Dry skin? The 10 most common causes and how to get rid of it fast

What is dry skin
Dry skin is a condition where the skin loses its natural hydration and its protective function is weakened. The typical manifestation is itching and a rough or scaly surface that can easily become irritated. If you ignore dry skin, it can get worse over time.

Causes of dry skin
Sensitive and dry skin is a signal that your skin is missing something. Learn what may be behind dry patches of skin.
1. Weather and temperature changes
Do you suffer from dry skin in winter? The cold outside and dry indoor air dry out your skin and reduce its ability to retain its natural moisture. Exposing your skin to too much ultraviolet (UV) radiation is also bad for your skin, as it accelerates skin ageing and damages the skin's protective layer.
2. Long showers and inappropriate cosmetics
Although it may seem like a paradox, taking long showers in hot water every day damages the skin's protective lipid layer, which loses its ability to retain moisture. Using aggressive shower gels, soaps or shampoos with sulphates and other irritants can exacerbate this effect.
3. The effect of certain medications
A side effect of some medications can be dehydration of the skin. Examples include diuretics (drainage medications), older types of antihistamines, retinoid-based acne treatments or chemotherapy drugs.
4. Atopic eczema
Dry skin is not always just the result of external influences. Sometimes it is caused by health problems such as atopic eczema. This is one of the most common causes of dry, itchy skin. People with this diagnosis have a compromised skin barrier - meaning their skin loses moisture faster and is more prone to irritation. It often develops red, itchy patches that can even crack.
5. Psoriasis
Psoriasis is an autoimmune chronic disease in which skin cells regenerate faster than they should. The result is dry, scaly and reddened patches of skin that may itch or be painful.
6. Diabetes
High glucose levels can impair the body's ability to maintain hydration - this leads to drying and sometimes cracking of the skin, especially on the feet and hands.
7. Keratosis pilaris ("chicken skin")
If you have small bumps and rough skin on your arms, thighs or buttocks, you may have keratosis pilaris. The cause is excessive keratin production, which clogs the hair follicles and causes the rough texture of the skin.
8. Hormonal changes - pregnancy, menopause and aging
The skin goes through a hormonal roller coaster and unfortunately, it sometimes gets carried away with dryness, itching and loss of brightness. During pregnancy or menopause, the skin is often drier due to fluctuations in estrogen levels. As we age, sebum production naturally decreases and the skin loses its ability to retain moisture.
9. Vitamin deficiencies
If your body doesn't have enough vitamins and other important substances, it will show in your skin. The following vitamins in particular are crucial for healthy and hydrated skin:
Vitamin A - promotes regeneration and helps against scaling.
Vitamin E - protects the skin from drying out and premature ageing.
Vitamin D - supports the barrier function of the skin and reduces inflammatory processes.
Omega-3 fatty acids - promote skin elasticity and hydration.
10. Stress
Psychosomatics can also be behind dry skin. Dryness and scaling of the skin can be a reaction to prolonged stress, anxiety or emotional strain.

How do you know if you have dry skin?
Dry skin is not just a feeling, but is associated with a number of symptoms. Do you recognise any of them?
- Feeling tight and rough,
- itching,
- flaking and peeling,
- redness and sensitivity,
- cracks and fissures.

Dry skin on the body
In some cases, dry skin appears all over the body - this can be caused by lack of hydration, but also by a skin or infectious disease. What does dry skin on different parts of the body mean?

Dry skin on the face
The face is one of the most sensitive parts of the body, which is why dry facial skin is a very common problem - it is red, burning and itchy, and may peel and have scales. The eye area, the area around the nose and lips, but also other parts of the face suffer the most.
- Dry skin around the nose
This is caused by friction, especially if you wipe your nose frequently with a handkerchief in winter or when you have a cold.
- Dry skin around the eyes
The skin around the eyes is very thin and therefore more prone to drying out and reacting more quickly to external influences.
- Dry skin on the forehead
Most often caused by dehydration or improper care.
- Dry skin around the mouth
Often occurs in winter due to cold or frequent licking of the lips.
Men sometimes struggle with dry patches under the beard. There, the skin tends to be irritated by shaving or residue from styling products, which can disrupt the skin's natural barrier.

Dry skin on the neck
The reason for dryness in this area is fewer sebaceous glands. Dryness can manifest itself as scaling, tightness or irritation, especially in cold weather or when rubbed by clothing.

Dry skin behind the ears
The skin in this area dries out easily due to a lack of sebaceous glands. Another common cause is seborrhoeic dermatitis, but also allergic reactions to shampoos, hair dyes or cosmetics with irritating ingredients.

Dry skin on the feet
- Dry skin on the shins, calves and ankles
It is caused by frequent shaving and lack of hydration.
- Dry skin on the knees
Occurs due to constant rubbing against clothing.
- Dry skin on the thighs
May be a symptom of keratosis pilaris. Wearing tight clothing, which increases friction and irritation, also contributes to dry skin, especially in more sensitive skin.
- Dry skin between the toes
It is often caused by inappropriate footwear, dehydration, but also by fungal infections.
- Dry heels, toes and feet
Can be due to lack of skin care, inappropriate footwear or skin conditions such as eczema.

Dry skin on the hands
The hands are one of the most stressed parts of the body. They are most often affected by dry skin between the fingers, on the fingers and knuckles, but also around the nails - the skin can become red and peel. Elbows also often suffer from dryness because they have fewer sebaceous glands and are therefore more prone to cracking than other parts of the hands.
We have extremely dry skin on our hands, especially in winter, because of the cold, frequent washing and the use of disinfectants.

Dry skin on the back
On the back, dryness is most often caused by eczema caused by wearing laundry washed in aggressive detergents.

Dry skin in the genital area
Dry skin on the genitals can be caused by hormonal changes, the use of inappropriate hygiene products or frequent washing.

Dry skin in the armpits
The armpits are usually protected by sweat and sebaceous glands, but excessive use of deodorants and frequent shaving can cause dryness and irritation in this area as well.

Dry skin in children
Children's skin is naturally more sensitive and dries out easily. Dry skin is common in babies, often on the cheeks, in the folds of the limbs, in the nappy area or on the head. It's not unusual - babies' skin hasn't yet fully developed a protective barrier, so frequent bathing or temperature changes can dry it out. The good news is that in most cases, regular and gentle lubrication with a suitable cream or oil will help.

Dry skin in pregnancy
Hormonal changes can lead to dry, peeling skin on the face, but also on the breasts and nipples.

What to do for dry skin - prevention and treatment
Proper care, appropriate cosmetics and a healthy lifestyle can significantly reduce the risk of your skin becoming dry. So what can you do to keep your skin hydrated and healthy?
1. Take smart showers
Do you like to shower in hot water? It's great relaxation, but it's not good for your skin. Choose lukewarm water for no more than 10 minutes, otherwise you'll disrupt your skin's natural protective layer. Use gentle, moisturising shower gels without sulphates or perfumes. After washing, do not rub with a towel, but gently dry yourself.
2. Moisturize
Create a regular skin care ritual. Apply moisturiser to your face morning and night. Don't forget hand cream - especially in winter and after contact with water - and products to care for cracked heels.
Also apply moisturiser to your skin after showering, while it's still damp. This trick will lock in moisture. Choose a cream that not only moisturises but also strengthens the skin barrier.
Moisturizing creams deliver water to the skin, but if they don't contain protective ingredients, moisture is quickly lost and the skin remains dry. They are suitable for normal skin, but often not enough for dry skin. For dry and sensitive skin, barrier creams are more suitable, as they moisturise and also create a protective layer on the skin to prevent further drying.
Tip: Dermaguard barrier cream helps retain moisture in the skin while protecting it from irritants. It is tested for skin protection in household products (sunflower oil, washing and soap powder solution, dishwashing detergents in water, etc.) and can be purchased in selected pharmacies or on our e-shop.
3. Follow the drinking regime
The skin needs plenty of water not only in cosmetic care but also from the inside. Therefore, make sure you drink the right amount of water (ideally at least 2 litres a day). Plenty of healthy fats (nuts, avocados, fish oil) will also help, as they also promote skin hydration.
4. Avoid aggressive products
Avoid using shower gels, soaps and creams containing sulphates, alcohol, perfumes and mineral oils, which can irritate and dry the skin. Instead, choose products with moisturising and protective ingredients such as ceramides, hyaluronic acid, panthenol, shea butter, vegetable oils or glycerin.
5. Protect yourself from the cold and sun
In winter, use more nourishing creams and protect your hands with gloves; in summer, don't forget SPF protection. Always shower with clean water after swimming in the pool or sea.
6. Watch out for heating and air conditioning
If you spend a lot of time in air-conditioned areas, keep moisturiser handy and drink plenty. A humidifier or at least a bowl of water near the heater will also help.
7. Allow your skin to regenerate overnight
Use the night as the ideal time for intensive care. Apply a thicker layer of nourishing cream to extra dry areas (elbows, hands, heels) and wrap them in cotton gloves or socks overnight. Your skin will be noticeably softer in the morning.

Dry skin - old wives' advice
If you're suffering from dry skin and looking for natural ways to moisturise and nourish it, try some tried and tested home tricks. Natural ingredients often contain substances that soften the skin, strengthen its protective barrier and help to relieve irritation.
Olive oil - a great natural moisturiser that penetrates deep into the skin and delivers beneficial fatty acids important for skin nourishment and regeneration. Just apply a few drops to dry areas and massage gently.
Yoghurt and honey - the combination of yoghurt and honey not only moisturises the skin, but also soothes it and provides it with the necessary vitamins. Just mix a tablespoon of yogurt with a teaspoon of honey and apply to dry skin for 15 minutes.
Oatmeal - has natural soothing effects and is a great help against itching and irritation of dry skin. Adding oatmeal to your bath helps keep your skin hydrated and protected from dryness.
Shea butter - is rich in vitamins A and E and provides intense hydration to the skin. It is ideal for extremely dry skin and chapped areas such as elbows, heels or hands.
Petroleum jelly or coconut oil - creates a protective barrier on the skin that prevents moisture loss and helps regenerate even very dry skin. They work best when applied to damp skin after bathing.

Dry skin from a Chinese medicine perspective
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) views dry skin as a manifestation of an imbalance of internal energies, often caused by a lack of yin - the feminine principle associated with calm, nourishment and inner harmony. It can also be a weakening of the energy pathways of the lungs and spleen, which are closely related to the skin, hydration and overall body resilience.
According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, which foods and methods help restore the skin's natural hydration from within?
- A warm, liquid diet - nourishing soups, broths, rice porridge and other foods with moisturizing properties such as pears, black sesame, goji or pumpkin. Warm food does not strain digestion and helps strengthen the spleen, which is essential for proper distribution of nutrition and fluids in the body.
- Herbal teas and tinctures - for example, from ginseng, licorice, shatavari or chrysanthemum. These herbs help to maintain the body's natural hydration and help the body to better manage fluids. In addition, regular drinking of warm beverages soothes the body and contributes to overall harmony.
- Acupuncture and massage - stimulate the circulation of energy (Qi) and blood, thereby promoting the nourishment of the skin from within. They mainly target the pathways of the lungs, kidneys and spleen, which affect the quality of the skin.

Conclusion
Now you know why dry skin occurs and what will reliably help with it. Prevention, regular care and protection from external influences are important. Just a few simple changes will make your skin soft, smooth and healthy again.

Sources:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dry-skin/symptoms-causes/syc-20353885
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/16940-dry-skin
https://www.healthline.com/health/dry-skin
https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-basics/dry/dermatologists-tips-relieve-dry-skin