Contents
If your skin suffers from excessive dryness, you will benefit from reading this article and learning what xerosis is. At least in order to keep the situation under control with the right care.
What is xerosis
With a deficiency of sebum, the skin ceases to properly perform its main functions – barrier and protective.
The skin becomes vulnerable to aggressive environmental factors and any external irritants, it can become more reactive.
With a lack of sebum, it is very difficult to moisturize the skin, since it is lipids that retain moisture in the epidermis and are responsible for the hydrobalance of tissues.
In case of xerosis, the skin is unprotected
The main signs of xerosis:
feeling of tightness of the skin;
rough surface of the epidermis, the presence of scales;
invisible pores;
rugosity;
frequent itching.
Causes of skin xerosis in children and adults
The main causes of xerosis are listed by La Roche-Posay expert Alexander Prokofiev.
Thin skin.
Lack of vitamin A.
Influence of adverse factors (sun, solarium, wind, frost).
Prolonged exposure to hot water.
Using soap to cleanse the skin.
Wrong choice of cosmetics.
The use of certain drugs (retinoids, hormonal drugs).
Itching is one of the signs of xerosis
Also, xerosis may indicate the presence of a dermatological or general disease, for example:
ichthyosis (in infants and children);
atopic dermatitis (in children);
follicular keratosis;
psoriasis;
diabetes;
oncological diseases;
hypothyroidism.
Varieties of xerosis
In total, there are three types of xerosis:
atopic (congenital) xerosis observed in children and, as a rule, is hereditary;
senile xerosis – this is the development of dry skin as a result of natural aging processes;
acquired xerosisresulting from improper skin care and exposure to external or internal factors.
The first symptoms and signs of xerosis
The following information will help you catch xerosis at the initial stage and consult a doctor in time, who will identify the cause of this condition and prescribe adequate treatment. So, xerosis has three degrees of development.
The first stage
The skin looks more or less well, there are no external symptoms visible to the naked eye. While all the changes occur at the level of sensations of dryness, burning and tightness, which disappear after applying a moisturizer.
The second stage
Peeling, redness, itching and wrinkling join the sensations of dryness and tightness. Moisturizing cream at this stage does not help much.
Pathological dryness causes wrinkling of the skin
The third stage
There are all signs of xeroderma: the dryness of the stratum corneum is accompanied by scales, red spots, itching and even cracks (mainly in the folds – knees, elbows, fingers). The skin becomes very thin and defenseless against microorganisms and diseases such as dermatitis, eczema.
Which doctor should be consulted
First you need to contact a dermatologist who will establish the true cause of xerosis and refer you for additional examination if pathological dryness is not caused by a skin disease. Eliminating the root causes will bring the function of the sebaceous glands back to normal.
How to deal with the disease
You need to fight xerosis under the guidance of a doctor, but we will suggest some general rules for care.
It is necessary to exclude alkaline soap. The best option is syndet, a much less aggressive cleansing product suitable for sensitive, dry skin.
It is recommended to choose a cleanser without dyes and fragrances.
As a care, it is important to use light nourishing creams with components that mimic sebum, that is, they form a protective fatty film to retain moisture.
With xerosis, the skin needs to be moisturized with creams with soothing ingredients.
Xerosis care products should contain a minimum of components, but among them the following are welcome:
mineral and natural vegetable oils;
soothing components, for example, bisabolol, plant extracts (St. John’s wort, calendula);
components of the natural moisturizing factor, such as glycerin and hyaluronic acid.
Overview of skin care products during xerosis
Purification
Cleansing gel care for washing Toleriane, La Roche-Posay does not contain any fragrances, soaps or dyes. Gently removes make-up and impurities. Contains ceramides and soothing agents such as niacinamide and panthenol.
Lipikar Syndet AP+, La Roche-Posay Lipikar Syndet AP+ Lipikar Syndet AP+, La Roche-Posay reduces dryness of the skin after washing or showering. In addition to niacinamide and shea butter, it contains the patented Aqua Posae Filiformis component, which regulates the skin microflora. Soap and fragrances are absent.
Soft cleansing cream for dry and sensitive skin Gentle Cleanser, SkinСeuticals removes even stubborn makeup without causing discomfort to the skin. On the contrary, this non-foaming cream soothes and softens thanks to allantoin.
Moisturizing and nourishing
Soothing moisturizing protective cream for ultra-sensitive skin Toleriane Riche, La Roche-Posay contains shea butter and squalane. These components contribute to the restoration of the hydrolipid mantle of the skin.
Moisturizing restoring saturated remedy for normal to dry skin Emollience, SkinСeuticals works due to complementary herbal extracts, a complex of oils, vitamin B5 and allantoin. Restores the barrier functions of the epidermis, moisturizes, increases the skin’s resistance to external factors.
Lipid-replenishing balm for the face and body of children and adults Lipikar Baume AP + M, La Roche-Posay instantly relieves the feeling of dryness, thereby reducing itching. Formulated with high concentrations of shea butter and niacinamide, as well as canola oil, rich in omega-3 and omega-6, and the patented active ingredient Aqua Posae Filiformis, which regulates the skin microbiome.
Intensive care cream to protect very dry skin Nutrilogie 2, Vichy contains a sphingolipid that restores the skin’s ability to produce its own lipids. Also included in the composition is the antioxidant vitamin E, glycerin and a set of nourishing oils (jojoba, apricot, macadamia) to moisturize and nourish the skin.
Moisturizing balm for dry and very dry skin Ultra Facial Deep Moisture Balm, Kiehl’s Despite the nutrient-rich formula and thick consistency, it is quickly absorbed and does not leave a feeling of greasiness. The task of the balm is to soothe, soften, strengthen the barrier functions of the skin and retain moisture. Edelweiss extract, antarcticin and glycerin are responsible for the desired effect.