Dry Skin: The Most Effective Supplements

Dry skin, or xerosis, is a condition characterized by rough, scaly skin often accompanied by itching. It results from an excessive loss of water in the stratum corneum, affecting its elasticity and protective function. This phenomenon is particularly common in winter when the air humidity is low, but it can also be induced by genetic, hormonal, or environmental factors.

Causes of Dry Skin

The stratum corneum plays a key role in skin hydration. Composed of corneocytes and a lipid matrix, it forms an essential barrier to maintain water balance. Lipids, notably ceramides, cholesterol, and free fatty acids, ensure a dense organization of this barrier. The decrease of lipids and the reduction of hyaluronic acid synthesis in the dermis, an essential molecule to attract and retain water, contribute to skin dryness. Several triggering factors can be identified: • Genetic mutations affecting the production of filaggrin, a key protein in the formation of natural moisturizing factor. • Skin aging, which reduces the production of lipids and fatty acids, thus weakening the skin barrier. • Environmental conditions, such as exposure to dry or cold air, which increase water loss and disrupt epidermal differentiation. • The use of irritant agents, such as soaps and detergents, which remove the skin's natural lipids. • UV rays, which directly alter the lipid matrix and accelerate skin aging. • Hormonal imbalances, especially the decrease in estrogens, reducing collagen and hyaluronic acid synthesis, essential for water retention. • Certain dermatoses, such as atopic dermatitis and psoriasis, which exacerbate skin dryness.

Preventive Solutions

The management of dry skin involves topical care and lifestyle modifications. Emollients containing humectants restore the water content of the stratum corneum. Formulations based on physiological lipids, such as ceramides, strengthen the lipid barrier and improve the skin's protective function. • Emollients: They fill in cracks by creating an occlusive barrier, maintaining moisture in the skin. Typical ingredients include oils, liquid paraffin, and waxes like lanolin. • Moisturizers: These products contain humectants, such as hyaluronic acid, urea, or alpha hydroxy acids (glycolic acid, lactic acid), which enhance skin elasticity by drawing water into the stratum corneum. • Urea and keratolytics: Particularly useful for cracked skin, these products, containing various concentrations of urea, soften and moisturize the skin, or gently exfoliate with acids. Additionally, it's recommended to avoid long hot baths and harsh cleansing products (soaps, shower gels), and to use humidifiers to maintain adequate indoor air hydration.