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Dry Skin Information

Dry skin is a common problem in everyday life and especially so in eczema and psoriasis where dry, itchy, flaky skin is on of the main symptoms. Moisturisers and emollients are used to treat dry skin conditions by putting back the missing oils in the skin which are needed to retain moisture and hydrate the skin. This could be done using plain oils, but oil and water combinations such as emulsions are more cosmetically acceptable and less greasy to use. Moisturisers and emollients should be used regularly for best effect.

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Dry Skin Products (Moisturisers & Emollients)

Dry Skin Information
Related Pages : Eczema : Psoriasis ::

Dry Skin Problems

Dry skin is a common problem caused by insufficient natural oils in the skin, which are there to provide an essential waterproof barrier to stop water evaporating and keep the skin hydrated. These natural oils are removed by washing, which removes oils and grease from the skin. Soap, hand washes, shower products and bubble baths all remove oils. Stronger chemicals in washing up liquids and detergents used at work also degrease the skin and lead to dry skin.

Eczema and psoriasis are skin problems associated with excessive dryness in the skin, and moisturisers and emollients are an important part of treating these conditions. There are a wide range of moisturising products to choose from, and a little trial and error will help you find the product with the best balance of moisturising effect which is pleasant to use and not too greasy.

Gentle washing products should be used to minimise the removal of natural oils from the skin, and a wide range of moisturising and emollients products are available which minimise the loss of natural oils and help to add back extra oils to the skin.

Moisturisers & Emollients

Moisturisers and emollients are just different words for the same products. However, the term moisturisers is commonly used for the lighter, cosmetic type of products used for daily skincare , while emollient is much more medical and is commonly used for the products designed to help with the more serious dry skin conditions, such as eczema or psoriasis.

Moisturisers and emollients work by adding oils to the skin which minimises water loss through evaporation, and this increases the water content and hydration of the skin, and combats dryness.

Several types of moisturisers and emollients are available:

Creams & lotions are emulsions of oil in water, where the oil is suspended in tiny droplets in a watery base so that it doesn't feel greasy. The water penetrates the skin and releases the oil.
Ointments & oils are stronger moisturisers because the oil is used directly, and so are better for dryer areas, but they do feel greasy.
Bath oils are oily but contain a dispersant to break down the oil into small droplets which coat the skin. Be careful as the bath can become very slippery, and remember to pat the skin dry, rather than rubbing off a lot of oil with a towel.
Shower products help to cleanse the body and face without being too drying on the skin.
Shampoos are less drying to the scalp than normal shampoos.
Soaps are less drying than normal soaps for everyday use.