Everything You Ever Needed to Know About Your Dry Skin Type

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So, you’ve got dry skin. But what type of dry skin is yours? Is it a dry skin type that can be treated at home? Or is your skin so dry, and sometimes painful, that you might need to ask for professional advice?

Whilst this article primarily covers a dry skin type treatable from your own bathroom, it will also help you to decide whether you need further advice, as well as help you work out what causes a dry skin type, the signs you have one, and which ingredients are best to use (and avoid).

With expert tips from dermatologists Dr Shereene Idriss and Dr Nowell Solish, let’s get your dry skin type under control.

What is dry skin?

There are two tiers; a natural dry skin type and then dry skin conditions (the likes of eczema and psoriasis). The latter are medical skin conditions that require the advice of a pharmacist, dermatologist or doctor.

Having a dry skin type, which doesn’t require medical attention, is a little different though. “Dry skin occurs when the outermost layer of the skin, the stratum corneum, lacks sufficient moisture, often appearing as rough, flaky or even cracked skin,” Dr Idriss explains.

“For individuals with a naturally dry skin type, lower sebum production makes it challenging to retain moisture and defend against irritants.”

What are the signs you have dry skin?

Dr Solish lists the tell-tale indications below:

Tightness or discomfort after washing
Flakiness or peeling
Rough texture
Red or irritated patches
Itching or burning sensation
Cracks or fissures, especially in severe cases

Whereas, medical skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis are much more intense. “Eczema typically presents as intensely itchy, red and inflamed patches of dry, scaly skin, often appearing in skin folds like elbows, knees and neck,” explains Dr Idriss.

“Psoriasis on the other hand causes raised, red patches covered in silvery-white scales, commonly found on the scalp, elbows, knees and lower back. If you notice these symptoms, it’s best to consult a dermatologist for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan.”

The best way to work out if you have a dry skin type is to cleanse your face with water and wait 30 minutes, without applying any serums or moisturisers to see how it naturally behaves. After 30 minutes, if your skin feels tight, uncomfortable or looks dry and flaky, it’s likely you have a dry skin type.

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The external factors that can cause dry skin

The weather: “Cold, dry air or low humidity can strip moisture from the skin,” warns Dr Solish.
Indoor temperature settings: “Indoor heating and air conditioning strip moisture from the air,” Dr Idriss explains.
Sun exposure: “UV rays can damage the skin barrier,” says Dr Solish.
Hot showers or baths: “Prolonged exposure to hot water can wash away natural oils,” he adds.
Harsh soaps or cleansers: “Products with sulphates or alcohol can be overly drying.”
Environmental irritants: “Pollution, chemicals and allergens can exacerbate dryness,” Dr Solish says.
Over-exfoliating: “This can damage the skin barrier, reducing its ability to retain moisture,” adds Dr Idriss.

The internal factors that can cause dry skin

Ageing and hormones: “Ageing naturally reduces the skin’s oil production and hormonal changes, such as those during menopause, that can decrease moisture levels,” says Dr Idriss. “Fluctuations, such as during pregnancy or menopause can affect skin hydration,” adds Dr Solish.
Medical conditions: “Conditions like diabetes or hypothyroidism can contribute to dryness,” he explains.
Genetics: “Family history of dry skin or eczema may increase susceptibility.”

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The best skincare ingredients for dry skin

There are lots of ingredients you can introduce into your skincare routine that will help add some much-needed moisture to dry skin. “Look for ceramides to restore and strengthen the skin barrier, as well as glycerin, which draws moisture into the skin,” explains Dr Idriss.

“Squalane provides lightweight hydration similar to the skin’s natural oils, while shea butter acts as rich emollients that lock in moisture. Panthenol (vitamin B5) soothes and supports the skin barrier, while urea and lactic acid gently exfoliate and help the skin retain moisture.”

Dr Solish adds, “hyaluronic acid attracts and retains moisture.”

The ingredients to avoid

Dry skin types should stay away from ingredients that tend to strip dry skin of any natural moisture. “Alcohols (e.g ethanol, isopropyl alcohol) can be very drying,” warns Dr Solish.

“Fragrances may irritate sensitive skin and lead to dryness, sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS) can strip the natural oils from the skin and astringents – products designed to ‘tone’ the skin – may cause excessive dryness.”

And you can avoid making your dry skin worse in other ways too. “Avoid hot showers as hot water can strip natural oils and worsen dryness,” warns Dr Idriss. “Additionally, limit exfoliation to once or twice a week to prevent damaging the skin barrier.”

Also, “don’t skip sunscreen as UV exposure can exacerbate dryness and consider using a humidifier to maintain moisture levels in dry environments,” she says.

The takeaway

Whilst some causes of dry skin can’t be avoided, the advice is to not use harsh ingredients (alcohols and heavy fragrances), don’t over-exfoliate, try to avoid extreme temperature changes and always wear sunscreen. Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, ceramides, squalane and lactic acid to name a few.

Avoid hot showers, apply moisturiser as soon as you’ve cleansed your skin and consult your GP if your dry skin feels like it might be something more serious, like eczema or psoriasis.