Healthy skin is smooth, soft and rosy. Normally, our sebaceous and sweat glands constantly produce a water-fat mixture that keeps the skin supple. This is known as the lipid layer. However, if the sebaceous glands no longer release enough oil and moisture regulation is disrupted, dry skin develops. It looks dull and rough, is tight and has red, scaly patches. In five million Germans, the skin disease atopic dermatitis is behind these symptoms.

Reddened patches and itching

Dry skin is much more susceptible to bacteria and pollutants than healthy skin. It has scaly patches, can become red and starts to itch. In extreme cases, this can lead to so-called dehydration eczema: The skin tears and becomes inflamed. If the affected person scratches, this also causes tiny wounds that can become infected by bacteria. The result: the skin becomes increasingly irritated and painful. Dry skin is particularly common on the face. However, the calves, shins, feet, hands, elbows and forearms can also be affected. Effective skin care for dry skin must always be based on moisture to prevent it from drying out in the first place.

Weather, stress and clothing

There are many causes: cold, wind, sun - but the wrong skin care can also cause dry skin. Excessive washing and vigorous rubbing also attack it, and degreasing washing gels exacerbate the problem. It also does not tolerate frequent exfoliation as this thins the stratum corneum. Fragrances and preservatives in cosmetics are also irritating, as are scratchy wool and synthetics. The causes of atopic dermatitis are still not entirely clear, but experts suspect a combination of genetic predisposition and environmental factors.

What helps against dry skin?

Don't shower or bathe too hot or for too long, as this puts additional stress on dry skin. It helps to use soap-free, pH-neutral shower gel . And: Dry skin and diet are also linked. Drink at least 1.5 liters a day, preferably water or herbal teas, as this supplies the skin with moisture from the inside. Avoid skin-irritating textiles such as wool. The right skin care for dry skin is also important: it should be pH-neutral, moisturize, soothe and protect the skin.

These ingredients help

A new natural cosmetics range with healing clay (Luvos med, in pharmacies) includes an acute serum for very dry skin, a body lotion and a wash and shower lotion. The effectiveness and tolerability were rated as "very good" by the independent Dermatest Institute. The ingredients are blue globeflower, meadowfoam oil and black cumin oil.