Medically reviewed by Dr. A.M. van Coevorden, dermatologist
Dry skina dry, flaking skin from loss of skin lipids
Dry skin, medically xerosis cutis, is skin that holds too little moisture because of a shortage of skin lipids in the top layer. As a result the skin flakes, and in more severe form it becomes eczema-like with sometimes cracks. It is not contagious and can be managed well with the right creams.
The function of the skin
The skin has three layers: epidermis, dermis and subcutaneous fat. One of its most important functions is the barrier function, provided by the top layer of the epidermis, the horny layer. It prevents moisture from escaping the body and harmful substances from entering, and is constantly renewed. When there are too few skin lipids in this layer, the skin loses more moisture and is more affected by outside substances. In a mild form this causes flaking skin, in a more pronounced form the skin becomes eczema-like with sometimes cracks.
How do you get dry skin?
Skin lipids are produced less for various reasons: soap, which degreases the skin and changes its acidity; occupational work with cleaning agents or chemicals; frequent water contact such as showering or hand washing; winter, when heating produces dry air; age, since from the age of twenty the production of fatty acids declines; and a genetic tendency to disturbed lipid production in the horny layer.
Is dry skin contagious?
No. Xerosis cutis is a disturbance of the skin barrier and does not pass from person to person.
What treatments are there?
Dry skin can repair itself, but only if it is not exposed to the above factors in the meantime. Often it is necessary to apply creams and ointments to restore the skin lipids. There are three groups you can apply. Barrier agents lay a protective layer on the skin that takes over the function of the horny layer, such as petroleum jelly, lanolin, silicones and paraffin. Humectants make up for moisture loss by attracting extra water, such as glycerine, urea, hyaluronic acid and honey. Emollients replenish substances naturally present in the skin, such as ceramides, squalene and plant oils. There is no tablet that restores dry skin.
What can you do yourself?
Avoid excessive exposure to soap and water. If you work with chemicals, wear gloves as much as possible. Moisturise the skin regularly: as a rule of thumb, shower once and moisturise twice.
Frequently asked questions about dry skin
What causes dry skin?
A shortage of skin lipids in the top layer of the skin. Soap, frequent water contact, dry winter air, age and predisposition all play a role.
What helps against dry skin?
Regularly applying creams or ointments that restore the skin lipids: barrier agents, humectants and emollients. A rule of thumb is shower once, moisturise twice.
Is dry skin contagious?
No. Xerosis cutis is a disturbance of the skin barrier and does not pass from person to person.
Why is my skin drier in winter?
Because heating produces dry air, which draws extra moisture from the skin.
Does drinking lots of water help?
Dry skin results from a shortage of skin lipids in the top layer, not from drinking too little. Moisturising from the outside is what helps.