Dry skin: symptoms, treatment and advice

In winter, cold, dry air absorbs more moisture, which affects the epidermis. During the Canadian winter, skin becomes particularly dry due to freezing temperatures and biting winds. 

Heat can also cause your skin to dry out. In fact, water that's too hot when showering or doing housework can impact your skin by eliminating the natural oil produced by the body. The same is true of heating, which dries out the ambient air and reduces humidity levels. 

Some synthetic fabrics can be irritating and drying to the skin. For example, nylon, polyester, spandex and chlorofiber are non-breathable fabrics that can irritate the skin and increase perspiration.    

Certain skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis can cause dry, itchy or inflamed skin.

As we saw earlier, dry skin is linked to a lack of sebum. In the case of dehydrated skin, it's a lack of water that's responsible for the appearance of the first symptoms. Discover our article dedicated to identifying the differences between dry and dehydrated skin

The skin on the face, lips and hands is particularly thin and exposed to external aggression. This is why these are the areas most vulnerable to dryness.  

Chapped lips are a common phenomenon for many people, as are dry hands. Dry skin on the face is another skin condition caused by damage to the cutaneous barrier.   

To prevent dryness in these areas, the skin requires nourishing skin care products rich in fatty substances to maintain a sufficient level of hydration.  

Legs can also be affected by cutaneous dryness. Discover our dedicated article on very dry skin on legs.

Choose milk- or cream-based cleansers, preferably soap-free. They provide gentle cleansing while preserving the lipids naturally present in the epidermis.  

Cleanse your skin with lukewarm water and use a soft towel to gently dry.

By cleansing your skin daily, you'll limit the appearance of pimples on dry skin.

Bioderma shower gel from the Atoderm range respects dry, sensitive skin and soothes tingling sensations. It's an excellent cleanser for dry skin.  

To be protected and resist external aggressions, skin needs to be moisturized daily with products rich in emollient agents. Apply a moisturizing cream several times a day, and after a shower, to skin that is still damp, to reinforce hydration.  

Bioderma Ultra Cream is a protective daily care product that reinforces the skin barrier and provides long-lasting hydration.  

Bioderma Intensive Balm is an ultra-nourishing face and body balm that provides instant comfort for very dry skin.

Protecting your skin from external aggressors can help prevent the onset of dry skin symptoms. In addition to proper hydration, it's important to protect your skin from the cold and wind during the Canadian winter, especially with the right equipment. Find out how to protect yourself from the cold in this dedicated article: https://www.authentikcanada.com/fr/faq/comment-shabiller-en-hiver-au-canada  

Diet plays a role in skin health, and certain nutrients, such as vitamin B5 and vitamin E, help combat dehydration.  

Other foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon, sardines, chia seeds and walnuts, help strengthen the skin's lipid barrier and retain moisture.

When your skin is prone to dryness, favor natural fibers in your clothing, such as cotton, hemp, linen, silk and wool. These materials are soft and breathable, and help protect your skin.