Dry Skin 101: What is it and how to treat it?

Dry skin can be uncomfortable sometimes. But, when we say dry skin, it does not necessarily have to be the skin on your face. Your lips, elbows, hands and feet could also feel tight and parched. So, let us help you with a low-down that you will need to understand: what dry skin is, what are the causes and symptoms of dry skin, and lastly, what skincare routine should you follow for the same.

What is dry skin?

Skin types are broadly divided into three categories - dry, oily and combination. For example, you may have dry skin if your skin feels dry and flaky even after using many moisturising products. This is because your skin cells do not produce enough oils and lipids to maintain a healthy skin barrier in such a scenario.

But, there is a difference between dry and dehydrated skin. In case of dehydration, your skin will feel inflamed and look red. But, can other types of skin feel dehydrated too? Yes, all skin types can feel dehydrated, even the oily ones. Also, follow this basic rule to avoid confusion while picking products for your skin. Dry skin needs moisturisation with nourishing oils, and dehydrated skin needs hydration as it lacks water.

What are dry skin causes?

You can have dry skin from the beginning or might just discover it after reaching a certain age. External factors or lifestyles may turn your skin dry. There is also a slight chance that your genetics might be causing dry skin. Well, genetics is just one aspect of dry skin. Other unforeseen factors may be adding to the plight of your dry skin as well. Any temperature change can cause dry skin. A few of those factors could be frequent hot showers, irritating chemicals or just needless fragrances from soaps/body washes.

But, before starting to think of products to choose from, do a quick dry skin test. Wash your face with your regular face wash and leave your skin for 10 seconds after patting it dry with a hand towel. If you feel tightness on your skin, then you may have dry skin.

How to check if you have dehydrated skin? Just pinch your cheek or skin on your hands, and if you see your skin going back to its shape after pinching, then your skin is not dehydrated.

What are dry skin symptoms

Both dry and dehydrated skin has a set of common symptoms. Some happen due to a drop in temperature. Whereas some only occur when you have a prolonged dry skin condition. In such cases, you will have to check which symptoms are recurring and look gruesome. Following are a few common dry skin symptoms:

Tightness in the skin after shower or facewash.
Persistent roughness and itching.
Flakiness or peeling skin.
Visible lines or wrinkles.
Redness and inflammation.

These symptoms are a sign that you may not be handling your dry skin well. However, there is always a solution around the corner if you are experiencing any of these symptoms. Read on for a comprehensive skincare routine for dry skin.

Products for Dry Skin

You can restore your skin's hydration or treat it with a proper skincare routine with products that are rich and oil-based. If you were wondering if dry skin is a problem, then say no more as we have hand-picked Nivea's products for dry skin. Follow this skincare routine for dry skin:

Cleanse your Body with Creme Care
Start your day with a luxurious NIVEA Creme Care Body Wash that gently cleanses your skin. It is enriched with moisturising ingredients and a balanced fragrance of NIVEA Creme that will keep your skin moisturised and smooth all day long. Use it daily with a loofah.
Cleanse your Face with Milk Delights Honey Face Wash
When your face is dry, it needs a face wash that will moisturize your skin while cleansing deeply. NIVEA’s Milk Delights Honey Face Wash is a mindful combination of Milk and Honey with a pH best suited for your skin. The humectants in honey will boost your dry skin with long-lasting moisture. Feel the natural healthy glow on your face every day!
Pamper your Body with Nourishing Body Milk
This body lotion is a boon for very dry to dry skin types. It is enriched with the goodness of almond oil & deep moisture serum to give you long lasting moisturization. NIVEA’S Nourishing Body Milk will deeply moisturise your skin for upto 48 hrs and nourishes your skin from deep within to give you healthy, nourished skin. This body lotion works best after showers.
Use All-Rounder Creme
Our creme wears many hats. It is a perfected formula that works best for dry skin due to its rich texture. People who don't want to carry many moisturising products will benefit from NIVEA Creme. You can heal the cracks around your feet and elbows quickly with this creme. You can also use it on your face to keep it soft and supple.
Pucker up with Cherry Shine Lip Balm
Your lips also feel dry and dull when they lack moisture or water. So to give them an instant boost, turn to NIVEA’s Cherry Lip Balm for exotic fun. This lip balm will keep your lips hydrated and perky with a beautiful red shine after every application.

That's all you need to get started to take care of your dry skin. This skincare routine for dry skin will help you bring your skin back to its life with extra care.