Common diseases are ailments that affect a large portion of the population. Back pain is one example, along with obesity, high blood pressure, and diabetes. If we consider only the number of people affected, then—don't laugh!—dry skin must also be included. According to a dermatological study from 2020, around 30 percent of Germans suffer from an epidermis that is significantly dehydrated. But... and this is the real irony: far too few people seem to care. Dry skin is considered a minor, rarely acknowledged problem. It's comparable to a torn fingernail or a small wound. The motto: It'll go away on its own. But doing nothing about dry skin is like parking a luxury car on the street year-round and expecting the paintwork to remain undamaged. Or, perhaps this comparison is even more apt: It's like never watering roses and still expecting vibrant red petals. Dry skin functions like a constantly open front door: It invites unwanted guests. Bacteria and germs can penetrate the tissue and cause illnesses. None of this has to happen. Therefore, it is high time we addressed the widespread problem of "dry skin".
Protection for the skin barrier
Let's briefly return to the example of the luxury car. (Because our skin should be worth that much to us.) The many layers of paint applied to the beautifully sculpted metal represent the three layers of our skin. Right at the top, as a kind of defense layer, is the stratum corneum along with the skin's protective barrier. This barrier binds water and lipids (fats) and is thus the final bastion against external influences. Now it should be becoming clear why it's so important to take care of the paint, pardon me... the skin.
Itching and feelings of tightness
To approach the topic, perhaps it's helpful to start with how to recognize dry or extremely dry skin. No dermatological expertise is required. A glance in the mirror is sufficient. If the skin appears dull and tired, this is already an early sign – practically an announcement of problems to come. This is usually accompanied by a feeling of tightness or slight itching. If scales or reddened patches appear, or if fine lines appear on the cheeks, then the tissue has already been damaged. However, a longer course of treatment is only necessary when the skin resembles cracked parchment. At this stage, inflammation often develops; neurodermatitis, psoriasis, or eczema are no longer uncommon. Fortunately, it's a long road to that point. Dry skin is a gradual process and doesn't appear overnight.
A scaly misery
Before we get to the (thankfully numerous) ways to restore a glow to your skin and heal it, we want to raise awareness of what actually triggers dry skin. Unsurprisingly, there isn't one single decisive factor. The reasons are varied, the causes originate internally, but external influences are usually also to blame for the flaky problem. First and foremost, there's wind and weather. Of course, everyone knows the effects of moving from winter air into the warmth of an apartment or office. The dry air from heating systems draws moisture from the skin. But the fact that blood vessels also constrict at low temperatures, resulting in poorer blood flow to the tissue, is more surprising.
Sweat as a risk factor
At the other end of the scale is summer – and with it comes fluid loss through increased sweating. The skin suffers and needs protection. If you're thinking, "Ah, summer..."That's a good point – after all, you have to use a UV blocker in strong sunlight, which is at least partly true. In any case, you're more frequently at risk of sunburn during the summer months, which can damage the skin down to its deeper layers. But the power of the red planet causes problems 365 days a year; the radiation only decreases slightly during periods of bad weather. In other words: a sunscreen is essential every day of the year.
Exfoliating scrub to combat dandruff
Let's talk about water. It's fundamentally important – because it cleanses and moisturizes. But as is so often the case, the dose makes the poison. Water also causes tissue to dry out, washing away oils and moisture. This happens when bathing or showering for too long, but also with excessive cleansing. Anyone still using regular washing lotions with emulsifiers actually binds the skin's natural oils – essentially washing them away. This permanently damages the skin's protective barrier. And then the consequences begin. A vicious cycle starts when you exfoliate the resulting dry skin flakes. The stratum corneum becomes thinner and thinner. This is practically an invitation for fungi and bacteria to colonize the skin.
alcohol, smoking & Fast food
That was already a lot of external influences. But skin health can be affected by just as many internal factors. The classic one that everyone knows: not drinking enough. This is generally true, but especially so in summer. Skin needs to be replenished with fluids from within. This is even more true for athletes. When you sweat, you lose enormous amounts of fluids and salts. It's essential to replenish both. Other no-gos – at least for people who want to show off healthy, wrinkle-free skin – include smoking, alcohol consumption, chronic sleep deprivation, and persistent stress. Let's be honest, these are all causes everyone is familiar with. We should all take a good look at ourselves... or the skin around us... and see if we can't significantly change our lifestyle. Or want to. For the sake of healthy, fresh skin. Let's call that preventative measures. Once natural aging sets in, it becomes increasingly difficult to keep wrinkles at bay! The insidious thing is that in the autumn of our lives – actually starting around age 40 – our skin becomes less able to retain moisture and produce less oil. Even without damage in our younger years, our protective barrier becomes thinner and more vulnerable!
When the skin becomes thinner
Before we finally get to how to save your skin, a few words about the medical causes of dry skin. We at the 48grams blog don't offer medical advice, of course, but we want to give our readers some tips on how to protect themselves. For example, anyone who has been prescribed new medication and suddenly – quite literally – develops thin skin should definitely talk to their doctor. Numerous medications interfere with the body's fluid balance or affect the function of certain glands, including those responsible for sebum production in the skin.
Skincare with a repair effect
Now that we understand the diverse causes of dry skin, let's look at treatment options: moisturize, moisturize, moisturize. (This includes thoroughly cleansing your face with mild creams or gels.) When buying these products, make sure they are pH-neutral. They should not contain perfume or alcohol. It's also essential to moisturize after bathing or showering to prevent moisture loss.If the skin has already taken on the aforementioned parchment-like character, then it needs Skincare creams with a repair effect - those with a high proportion of aloe vera (preferably from Mallorca, as it is particularly effective) and natural hyaluronic acid. When it comes to the latter, it's worth taking a look at the packaging. Many manufacturers use long-chain hyaluronic acid – this doesn't penetrate the skin as deeply. Micro- (or oligo) hyaluronic acid is much better. Additives like mastic oil (from the Greek mastic tree) or edelweiss extract also work wonders. So always pay attention to these ingredients when buying a cream for dry skin.
Effective help with home remedies
Generally speaking, creams and masks help within a few days – a significant improvement in the skin can be achieved. However, those who want a long-lasting effect must also lead a healthier lifestyle. Alcohol and fast food must be kept to a minimum, if not eliminated entirely; tobacco and other drugs are taboo anyway. Drinking plenty of water is always beneficial. In addition, your daily diet should be rich in vitamins and trace elements. Your skin will thank you, right down to the pores. Finally, here are some tips from the home remedies department. Yes, Mother Nature has given us many substances that counteract skin dehydration. In addition to the already mentioned aloe vera, these include coconut or almond oil, as well as avocado, honey, and clay. Mixed with rose water or a high-quality oil, the result – either as a mask or a cream – ensures that the skin becomes supple again. Dry skin is therefore not a fate one has to resign oneself to. However, those who neglect the tissue on their face will soon see the effects of this damage. Once wrinkles have become deeply etched or the skin barrier has been damaged, it's a long road back to a radiant glow and healthy, fresh skin. The bottom line is: prevention is key to feeling good in your skin for longer.
