Dry Skin

XEROSIS CUTIS OR DRYNESS OF SKIN

Dryness Of Skin 
Surface area of skin is 1.5 – 2m. Stratum corneum is thickest at the palm and sole whereas thinnest at the eyelids and face.

Stratum corneum is 1mm thick, after absorbing water it becomes 3mm thick. Stratum corneum holds 5 to 6 times water. Water loss from the skin is from dermis to blood to epidermis by osmotic pressure.

Stratum corneum is covered with the lipid layer, which prevents the water loss and maintain the moisture. The water loss from Stratum corneum is called Trans epidermal evaporation.
Stratum corneum takes 7 to 10 minutes to absorb water from outside water source. In case of infants the sebaceous glands are underdeveloped and in geriatrics sebaceous atrophy causes the dryness. So replenish the lipid layer with cream

Factors for skin dryness

  • The oil glands do not supply enough lubrication to the skin. As a result, the skin becomes dehydrated.
  • Skin gets exposed to the elements especially in winter.
  • Dry skin could be due to a genetic condition.
  • Poor diet. Nutritional deficiencies, especially deficiencies of vitamin A and the B vitamins, can also contribute to dry skin.
  • Environmental factors such as exposure to sun, wind, cold, chemicals, or cosmetics, or excessive bathing with harsh soaps.
  • Conditions such as dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis, or seborrhoea.
  • Dry skin can be a sign of an underactive thyroid
  • Serious skin complications can arise for people with diabetes
  • Certain drugs, including diuretics, antispasmodics, and antihistamines, can contribute to dry skin

Causes of Dry Skin

  • Aging
  • Hormones & Metabolic Diseases
  • Climate
  • Certain Skin Conditions
  • Occupations
  • Certain Medicines
  • Nutritional Deficiencies
  • Gentic Predisposition

Environmental factors

  • Exposure to dry air
  • Aging Process
  • Environmental factors
  • Use of certain medications
  • Excessive UV radiation exposure
  • Contact with irritants
  • Frequent hot baths or showers
  • Exposure to cigarette smoke

Skin Conditions​

  • Irritant Contact dermatitis
  • Atopic dermatitis
  • Psoriasis

Hereditary Disorders​

  • Ichthyosis

Hormonal Factors

  • Estrogen deficiency
  • Hormonal imbalance or fluctuations
  • hypothyroidism

Dry Skin Products