Dry skin

Should I take a bath if I have dry skin?

There is nothing against a full bath if the following points are taken into account:

• If possible, you should not take a bath every day and not for too long either.
• The bathwater should not be hotter than 36° C.
• Foaming bath additives should be avoided; in contrast, oil baths that have a lipid-regulating effect are recommended.

What effect does "the pill" have on dry skin?

Depending on the composition of the birth control pill, it can result in a reduction in the formation of sebum. That can have a favourable effect with some skin diseases. With a disposition towards dry skin, this influence is less desirable. Speak to your gynaecologist about this. He or she will then select a suitable drug.

Do smoking or nicotine have an effect on the skin?

Every cigarette burdens the skin with approx. 4,000 additional dirt particles. They penetrate into the skin and cause the formation of harmful factors (free radicals). Nicotine also withdraws important moisture from the skin. The narrowing of the blood vessels results in reduced circulation to the skin; it appears grey and sallow.

Why is the substance urea to be found in many drugs that are used to combat dry skin?

The water content of the skin is of great importance for the softness of the horny layer. If it falls significantly below 10%, the symptoms typical of dry skin such as roughness, tautness, redness, dry skin and itching occur. Urea has a very high capacity to bind water. The substance is thus one of the most important natural moisturising factors that are also to be found naturally in the skin. Products containing urea (e. g. Optiderm^®) are particularly suited for dry skin conditions or skin diseases that are accompanied by dry skin (e.g. neurodermatitis).