Atoderm - Very dry, sensitive skin

If you have dry to very dry skin, you may often experience discomfort including tightness, tingling, cracking and unpleasant itching sensations. Some people also suffer from redness, flaking, or roughness. Dry skin is common in babies, who produce little or no sebum, and in the elderly. However, many adults are also affected. If you suffer from atopic dermatitis, your skin will be very dry with characteristic patches of atopic eczema, which can cause intense itching sensations and a risk of infection if scratched. Many babies and children are prone to atopic dermatitis (or atopic eczema) on the face and body. Adults may also get it on their hands and eyelids.

Dry skin needs a complete routine specifically formulated to moisturise and nourish. Whether in the form of a cream, balm or gel an effective moisturiser should contain ingredients that serve these two purposes. Hydrating ingredients draw moisture into the skin, while nourishing ingredients provide essential lipids and can strengthen the skin barrier.

Applying moisturiser is key step in any skincare routine for dry, very dry and eczema-prone skin. Apply morning and evening to your entire body and face – not just the driest, most irritated areas. Not sure how much to apply? It is recommended to follow the 3-6-9 rule when using Atoderm Intensive Balm: 3 pushes for a baby's body and face, 6 for a child and 9 for an adult. Otherwise, apply 1 to 2 times per day. 

Regularity is key when moisturising dry skin. Apply every morning and evening to help your skin retain moisture and reinforce its barrier function over time. As well as immediately relieving feeling of discomfort and tightness. If you take a shower or bath at another time during the day, it’s also a good idea to apply moisturiser afterwards.  

Dry skin is low on lipids and water, so there’s little risk of it becoming too oily. On the other hand, normal and combination skin can become dry with age. If you're worried about making your skin oily, choose a lightweight cream or gel cream with a non-sticky, non-greasy texture. There are products and formulas to suit every need. Just remember that, regardless of your skin type, it’s essential to hydrate the skin and provide nourishing and moisturising support for suppleness and comfort.

Bioderma's Atoderm range comprises different formulas and textures adapted to the different needs of dry to very dry and eczema-prone skin including creams, oils and balms. They are specially designed to nourish, moisturise and protect all types of dry skin – without creating any additional stress or damage. Depending on your skin and the time of year, you can choose from Atoderm Intensive Balm, ATODERM Cream Ultra, and Atoderm 2:1 Oil.

Dry skin craves comfort and suppleness. Choosing the right moisturiser can make all the difference. Effective moisturisers for dry to very dry skin provide: 

• Hydration: Ingredients like Hyaluronic Acid and Glycerin draw water into the upper layers of the skin, deeply hydrating it. These are called humectants. 

• Nourishment and protection: Plant oils, Shea Butter and Squalene are ingredients celebrated for their emollient properties. These essential lipids provide nourishment to the skin and create a protective barrier, preventing water loss and the penetration of external irritants. 

Even the best body lotion won't provide effective hydration for dry or very dry skin. To soothe dry skin and restore comfort and suppleness, choose a moisturiSer with a rich texture and occlusive ingredients. The formula needs to deliver water and nourishing lipids, helping the skin retain moisture. MoisturiSing creams and balms are the most effective.

Lips are one of the most sensitive areas to all kinds of stressors, as the skin is fine and low in sebum. It doesn’t help that we constantly moisten our lips. This can lead to chapped lips, especially when it’s cold, windy or very sunny. The best solution is prevention. Apply a moisturising balm to moisturise and nourish this sensitive area, such as Atoderm Lip Stick. If your lips are irritated and cracked, you could use Atoderm Lip Balm. This high-tolerance formula helps repair dry, chapped lips with shea butter, as well as other moisturising and nourishing active ingredients.

The best way to hydrate dry and very dry skin is applying moisturiser twice a day. But here are a few extra tips.

• Use gentle, soap-free cleanser with physiological pH that doesn't strip the skin and preserves its hydrolipidic film, such as Atoderm Shower Oil or Atoderm Shower Gel.

• Avoid very hot water as it can strip the skin of its natural oils – give long showers and baths a miss too.

• Dry your skin gently by dabbing with a soft towel (rather than rubbing) to avoid irritation.

• Wear undergarments made from cotton or another natural fiber, preferably with a soft, non-irritating texture. Apply a layer of moisturiser before wearing tight jeans.

• Rinse and moisturise your skin if exposed to potential stressors such as seawater, chlorine, sweat after sport and household products. 

• Be particularly careful when it’s very hot or cold (including air conditioning and heating) and above all when it’s very humid.

• Protect your skin from UV rays with a high SPF broad-spectrum anti-UVA and UVB sun cream.