It is important to note that dry skin is not the opposite of oily skin. Both skin types can occur simultaneously in the same person. Dry skin is also considered to be skin with abnormal epidermal keratinisation and abnormal exfoliation of stratum corneum cells. Many factors exacerbate dry skin.

UV radiation damages the epidermal barrier lipids. In addition, it adversely affects the epidermal cell differentiation processes. Dry air increases transepidermal diffusion and the amount of evaporating water. At low temperatures, water escapes from the epidermis more easily. In addition, care products, especially soaps and detergents, can dry out the skin. The skin should not be washed with too cold water. Harsh washers and sponges should also not be used.

The content of chlorine and calcium compounds in the water can cause skin irritation. It is best to use water after standing or filtering. Milk and micellar lotions are recommended for make-up removal. Dry skin tolerates washing with conventional and synthetic soaps poorly. Washing agents containing paraffin or other moisturising ingredients are recommended. Soaps and synthetic agents degrease the epidermis. Washing agents should also not cause an alkaline reaction of the skin.

Scrubs may be used, but less frequently than for oily skin. The use of exfoliating preparations containing acetic or salicylic acids is permitted , but great care must be taken. It is advisable to use creams containing water binding agents such as hyaluronic acid, collagen, PCA (pyroglutamic acid), sorbitol, glycerol, panthenol, lactic or glycolic acid, urea, petroleum jelly, mineral oils and waxes.

In addition, to provide protection, day creams should contain lipids. It is worth noting that the use of a single lipid, e.g. cholesterol, gives worse efficiency than the use of mixtures of lipids, e.g. cholesterol, fatty acids and ceramides. At night, creams containing the above-mentioned moisturising ingredients should be used. Creams with a higher fat content are usually chosen. An additional cream or serum with a lower fat content can be placed under the cream.