while a lower fat content may be sufficient for less dry skin or in summer.
It is important to adapt the selected care products to the individual needs of the skin.
Everyday tips
Dry skin not only needs lipids but also sufficient moisture content. Therefore, it is essential to drink enough water - about two litres a day is recommended - to supply the skin with moisture from the inside. In winter, it is also recommended to protect the skin from the cold as much as possible, and to cover particularly sensitive areas well. To protect these areas using a richer cream (creams and lotions containing water-in-oil) are particularly suitable. Washing and showering should be limited to avoid putting further strain on the skin's barrier function, especially with dry skin. It is advisable to keep the shower time as short as possible. The water should also not be too hot. Otherwise, use a mild shower gel to care for the skin while still in the shower. Mild cleansing agents help to protect the skin barrier in dry skin.
For dry skin: Linola
Do you suffer from dry skin? Linola Lotion can provide relief. It was specially developed for the basic care of all forms of dry and stressed skin. The lotion for the entire body with valuable linoleic acids is suitable for daily use, is quickly absorbed and is easy to spread. Linola Skin Lotion is also suitable for dry skin. The daily care is pleasant on the skin even in summer or in warm weather and high humidity. It does not leave a sticky skin feeling and yet noticeably improves skin dryness.
Regular use of Linola products for dry skin can help to noticeably reduce the dry skin symptoms and protect the skin barrier.
