Dry skin

Piel seca

Una piel sana se encuentra repleta de vitalidad y elasticidad. Sin embargo, en invierno corremos el riesgo de que los niveles de hidratación de nuestra piel se desequilibren. Cuando hace frío, las glándulas sebáceas producen menos sebo y, sin esta capa protectora de lípidos, es más difícil conservar el nivel de hidratación de la piel. Es más, los vasos sanguíneos que hay bajo la piel se contraen, de modo que también disminuye el abastecimiento de oxígeno.

Dry skin occurs gradually and follows a progressive process:

Dry skin feels like a dry skin.

Dry skin feels stiff and may appear slightly to moderately rough.

The early signs of desiccation do not normally cause much discomfort, but ignoring them is likely to lead to more severe dehydration.
The skin may feel stiff and may appear slightly to moderately rough.
Very dry skin can be very stiff, very rough, flaky and itchy.
The skin may feel very stiff and rough, and may also start to appear scaly and flaky.

Extremely dry skin looks and feels extremely rough, scaly and flaky and may also become very itchy. In extreme cases the skin may also crack.

Excessive dehydration can cause the skin to contract and become brittle, which can eventually lead to cracked skin. This is particularly common in areas where bending is necessary, such as the soles of the feet.

ZONES PRONE TO SHOW SIGNS OF DRYNESS

Hands: Frequent washing, alkaline soaps, chemicals and weather changes can all play their part in dehydrating the skin on our hands. When cracks occur, they usually appear around the knuckles as the skin is stiff and can easily break when stretched.

Feet: The skin on the feet, and especially in the heel area, often dries out resulting in rough, cracked skin. This can be uncomfortable and, in severe cases, painful and inflamed.

Lips: dry lips often become chapped. Patients suffering from acne and taking certain oral medications may suffer from chapped lips.

HELPFUL TIPS

If you have dry skin, don't use shower gels or make-up removers that lather, as they dry out the skin and destroy its natural protective barriers. It is best to use a moisturising product in the shower, which will make your skin soft and supple while you shower.
In addition, choose creams, body lotions and consistent products that include urea, dexpanthenol in their formulas, thus providing intensive care and preventing tightness and dehydration.

GOOD FEEDING IS IMPORTANT

You should drink at least two litres of water a day, as lack of hydration also dries out the skin.
To find out if you drink enough water, test yourself: Pinch your hand with your thumb and forefinger. If, when you let go, your skin slowly returns to its original state, you are not providing enough hydration.
Eat nuts! They're a delicious source of energy, as well as containing loads of healthy fats, minerals and vitamins.
Oily sea fish and dried apricots provide calcium to the body, and also fight against ageing.
They are a delicious source of energy, and contain lots of healthy fats, minerals and vitamins.
Carrot and tomato juice is full of healthy vitamins which, together with a little flaxseed oil, can be absorbed especially well in the body.
Bring a little flaxseed oil with you to help your body absorb the vitamins.
Eating a healthy and balanced diet promotes health and strengthens the body's largest organ: the skin.