Tight skin: solutions and care 

Find out how to soothe and care for tight skin with our advice on the right skincare products, moisturising and preventing irritation.

Why does the skin feel tight?

Redness, tightness, and itching are signs of skin sensitivity most often linked to dry or dehydrated skin. 

 Dry skin occurs when these mechanisms are disrupted, which can be caused by environmental factors and unsuitable products.

Causes of dry skin and tightness¹ ²

Numerous factors, particularly environmental, can weaken the skin barrier, causing redness and tingling:

• Age and skin ageing: With age, the activity of the sebaceous glands that secrete sebum and the sweat glands that produce sweat diminishes.
• Climate: Extreme weather conditions, whether cold in winter or extreme heat in summer, can cause skin dehydration, leaving it dry and tight.
• Heating and air conditioning: Heating and air conditioning systems reduce humidity, contributing to skin sensitivity and tightness.
• Baths, showers, and swimming: Prolonged or repeated exposure to water, mainly if it is warm, can also strip the skin of its natural protective oils, leading to feelings of tightness.
• Soaps, detergents, and irritating products: Some cleansing products, such as regular soaps, alter the lipids and proteins on the skin's surface.
• Exposure to the sun: UV rays accelerate skin ageing by breaking down collagen and elastin, two essential components that maintain the skin's elasticity and structure. Acute overexposure can also lead to "sunburn," a superficial burn accompanied by oedema that can cause itching, tightness, and pain. 
• Tight clothing: This can lead to rubbing, increasing skin irritation and dryness.

How to prevent tight skin?

Choosing the right cleaner³ ⁴

To combat skin tightness, dermatologists suggest using gentle cleansers that respect and preserve the skin's natural moisture :

• Superfatted soaps: These are enriched with lipids such as shea butter or lanolin, leaving a protective lipid film that helps moisturise the skin.
• Soap-free soaps or syndets: Formulated with a neutral or slightly acidic pH close to that of the skin, these gentle synthetic cleansers preserve the skin's natural lipids and proteins, reducing skin irritation and sensitivity.
• Moisturising shower products: These products contain a non-irritating cleansing substance such as a syndet, humectants such as glycerine and lipophilic moisturising agents that nourish and hydrate the skin. They typically come in oil, cream, or shower milk.

Hydration and nutrition: essential care¹ ² ⁵ 

Moisturising is crucial in caring for dry skin and preventing tightness; apply a moisturiser such as a soothing cream once or twice a day, especially within 5 minutes of showering or bathing.

The drier the skin, the more critical it is to use products rich in lipophilic agents, such as repairing balms, ointments, and nourishing creams, which are more effective at retaining moisture. 
Take special care of the most vulnerable areas, such as your hands and face. Remember to apply a moisturising balm to your lips. Finally, more moisturisers should be used in winter, as should sun protection when exposed to UV rays. 

Selection of moisturising products to soothe tight skin¹

For sensitive skin, dermatologists recommend formulas that combine lipophilic and hydrophilic ingredients. Hydrophilic ingredients such as glycerol or urea are humectants that draw water into the epidermis. Lipophilic ingredients such as vegetable oils and petroleum jelly help to compensate for missing lipids and form a protective lipid film on the skin.
These ingredients are available in varying proportions in moisturising products, such as creams, milks, serums, soothing masks, and repairing balms. 

Daily steps to prevent skin tightness

Optimum bathing routine¹ ² ⁵

When washing, close the bathroom door to conserve moisture. Take one five-minute bath or shower daily, using lukewarm rather than hot water, and opt for a gentle, soap- and fragrance-free cleanser, such as a moisturising shower oil, to avoid further skin dehydration. After washing, pat your skin dry gently with a towel, then apply a moisturiser within five minutes to help retain moisture.

Protection against external aggression¹ ² ⁵

Dermatologists recommend simple daily tips to protect dry and sensitive skin from external aggression and limit symptoms such as tightness, tingling and redness: 

• Protective gloves: Protect your hands from cold, water and chemicals by wearing suitable gloves.
• Gentle clothing and products: Choose cotton or silk underwear and use non-irritating hypoallergenic detergents and products.
• Avoid direct heat or air conditioning: Keep warm in winter without exposing yourself to heat sources such as fireplaces, which can dry out your skin. In summer, avoid direct exposure to air conditioning systems.
• Humidifying the air: Install a humidifier to increase the humidity level in your home.
• Sun protection: Using sunscreen helps protect the skin from UV rays, prevent dryness, and avoid feelings of tightness caused by sun exposure.

References   

1. Gade A, Matin T, Rubenstein R. Xeroderma. 2023 Oct 29. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan–.
2. Augustin M and al. Diagnosis and treatment of xerosis cutis - a position paper. J Dtsch Dermatol Ges. 2019 Nov;17 Suppl 7:3-33.
3. Draelos ZD. The science behind skin care: Cleansers. J Cosmet Dermatol. 
2018 Feb;17(1):8-14. doi: 10.1111/jocd.12469. Epub 2017 Dec 12. PMID:
29231284.
4. Mukhopadhyay P. Cleansers and their role in various dermatological disorders. Indian J Dermatol. 2011 Jan;56(1):2-6.
5. AAD. Dry skin: tips for managing. American Academy of Dermatology
Association. 202 Jun 18. [Internet]. Available on:
https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/a-z/dry-skin-self-care