What your largest organ really needs

What is dry skin?

Also called xeroderma, it occurs when moisture is lacking and the skin loses its natural elasticity. This often leads to tightness, itching and flaking. The main cause is a disturbed balance of lipids and moisture, which makes the skin rough, brittle and, in extreme cases, cracked. Older people are particularly affected because the skin's ability to retain moisture decreases with age.

Dry skin can appear anywhere on the body but often affects the face, which is especially exposed to environmental factors such as cold, wind and sun.

What causes dry skin on the body?

The causes of skin dryness are varied and can come from both external and internal factors.

External influences such as low temperatures, dry indoor heating air, frequent hot baths or aggressive cleansers attack the skin's hydrolipidic film – a natural protective film that retains moisture. In winter in particular, sebaceous glands produce less oil, making the skin's acid mantle thinner. Cold also causes blood vessels to constrict, which impairs nutrient supply and slows skin renewal.

Internal health also plays an important role. Dehydration, unhealthy eating habits or hormonal changes can dry out the skin. With increasing age, the skin naturally becomes drier because it stores less moisture and produces less oil.

Certain conditions such as atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, diabetes mellitus or an underactive thyroid can also disturb the skin's moisture and lipid regulation and lead to pronounced dryness.

Other risk factors include stress, which can worsen the skin condition via hormones and nerves, as well as nicotine and alcohol consumption. Smoking damages blood vessels and reduces blood flow, alcohol dehydrates the skin and increases the loss of important vitamins and minerals. Environmental factors such as sun, wind and dust can also destroy the protective lipid film and cause tightness, flaking and itching.

Frequent cleaning with aggressive detergents can also destroy the skin's hydrolipidic film and cause dryness.

Areas often exposed, such as hands, elbows, shins and feet, are especially affected. With insufficient care they can dry out like parchment, scale or even become inflamed. The complex causes make it clear that dry skin often results from a combination of environmental factors, lifestyle and individual health conditions.

How does dry skin differ from atopic dermatitis?

Dry skin and atopic dermatitis can be similar in symptoms but have different causes and courses.

While dry skin is usually caused by external influences, atopic dermatitis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease caused by genetic predisposition, a disturbed skin barrier and an overactive immune system. An important difference is the flare-up pattern of atopic dermatitis. Periods of strong inflammation and intense itching alternate with symptom-free phases.

The skin microbiome also plays a central role in atopic dermatitis. A disturbed skin flora, in which the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus proliferates, worsens the inflammation. Atopic dermatitis also commonly occurs in connection with allergies such as hay fever or allergic asthma.

Dry skin, by contrast, usually remains confined to the outer skin layer and is not associated with systemic inflammation or allergic reactions.

If signs of atopic dermatitis appear, dermatological assessment is important because treatment differs from that of simple dry skin.

Oil or moisture – what does dry skin need?

Dry skin is often not just a moisture problem but also a sign of a lipid deficiency. When the barrier function is disturbed, the skin loses both oil and moisture and becomes vulnerable to external influences such as pollutants, bacteria and UV rays. Therefore it is important to know whether your skin needs moisture or oil — or both.

If the skin lacks moisture, it feels rough and tight, often itches or flakes. Cold and dry air often worsen this in the winter months. Hyaluronic acid and glycerin are among the most effective humectants because they supply the skin intensively with moisture and make it supple. It is especially important to avoid hot baths and to shower with lukewarm water instead so as not to strip the skin of more moisture.

With lipid-poor skin, fine cracks, scaling and increased tendency to inflammation often occur. It can no longer produce sufficient oil and relies on rich water-in-oil emulsions. These not only supply the skin with oil but also stimulate the skin's own lipid production. Ingredients such as panthenol additionally promote regeneration and improve elasticity.

A balanced care routine takes into account both the season and individual needs. In winter the epidermis often needs richer lipid care, while in summer a lighter moisturiser is sufficient. During the day hydration and protection from external influences should be the priority, while night care focuses on regeneration and intensive treatment.

Which active ingredients help most with dry skin?

Dry skin benefits from targeted care with effective ingredients that strengthen the skin barrier, provide moisture and make it supple.

Hyaluronic acid is a highly effective humectant that can bind large amounts of water — up to six litres in one gram. It helps keep the skin plump and hydrated. Since the body's own production decreases from the mid-20s, it is often used in reduced form in skincare products to penetrate the epidermis. This can relieve dryness and promote elasticity.

Urea binds moisture in the upper skin layers and smooths the skin. For normally dry skin, products with five percent urea are sufficient; very dry skin can tolerate up to ten percent. In addition to its moisture-binding capacity, urea also has a keratolytic effect, which is particularly beneficial on rough areas. Caution is advised on open skin, as urea can cause stinging.

Ceramides are natural lipids that strengthen the skin's barrier and protect against moisture loss. They fill the “gaps” in the skin structure and help restore the natural protective function. Ceramides are indispensable for long-term regeneration of dry skin.

As a proven classic in skincare, glycerin attracts moisture and binds it in the skin. It improves epidermal elasticity and suppleness. Glycerin is particularly effective in combination with other humectants such as hyaluronic acid.

Panthenol, also called dexpanthenol, is an all-rounder for irritated, dry or cracked skin. It soothes irritations, promotes cell renewal and strengthens the skin barrier.

Squalane, a skin-like oil, protects against moisture loss and makes the skin supple without leaving a greasy feel. It is especially suitable for dry skin that is sensitive to heavy products.

Some popular ingredients such as collagen or Q10 are well known but do not directly help dry skin. Collagen primarily has a firming and supportive effect but does not influence the skin's moisture content. Q10 provides antioxidant protection but is less relevant for treating dryness.

Does drinking water help dry skin?

The notion that drinking lots of water directly improves dry skin is a widespread myth. Scientific studies show that high fluid intake alone has no immediate effect on dry skin. Nevertheless, it is important to supply the body with sufficient fluids because dehydration can negatively affect the skin and worsen its condition.

Especially in winter, when dry indoor air and cold further stress the skin, you should drink at least 1.5 litres daily — preferably water, unsweetened teas or heavily diluted fruit spritzers. Adequate fluid intake supports general health and helps maintain elasticity and resilience against external influences.

Which vitamin is lacking with extremely dry skin?

Extremely dry skin can indicate a deficiency in vitamin E. This fat-soluble vitamin plays an important antioxidant role and protects the skin from oxidative stress caused by free radicals. Without sufficient vitamin E the skin loses elasticity and resilience and becomes more prone to cracks and irritation.

Vitamin E supports the skin barrier by helping retain moisture and reducing inflammatory processes. A balanced diet with vitamin-rich foods such as nuts, seeds, vegetable oils (e.g. sunflower or wheat germ oil) and leafy green vegetables is therefore essential to strengthen the skin from within.

Dry skin, goodbye: the best care tips for radiant suppleness

• Drink enough water. Daily fluid intake is essential for the elasticity and vitality of your skin. At least two litres or unsweetened tea help hydrate dry skin from within. Add lemon, mint or cucumber for more flavour.
• Shower mindfully. Use lukewarm water instead of hot to protect the skin's natural lipid barrier. Limit shower time to a maximum of 10 minutes and use pH-neutral, re-lipidating cleansers to avoid further drying out the skin.
• Care for your skin after showering. Apply moisturiser immediately after showering while pores are still open. Moisturising creams with ingredients like urea or hyaluronic acid help soothe and nourish the skin long-term.
• Protect your skin from external influences. Wear warm clothing in winter to shield the epidermis from cold air, and use sunscreen in summer. Rubber gloves for dishwashing protect your hands from drying chemicals.
• Improve your indoor climate. Use humidifiers or place bowls of water on radiators to increase air humidity. Plants such as spider plants or indoor lime trees also contribute to a more pleasant indoor climate.
• Use gentle scrubs. A weekly scrub removes dead skin cells and promotes circulation. Try a homemade scrub of sugar and olive oil to gently renew the skin.
• Opt for a balanced diet. Eat foods rich in vitamins A, C and E, such as carrots, avocados and nuts. These nutrients strengthen the skin from within and support regeneration.
• Reduce stress. It can weaken the skin's protective barrier. Regularly take time to relax, for example with short meditation exercises or walks.
• Regular exercise promotes circulation and skin metabolism. Sweating during exercise helps open pores and remove dead cells.
• Use home remedies like honey or coconut oil. Honey provides moisture and has anti-inflammatory properties, while coconut oil makes the skin soft and supple. Apply these natural treatments to dry areas.
• Massage your skin regularly. A gentle massage with skincare products improves circulation and promotes nutrient absorption. Use a massage glove or loofah for additional exfoliation.
• Choose the right products. Look for formulations without alcohol or fragrances to avoid irritation. Ingredients such as jojoba oil or hyaluronic acid provide intense moisture.
• Protect your lips. Use a lip balm with nourishing ingredients like shea butter or beeswax to prevent dry, chapped lips. Regular care is essential, especially in cold weather.
• Avoid excessive salt intake. Salt draws fluid from the body, which can further dry the skin. Reduce your salt intake and season dishes with fresh herbs instead.
• See a doctor for persistent problems. If, despite all measures, you have persistent dry skin, itching or cracks, a serious skin condition may be present. In that case consult a dermatologist.

Dry skin is a common issue promoted by factors such as environmental influences, inadequate care or internal causes. A regular skincare routine tailored to individual needs is crucial to retain moisture and strengthen the skin barrier. In addition to choosing suitable products, sufficient fluid intake and a healthy diet play an important role. With the right moisturising care, dry skin can be sustainably protected and its elasticity improved.