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DEXERYL supports you and take care of your dry skin each day
Find out how to treat and prevent dry skin patches on the body and face with our expert advice.
Summary
In dermatology, patches are palpable lesions more than 10 mm in diameter that are raised or depressed compared to the skin's surface. Therefore, patches of dry skin are extensive areas where the skin appears particularly dry, often marked by a rough texture and scales and sometimes accompanied by redness. These patches can occur when skin dryness intensifies, forming distinctly affected areas that stand out from the rest of the skin in appearance and feel.
People with a genetic predisposition to dry skin are particularly likely to develop these patches, especially if there are associated environmental factors (cold climate, aggressive washing, etc.). In addition to the tightness and itching, these patches can be uncomfortable and visually noticeable, often localised on the face, but also likely to appear on other exposed areas such as the hands, elbows and knees.
Finally, in some cases, the appearance of dry patches of skin is a symptom of a dermatological disease such as psoriasis or atopic dermatitis. In addition to restoring the skin's hydration and protective function, it is essential to determine the cause of dry skin so that a doctor can introduce a suitable treatment.
Genetics play a fundamental role in the structure of the skin barrier and the capacity for water retention, which vary from individual to individual. Therefore, some people are predisposed to skin dryness and diseases such as ichthyosis, psoriasis or atopic eczema.
Hormonal variations associated with puberty, pregnancy or menopause also influence sebum production, modifying skin hydration.
With age, the natural reduction in the activity of the sebaceous and sweat glands also contributes to drier skin.
Finally, systemic diseases such as hypothyroidism or diabetes can impair the skin's ability to maintain its moisture level, exacerbating dryness.
Various environmental factors can strongly influence skin dryness. Climate plays a decisive role: low winter and high summer temperatures reduce ambient humidity, making the skin drier. Heating and air conditioning systems also contribute to this dryness by lowering indoor air humidity.
Excessive or inappropriate hygiene can also aggravate the situation. Frequent or prolonged showers, especially if the water is hot, can alter the skin's lipid barrier, making it even drier. Similarly, swimming, particularly in chlorinated pools, tends to dry out the skin significantly.
Aggressive skincare products, such as certain soaps and detergents, can remove the natural oils essential for skin hydration. Moreover, exposure to the sun without adequate protection can damage collagen and elastin, accelerate skin ageing, and increase dryness.
Finally, medications such as retinoids, topical corticosteroids and diuretics contribute to skin dryness due to their impact on the skin's barrier function.
Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease that can occur at any age but most often appears during adolescence. It is characterised by thick, red patches covered with silvery scales, mainly on the elbows, knees, scalp and back. These patches can be painful or itchy and vary in size and intensity. Psoriasis is not just a skin disease; it can also affect the joints. People with psoriasis must see a dermatologist regularly to optimise their treatment and manage symptoms effectively.
Atopic dermatitis, commonly known as eczema, is a common skin condition that can occur at any age, although it is more common in infants and young children. It is characterised by patches of dry skin associated with redness, scaling and marked itching. These patches appear mainly on the face and scalp in babies and on the folds of the elbows or knees in older children. Atopic dermatitis is often associated with a family history of allergies, highlighting a significant genetic component. Regular consultations with a dermatologist enable treatments to be adapted and symptoms to be effectively controlled.
Contact dermatitis is an inflammatory skin disease mainly affecting adults following exposure to an allergen or irritant. Symptoms generally appear at sites of direct contact with the substance, such as the hands, face and neck. The characteristic patches of contact dermatitis are often red, swollen and itchy.
A distinction is made between allergic contact dermatitis, which is an immune reaction to a specific allergen (such as nickel or certain preservatives in cosmetics), and irritant contact dermatitis, which is caused by direct exposure to an irritant (such as detergents or solvents).
Pityriasis alba is a common, benign skin condition affecting mainly children and young teenagers, although it can sometimes persist or appear in adults. The condition typically manifests as slightly scaly, round or oval patches that are paler than the surrounding skin. Commonly affected areas include the face, arms, trunk and sometimes the thighs.
Pityriasis alba is often associated with dry skin and may be more visible after sun exposure, as the affected areas do not tan evenly with the rest of the skin. The condition is considered a mild form of dermatitis and is often linked to eczema. Treatment is generally not necessary as the patches tend to disappear spontaneously.
Keratosis pilaris is a common skin condition characterised by the appearance of small, rough bumps on the skin, often compared to goosebumps, which can form into patches. It occurs when hair follicles become clogged with keratin, mainly in adolescents and young adults.
Preferred areas for keratosis pilaris include the arms and thighs but rarely the face. The patches themselves do not cause itching, but the redness and roughness can be a source of aesthetic embarrassment. Keratosis pilaris is benign and generally requires no treatment other than moisturising.
Lichen planus is a chronic inflammatory skin disease that manifests as eruptions of firm, dry, purplish patches, generally causing severe itching. Lichen planus mainly affects older people.
Patches of lichen planus can affect the whole body and be particularly uncomfortable when they reach the oral mucosa or genital area.
Lichen planus is an autoimmune disease. Although it may regress spontaneously after a few years, it is recurrent and may require regular monitoring by a dermatologist.
Pityriasis rosea is a benign, temporary skin condition mainly affecting teenagers and young adults. This dermatological condition is characterised by a large round or oval patch, followed by numerous small similar patches scattered mainly over the torso, back, arms and legs. The patches are usually pale pink with fine scaling around the edges.
Pityriasis rosea is often thought to be linked to a viral reaction, although the specific virus is not always identified. Rashes generally last between six and eight weeks and resolve independently without scarring. Treatment is not necessary in most cases, but it is advisable to consult a dermatologist if the lesions last longer than usual or if the symptoms worsen.
Conditions such as psoriasis, atopic dermatitis or lichen planus require specific treatments, which may include topical medication, systemic therapies and lifestyle modifications. In cases of contact dermatitis, it is essential to identify and avoid the allergen or irritant responsible. Similarly, the side effects of certain medications need to be assessed and managed with the help of a healthcare professional. Therefore, appropriate, targeted treatment guided by a specialist is essential to improve skin condition and prevent recurrences.
Moisturising the skin is vital to effectively treat dry patches of skin on the face and body.
Dermatologists recommend a daily skincare routine for the face, a particularly sensitive and exposed area. This should include gentle cleansing followed by applying a suitable moisturising cream, performed systematically in the morning and evening. This regular approach helps to maintain optimal hydration levels and strengthen the skin barrier.
For the body, moisturising twice a day remains just as important, and the frequency of washing should ideally be limited to once a day to preserve the skin's natural hydrolipidic film.
To restore the skin's moisture balance, dermatologists recommend using moisturising creams combining hydrophilic and lipophilic ingredients. Hydrophilic components, such as glycerol and urea, attract and retain water in the stratum corneum. Lipophilic components, like vaseline, silicones and ceramides, create a protective barrier, limiting trans-epidermal water loss.
Generally, the drier the skin, the more you should opt for lipid-rich nourishing creams.
Soothing or antipruritic ingredients can be added to formulations for skin prone to redness or itching. If the redness is due to an inflammatory flare-up of a dermatological condition such as eczema, a specific treatment may be required in addition to moisturising.
It is advisable to use hypoallergenic products and avoid those containing perfumes, alcohols, alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) or retinoids, which can exacerbate skin irritation. Similarly, comedogenic products should be avoided, particularly in facial care routines.
To effectively prevent skin dryness and protect your skin from external aggression, follow these recommendations:
Hygiene and care:
- Limit showers and baths to a maximum of 5 minutes, using lukewarm rather than hot water, and create a damp atmosphere by closing the bathroom door.
- Opt for gentle, soap-free cleansing products with a pH close to the skin's.
- Apply a moisturiser immediately after showering to damp skin.
Clothing and the environment:
- Choose comfortable, loose-fitting clothes with non-irritating fabrics like cotton. Avoid potentially irritating materials such as wool or synthetics.
- Keep your distance from direct heat sources in winter and moderate the use of air conditioners in summer.
- Use a humidifier at home to maintain a good ambient humidity level.
Hydration and nutrition :
- Ensure adequate internal hydration by drinking at least 2 litres of water a day.
- Eat a balanced diet rich in omega-3 and antioxidants.
- Incorporate probiotics and prebiotics to promote a healthy intestinal microbiome, helping to improve the skin barrier.
- Limit consumption of potentially irritating foods such as spices, citrus fruits and alcohol.
Sun protection is essential in preventing skin dryness, particularly for people with naturally dry skin or living in regions with high sun exposure.
An effective sun protection strategy is based on:
- Physical protection methods: wear covering clothing, seek shade whenever possible and avoid direct exposure to the sun during its most intense hours, generally between 11 am and 4 pm. Avoid tanning booths.
- Daily application of sunscreen: Even on cloudy days, apply a product with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30 in the morning, providing broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays. This protective barrier limits the sun's harmful effects on the skin, helping to preserve its natural moisture.
By adopting these habits, you can reduce the risk of skin dryness and prevent premature skin ageing caused by the sun.
Designed to strengthen the skin barrier and prevent the symptoms of dry skin, such as redness and itching, DEXERYL Emollient Cream is your ally in the fight against dry skin.
Its unique fragrance- and paraben-free formula combines hydrophilic (glycerol) and lipophilic (petrolatum and paraffin) ingredients for optimum skin hydration.
DEXERYL is your daily skincare product for supple, moisturised, protected skin.
References
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