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 managing your skincare effectively. Some common signs include:
Tightness or a feeling of "pulling" on the skin, especially after washing
Rough or flaky patches, often more noticeable in certain areas like the elbows, knees, and heels
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, but dehydrated skin can 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’s important to drink the recommended water intake daily, follow a balanced diet, and use hydrating skincare products to prevent dryness.
5 Causes of
Dry Skin
1. Skin condition
Dry skin could be a sign of a skin condition such as eczema or psoriasis. If you’re concerned about this, it’s best to seek professional medical advice to find the right solution for your skin type.
2. Heat
Hot Showers or Baths: Hot water can strip your skin of its natural oils, so limiting shower or bath time can help preserve moisture.
Indoor Heating and Air Conditioning: Using indoor heating and cooling can strip moisture from the air.
3. Environment
Low Humidity Levels: During dry and cold weather, moisture evaporates more quickly from your 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 your skin, leaving it feeling tight, parched, and sometimes even flaky.
4. Age and health factors
Medical conditions: Certain medical conditions like eczema, psoriasis, or hypothyroidism can also cause skin dryness, which sometimes occurs on the legs.
5. Too much bathing and scrubbing
Harsh Soaps and Cleansers: Harsh chemicals can disrupt your skin's pH balance and strip away its natural oils, leaving it dry and vulnerable.
Overwashing: Washing your skin too frequently can remove its protective oils and disrupt its natural moisture balance. It’s essential to cleanse gently and only as needed to avoid dryness.
7 Skincare
TIPS FOR DRY SKIN:
- Moisturise regularly
Consistency is key in skincare, and regular moisturising helps your skin stay hydrated and protected, and look its best over the long term.
For dry skin on your body, try the NIVEA Repair and Care Body Lotion, which 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 your skin of its natural oils.
- Wear breathable clothing
Choose breathable fabrics like cotton or linen, especially if you have dry skin. Try to avoid 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.
- Humidify the air
Use a humidifier in your home, especially during the winter months, to add moisture to the air and help prevent your skin from drying out.
- Protect your skin
Wear sunscreen when you’re spending time outdoors to protect your skin from sun damage, and help 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 to check for any underlying medical conditions.
Dry Skin
Symptoms: Skin dryness on your body can show up as rough or flaky patches, often more noticeable in certain areas like your 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 drawing out your skin's moisture.
Treatment: Apply a moisturising cream for dry skin to your face and body after cleansing, as this helps replenish moisture and strengthen your skin's natural barrier.
Prevention: Maintaining a consistent skincare routine is vital to maintain hydration and improve the overall condition of your skin. Wear breathable clothing, protect your skin from sun damage and humidify the air inside your home.
Men and
DRY SKIN
Men often face unique challenges when it comes to dry skin, mainly because of differences in skincare habits and lifestyle factors. A common challenge is shaving, which can make 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, exposing particularly sensitive skin; on top of that, regular shaving can strip away your 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
1. Cleanse:
Use a gentle, non-stripping cleanser that’s appropriate for your skin type. NIVEA Face Cleansers offer 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 out your skin.
Adding an exfoliant to 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 strong. It’s essential to choose a gentle exfoliant that won’t dry out your skin. The NIVEA Face Scrubs range offers 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 gently, to unclog your pores and clear away excess oils and impurities.
3. Serum:
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 your 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, add a hydrating eye cream that’s specifically formulated to hydrate the delicate skin around your eyes. The NIVEA Q10 Anti-Wrinkle Power Firming Eye Cream contains skin-identical Coenzyme Q10 and Creatine. Its intensive moisturising formula helps reduce crow's feet, revitalise your eye area and reduce puffiness.
For men: NIVEA MEN Anti-Age Hyaluron Eye Cream with Hyaluronic Acid helps 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 to keep your skin cared for every day.
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 your skin and ensures 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 your skin is damp after showering or bathing, apply a rich, nourishing moisturiser, as this allows the moisturiser to seep into your pores more easily and provide 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 your skin for 72 hours*. Simply massage it into your skin to relieve feelings of tightness.
If you’re going out into the sun and your body is exposed, a moisturising sunscreen will help ensure your skin remains hydrated and protected. Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher during the day, such as NIVEA SUN Protection And Moisture Lotion SPF 30. It’s designed to protect your skin from UV damage and premature ageing while moisturising your skin – and remember to reapply sunscreen to prevent sun damage.
*Instrumental test, 33 participants
