Complete Guide to Dry Skin Care

Discover effective skincare products for dry skin, with routines designed to deeply moisturise and nourish your skin.

Summary

Care and Treatment for Dry Skin

Moisturising cream options for dry skin¹ ²

Choosing the right moisturiser is essential to restoring and maintaining the integrity of the skin barrier. Creams and products for dry skin generally combine several types of moisturisers:

Humectants, such as glycerine and urea, draw water from the deeper layers of the skin to the epidermis to keep the stratum corneum hydrated.
Emollients, such as ceramides and natural plant oils, help maintain the skin barrier and fill the lipid matrix between epidermal cells.
Occlusives, such as vaseline and paraffin, form a protective film on the skin's surface that minimises trans-epidermal water loss.

Most moisturising products contain varying proportions of hydrophilic and lipophilic compounds. The choice of moisturiser depends on the dryness of the skin and the associated symptoms. Therefore, the drier the skin, the higher the lipid content:

For dry, irritated skin, lotions and creams with a higher water content are recommended as they are more soothing.
For very dry skin, lipid-rich formulas such as rich creams and ointments are preferable as they form a protective film on the skin's surface.

Natural remedies for moisturising dry skin

Humectant natural care products

Aloe Vera³

Aloe vera promotes skin hydration through its humectant action, thanks to polysaccharides and amino acids that capture and retain moisture in the epidermis. Although aloe vera on its own may not be suitable for the topical treatment of very dry skin, it can be beneficial as part of a more comprehensive skincare strategy.

Honey⁴

Honey offers natural hydration thanks to its sugars, which attract water to the stratum corneum, and its amino acids, which contribute to the natural hydration factor. However, it is recommended that the treatment be complementary to usual dermatological treatments rather than as a stand-alone solution.

Natural occlusive and emollient care products: plant oils and butters² ⁵

Thanks to their emollient and occlusive effect, vegetable oils offer a natural skin care solution. Their rich content in essential fatty acids also gives them anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can soothe specific symptoms of dry skin, such as irritation and itching. The action of these oils is limited to the first layers of the stratum corneum, as they cannot penetrate any deeper.

Although these oils can be used occasionally, dermatologists warn that pure fats and oils are not suitable for long-term skin care² ⁵ but can be incorporated into skincare products for dry skin.

Dermatologists do not recommend olive oil, which is rich in oleic acid and can compromise the skin barrier. Coconut, argan, jojoba, and sunflower oils are generally rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids, such as lauric or linoleic acid, which strengthen the skin barrier and have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Shea butter⁶ also enhances the skin barrier and increases the collagen content of the dermis. It nourishes and protects the skin from external aggression, so it is often used in skincare products for very dry skin.

Establish a skincare routine adapted to dry skin

Daily routine to nourish dry skin² ⁷

To effectively nourish dry skin, dermatologists recommend the following moisturising tips:

Establish a daily skincare routine, especially for more exposed areas like facial skin. This routine, including gentle cleansing followed by moisturising cream, should be applied daily, morning and evening.
Include products specially designed for dry skin, combining hydrophilic components such as glycerol or urea with lipophilic components such as petroleum jelly or oils. The former work as natural moisturisers or humectants, while the latter creates a protective film to help prevent dryness.
While nourishing the skin is essential, comedogenic products should be avoided, particularly in facial care routines.

Daily routine

Gentle cleansing

Apply an emollient

Apply daily, morning and evening

Tips for maintaining optimal hydration² ⁷ ⁸

For optimum skin hydration, follow these dermatological tips:

Regularity and perseverance: Effective skin hydration requires more than the occasional application of cream for dry skin. Establish a daily routine to hydrate your skin, and apply a moisturiser morning and night.
Choice of formulation: Choose products adapted to your skin's specific needs, especially forvery dry areas.
Zone-specific adaptation: Take particular care of the most fragile areas. The skin on the legs is often drier, while the skin on the face is more exposed to the elements and requires a specificfacial care routine.
Seasonal adaptation: In winter, use richer creams for extra protection against the cold.

Prevention and long-term management of dry skin

Lifestyle habits to improve the health of dry skin² ⁸

Adopting the right lifestyle habits and skincare routine is essential to combating dry skin effectively. When washing, close your bathroom door to keep the moisture in, and opt for short showers or baths, lasting around 5 minutes, using lukewarm water.

Choose gentle, soap-free cleansers, pat yourself dry gently, and apply a nourishing moisturiser to damp skin for better hydration.

Avoid skincare products containing perfumes, alcohols, alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) or retinoids and opt for hypoallergenic products.

Avoid tight-fitting clothes and irritating textiles such as synthetics and wool. To keep your skin hydrated, use a humidifier at home, especially in winter, and avoid overheating your home or staying too close to heat sources such as fireplaces.

Finally, regular exercise⁹ stimulates blood circulation, which promotes cell renewal and improves skin hydration. After your workout, apply your cleansing and skincare routine.

Importance of internal hydration and nutrition for dry skin

Treating dry skin also involves adopting optimal lifestyle habits and internal skin care measures. Skin hydration starts within: drink enough water every day to prevent skin dehydration.¹⁰

A balanced diet effectively supports skin renewal. An intake of omega-3 fatty acids is also beneficial, as it strengthens the lipid barrier, reducing trans-epidermal water loss and skin dryness¹¹. In addition, probiotics and prebiotics promote a healthy intestinal microbiome, which is correlated with improving the skin barrier and modulating inflammatory responses¹¹.

Finally, dermatologists recommend avoiding potentially irritating foods such as citrus fruits and spicy dishes and limiting excessive consumption of hot drinks and alcohol¹¹.

DEXERYL Emollient Cream: Hydration and Protection for Dry and Very Dry Skin

DEXERYL Emollient Cream is your ally against dry skin, thanks to its unique composition, free of irritating products such as perfumes or parabens, and rich in moisturising ingredients:
- Glycerol draws water to the epidermis for long-lasting relief from skin dryness.
- Vaseline and paraffin form a protective film on the skin's surface, protecting it from external aggression and dehydration.

DEXERYL is your daily skincare product for hydrated and protected skin.

Discover the Emollient Cream

References

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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. Dal'Belo SE and al. Moisturizing effect of cosmetic formulations containing Aloe vera extract in different concentrations assessed by skin bioengineering techniques. Skin Res Technol. 2006 Nov;12(4):241-6.

4. Burlando B, Cornara L. Honey in dermatology and skin care: a review. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2013 Dec;12(4):306-13.

5. Fernandes A and al. A systematic review of natural products for skin applications: Targeting inflammation, wound healing, and photo-aging. Phytomedicine. 2023 Jul;115:154824.

6. Andersson A-C, Alander J. Shea butter extract for bioactive skin care. Cosmet Toilet. 2015;130(6):18-25

7. Kim S and al. A consistent skin care regimen leads to objective and subjective improvements in dry human skin: investigator-blinded randomized clinical trial. J Dermatolog Treat. 2022 Feb;33(1):300-305.

8. AAD. Dermatologists’ top tips for relieving dry skin. American Academy of Dermatology Association. 2024 [Internet]. Disponible sur: https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-basics/dry/dermatologists-tips-relieve-dry-skin

9. Oizumi R, Sugimoto Y, Aibara H. Effects of regular exercise on skin moisturizing function in adults. Dermatol Reports. 2023 May 18;15(4):9711.

10. Palma L and al. Dietary water affects human skin hydration and biomechanics. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2015 Aug 3;8:413-21.

11. Parke MA and al. Diet and Skin Barrier: The Role of Dietary Interventions on Skin Barrier Function. Dermatol Pract Concept. 2021 Jan 29;11(1):e2021132.