The dry skin cycle. What is it? & How to break it?
One of the most troublesome aspects of dry skin is the fact it keeps coming back. Aside from the obvious unpleasantness of bothersome symptoms, it is the problem of getting rid of dry skin permanently that frustrates the people it affects most. To achieve lasting effectiveness, you need to understand its cyclical nature and then break it.
Why is dry skin a cycle?
We call dry skin a cycle because each symptom drives the other. This is why it is so hard to get rid of dry skin unless we address all the symptoms at once. Otherwise, even if you get rid of some of them, the symptoms that remain will bring the problem back.
The symptoms of dry skin include1:
Scaling and itching
Loss of natural moisturizing factors (NMFs)
Inflammation
Disturbed skin regeneration process
Loss of lipids (similar to those found in the skin)
The above symptoms fuel each other. If we address only the loss of lipids but do not address itching, it will return as the result of scratching2. Scratching, in turn, will compromise the skin's barrier function, which will lead to a reduction in hydration. This will intensify the itching and start the cycle over and over again3.
How to break the dry skin cycle?
Once dry skin develops, there is no other way to efficiently and permanently manage it than by addressing all the symptoms at the same time.
This approach was at the heart of the creation of Bepanthen® Derma - products that offer special Repair Complex that provide a comprehensive, inside-out solution to all symptoms of dry skin. Special Repair Complex contains:
- Dexpanthenol, which works deep within the skin to repair the disrupted cell renewal process
- Vitamin B3 to soothe itchy dry skin
- Natural lipids including Shea Butter and Argan Oil to replace lost skin lipids
- Glycerine to provide immediate and long-lasting moisturisation
Break the cycle and take control of your skin!
REFERENCES
1 Proksch E, Lachapelle J-M. The management of dry skin with topical emollients—recent perspectives. J Dtsch Dermatol Ges. 2005;3(10):768-774. doi:10.1111/j.1610-0387.2005.05068.x.
2 Proksch E. The role of emollients in the management of diseases with chronic dry skin. Skin Pharmacol Physiol. 2008;21(2):75-80. doi:10.1159/000112957
3 Wohlrab J, Kreft D. Niacinamide - mechanisms of action and its topical use in dermatology. Skin Pharmacol Physiol. 2014;27(6):311-315. doi:10.1159/000359974.
4 Chen Y, Lyga J. Brain-skin connection: Stress, inflammation and skin aging. Inflamm Allergy Drug Targets. 2014;13(3):177-190. doi:10.2174/1871528113666140522104422.
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