Having dry skin is common for many people. But there are some whose skin is drier than normal, with excessive dehydration of the dermis. They are people who suffer from xeroris.
It is not a serious skin problem, but it is annoying because it can cause significant damage to the skin such as dryness and stiffness and even, on some occasions, “flaking” and itching.
Annoyances that are aggravated by the heat typical of these dates.
And although this pathology can affect anyone regardless of their age, the truth is that most cases occur in the elderly and in women.
Types of xerosis
Xerosis can appear in two ways: physiologically or pathologically.
In its physiological manifestation It affects, above all, the elderly population because their skin is thinner and more fragile, and it gradually loses the protective layer of fat.
On the other hand, there is the pathological manifestationcaused by a disease such as diabetes or hypothyroidism.
And as he points out Dr. David CurtoMedical Director, Quality and Innovation of .
“In the case of the elderly, it is essential to pay attention to the symptoms. Although at first this problem manifests itself with decreased skin hydration, if it is not attended to it can trigger one.”
-
“Firstly, you notice a great dryness that can turn into scales or roughness and, secondly, it is common to feel discomfort such as tightness or itching,” warns Curto.
In this sense, climatic conditions directly affect the health of the skin, both in winter, with the drop in temperatures and humidity levels, and with the heat of summer.
“Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet rays causes water to evaporate from the skin more quickly,” says the Dr. Cristina VillegasHead of the Dermatology service at the Sanitas La Moraleja University Hospital.
How to prevent skin dehydration
Faced with this situation, Sanitas experts have drawn up a list with a series of tips to prevent the appearance of xerosis in the elderly during this time of year:
• Sun protection always. It is essential to protect the skin from solar radiation with creams that have a protection factor of more than 50. The best thing to do is to renew the sun cream every hour, whenever you are exposed to the sun, to guarantee the maximum possible effectiveness.
• Carry out a hydration routine. For proper body hydration it is essential to use moisturizing creams with a high lipid content. In this way, a barrier will be created to seal the skin, thus preventing the evaporation and access of harmful substances from the outside.
• Reduce bath or shower time. Using very hot water, as well as showering or bathing for too long, can attack the skin and damage its protective film.
That is why experts recommend limiting the duration of the shower to 5 minutes. And, whenever possible, using lukewarm water.
When it comes to drying the skin, a good option may be to do it with a towel and touch it, without rubbing or tearing.
• Choose the right soap. It is advisable to use soaps without detergents and with a physiological PH close to that of the skin, that is, around 5.5. This will help minimize the risk of skin irritation.
• Eat healthy and drink water. Also moisturizing the interior is essential to maintain a balance and the health of the dermis. In this sense, foods such as fruits and vegetables provide this hydration, as well as complying with the important recommendation of drinking about 1.5 liters of water a day.