Xerosis or Very Dry Skin
Area
Very Dry SkinAre you suffering from skin dryness when your regular moisturiser just doesn’t provide adequate relief? This week, Dermal Therapy’s ongoing series explores the condition of xerosis, with expert insights from Amit Saha, Head of Technical & Innovation at Dermal Therapy.
Key Takeaways
- Understand the Root Cause: Learn how factors like weather, medication, or underlying conditions such as diabetes can contribute to chronic skin dryness.
- Recognise the Telltale Signs: Spot the symptoms of xerosis, including scaly, flaky, and tight-feeling skin, along with redness and itching.
- Prioritise Early Care: Treating very dry skin promptly is crucial to manage the condition and help prevent further complications.
- Choose the Right Moisturiser: For effective relief, select a keratolytic moisturiser that provides a synergistic blend of intense hydration and gentle exfoliation.
Xerosis or very dry skin is not a myth. It can result from exposure to extremely dry weather conditions, be a side effect of certain medication such as acne or cancer treatment, or effect of a disease state on your skin such as diabetes which can alter your sweat production. Furthermore, skin conditions such as dermatitis, psoriasis, keratosis pilaris or ichthyosis can result in very dry skin too.
Xerosis is normally characterised by scaly and flaky skin, especially on the arms and legs, and a feeling of extreme tightness, redness with irritation, itch, and appearance of fine cracks. Treating early is very important to manage this condition and prevent further complications such as infection. A range of moisturisers are available to treat dry skin, but wheren xerosis is concerned, a keratolytic moisturiser with an emollient and exfoliant synergy is recommendedpreferred.
Dermal Therapy’s Solutions for Xerosis
When very dry skin requires a specialised approach, Dermal Therapy offers a range of clinically tested solutions designed to provide effective relief and hydration.
Dermal Therapy Very Dry Skin Cream
For a thick and rich cream that delivers fast-acting, visible results for very dry skin, try Dermal Therapy Very Dry Skin Cream.
- Fast-Acting Hydration: Clinically proven to increase skin hydration by 52%, with visible results in just 1 day.
- Intensive Moisturisation: A rich, non-greasy formula containing 12.5% Uurea and 1% Ddimethicone for optimum hydration.
- Award-Winning: A proud winner of the beautyheaven Best in Beauty awards 2021.
Dermal Therapy Very Dry Skin Lotion
As an everyday moisturiser for the whole body, Dermal Therapy Very Dry Skin Lotion provides an ultra-hydrating, light formulation that’s ideal for dry and cracked skin.
- 24-Hour Moisture Lock: A synergistic blend of emollients and skin conditioning agents that keep\s your skin feeling hydrated and smooth for 24 hours.
- Lightweight & Non-Greasy: Its quick-absorbing formula is perfect for all-over body use, providing effective hydration without a greasy feel.
- Gentle Exfoliation: Promotes the softening and gentle removal of dead skin cells for healthier-looking skin.
Find more expert insights on how to care for dry skin in our article: From Dry to Dewy – Dr. Michela Sorensen’s Tips for Dry Skin.
FAQs for Xerosis or Very Dry Skin
Xerosis is the medical term for very dry skin. It is characterised by scaly and flaky skin, a feeling of tightness, and irritation, and can be caused by environmental factors, medication, or underlying health conditions.
Xerosis can be caused by exposure to extremely dry weather, be a side effect of medications (like those for acne or cancer), or result from a disease such as diabetes. It can also be a symptom of other skin conditions like dermatitis, psoriasis, or ichthyosis.
When treating xerosis, a keratolytic moisturiser is often recommended. This type of product works by combining emollient and exfoliant properties to effectively manage very dry skin.
Treating xerosis early is key to managing the condition and helping prevent further complications, such as infection. If symptoms persist or worsen, consult your healthcare professional for advice.






