Dry Skin/Sensitive Skin

Signs of Dry/Sensitive Skin

Cause

Lots of factors can lead to dry skin:

Genetics
Age
Diseases/skin conditions (e.g. atopic eczema, psoriasis, diabetes)
Medication (e.g. corticosteroids, lipid lowering agents, anti-acne drugs)
Weather/climate (e.g. cold or dry air, air pollution)
Skin cleansing (e.g. too much or too aggressively)
Personal habits (e.g. smoking, not moisturizing, using skincare products that are too neutral or acidic)

The Do’s and Don’t’s

Don’t use soap or neutral skin cleansers. Wash your skin with pH 5.5 cleansers instead (e.g. Sebamed Anti-Dry Wash Emulsion).
Don’t shower more than once a day or for more than 10 minutes each time. The water shouldn’t be too hot (95°F max) either.
Avoid soaking in the bathtub for a long time; it makes your skin even drier. Only use soap-free, pH 5.5 bath wash.
Apply creams or lotions on your skin regularly, at least every other day, and up to 4 times a day on affected skin areas.
Choose skincare products with a pH of 5.5 to help protect the barrier function of your skin against water loss.
Use creams and lotions that are highly moisturizing, emollient, and protective (e.g. Sebamed Anti-Dry Day Defense Cream, Sebamed Anti-Dry Night Intensive Cream and Sebamed Anti-Dry Hydrating Body Lotion).
Consult your doctor or dermatologist if you have a skin condition/disease because it may require medication as well.
Avoid frequent peelings and skin care products containing alcohol. Products like these amp up the dryness.
Scalp and hair are often affected by dryness, too. Use a mild, pH 5.5 shampoo with active ingredients that protect and restore your scalp and hair’s hydrolipid balance (e.g. Sebamed Anti-Dry Shampoo).
Install an air humidifier in your room to help keep your skin moisturized.
Drink at least 2 liters of water, juice, or tea each day. It’s important to stay hydrated!