Written by: Ljubica Barbulović, Pharmacist

Dry skin doesn't only plague those with serious dermatological problems like psoriasis or atopic dermatitis. Skin dryness can occur at any age, equally in men and women, and is most common during cold days when the freezing outside air and the warm, heated indoor air further dehydrate our largest organ.

As a pharmacist, I daily encounter patients experiencing constant tightness, itching, and flaking. Since dry skin requires specific, medical care, below I bring you answers on how to properly hydrate your skin and which dermocosmetics to choose to restore elasticity and comfort.

Is Dry Skin Actually a Vitamin Deficiency?

You will often hear from dermatologists that skin care actually starts from within – and that is absolutely true. For the skin to have the strength to resist the cold, wind, and frost, we must nourish it.

The most important vitamins for the skin are:

  • Vitamin A: Responsible for collagen production and cell renewal.

  • Vitamin C: Essential for regeneration and an even complexion.

  • Vitamin B: Crucial for strengthening the skin barrier, reducing inflammation, and retaining moisture.

  • Vitamins D and E: Strengthen the skin's immunity and act as powerful antioxidants that prevent oxidative stress.

If there is a lack of these nutrients in the body, it will inevitably manifest outwardly through dryness, flaking, lack of plumpness, and accelerated aging. That is why I advise patients to enrich their diet with fish, eggs, citrus fruits, and leafy greens, or to include a high-quality supplement.

PHARMACIST’S ADVICE: Where Do We Usually Go Wrong?

The biggest mistake you can make when you have dry skin is taking a scalding hot shower. Hot water literally melts and washes away the natural lipids (fats) from our skin, leaving it completely unprotected.

Your daily routine must change:

  1. Wash your face and shower exclusively with lukewarm water.

  2. Forget about aggressive soaps and shower gels with sulfates. Switch to shower oils (e.g., Bioderma Atoderm or Eucerin pH5).

  3. The "3-minute rule": After showering, while the skin is still slightly damp, you have exactly 3 minutes to apply body milk or balm to "lock" the moisture into the skin.

Most Commonly Affected Areas and How to Treat Them

Dry skin can occur all over the body, but certain areas are particularly sensitive.

1. Dry Face Skin: On days when temperatures drop, the face suffers first because it is always exposed. Symptoms include flaking, itching, redness, and a "burning" sensation when stepping out into the cold. If a severe stinging sensation occurs, it might be cold dermatitis, a condition that requires strong creams for atopic skin with ceramides.

2. Dry Hand Skin: Hands suffer not only from the cold but also from daily washing. Abrasive detergents and sulfate soaps destroy the epidermis. If you notice the skin on your knuckles cracking and bleeding, switch to syndets (soap-free soaps) and strong restorative creams (so-called "barrier creams").

3. Dry Scalp and Feet: Central heating and wearing hats cause itching and flaking of the scalp. In this case, I recommend mild medical shampoos like Eucerin DermoCapillaire. For extremely dry feet and cracked heels, after a warm foot bath, apply urea-rich products, such as Flexitol balm.

Pharmacist's Guide: The Best Dermocosmetics for Dry Skin

In a sea of offers on the market, you should not choose products from regular drugstore shelves. Dry skin needs dermatologically tested ingredients. The following brands stand out as leaders in this field at Apoteka Online:

Eucerin: The Expert in Urea and Atopic Skin

Eucerin flawlessly understands the needs of dry skin. Their Urea line (from 5% to 10%) is unrivaled for the daily care of rough and tight body skin. For people suffering from extreme dryness and eczema, I recommend the AtopiControl line, which instantly soothes itching and restores the skin using omega fatty acids and Licochalcone A.

Bioderma: Atoderm Line for Biological Renewal

A brand that has been pushing boundaries in dermatology for 40 years. For dry skin, Bioderma Atoderm is a lifesaver. Their philosophy is to strengthen the skin barrier. From the cult Atoderm shower oil (which doesn't dry out the skin) to the Atoderm Intensive balm that stops itching, this line is completely safe even for the most sensitive baby skin.

Uriage: The Power of Thermal Water

Uriage enjoys the immense trust of dermatologists, and their Xémose line (intended for very dry, atopy-prone skin) and Bariéderm (for cracked skin) are absolute hits. These products use the unique Uriage thermal water, with the addition of shea butter and specific complexes (like Chronoxine) that have a strong anti-inflammatory effect and bring instant relief.

With just one click, you can work miracles for the regeneration of your skin. Explore our complete offer of the highest quality dermocosmetics on the Apoteka Online website.