Why Do the Legs Get So Dry, Even When We Apply Cream?

There is a phenomenon I'm sure many of us know.

We get out of the shower, apply body cream, and the skin feels soft and pleasant. But after a few hours, especially in the shin area, the dryness returns.

Sometimes small white flakes, a feeling of tightness, and even itching appear.

This phenomenon is called Xerosis, or dry skin.

Why do the shins tend to dry out?

Our skin contains glands that produce natural oil, but the distribution of the glands is not uniform throughout the body.

In the shin area there is less activity of sebaceous glands compared to areas such as the face and the scalp.

As a result, the skin in this area may be more vulnerable to dryness.

The natural lipid layer found in the skin barrier also plays an important role in keeping the water in.

When it is damaged, water evaporates faster and the skin becomes dry and rough.

Why does the dryness worsen with age?

Over the years, changes occur in the function of the skin barrier and in its lipid composition.

In some people the skin also produces less natural oil.

Hot showers, strong soaps, dry air, and air conditioning can worsen the problem.

Is every body cream suitable?

Not necessarily.

There is a difference between a light lotion that gives a pleasant feeling for a short time and a product that contains ingredients that help reduce water loss.

It's worth knowing a few of them.

Glycerin and hyaluronic acid help keep moisture in the outer layer of the skin.

Ceramides support the structure of the skin barrier.

Petrolatum and dimethicone help reduce the evaporation of water.

Urea in appropriate concentrations can help both with moisture and with softening rough skin.

When is it best to apply cream?

One of the simple and effective habits is to apply moisturizer immediately after the shower, while the skin is still slightly damp.

This way it's possible to help keep the water that remains in the outer layer of the skin.

It's also advisable to prefer short showers in lukewarm water and not very hot water.

And what if the dryness is accompanied by itching?

Significant dryness can cause itching, and sometimes also cracks and inflammation.

But persistent itching in the legs is not always caused only by dryness.

If significant redness, swelling, sores, discharge, or itching that doesn't improve appear, it's advisable to go for a medical examination.

My daily recommendation

I think we invest much more thought in the skin of the face than in the skin of the body.

But the skin is our largest organ, and the shins, the elbows, and the hands also need attention.

An expensive product or a complex skincare routine is not always needed.

Sometimes a small change, such as a less hot shower and applying a suitable cream at the right time, can make a significant difference.

The main thing is not to wait for the skin to be cracked and itchy in order to begin caring for it.

Nurit Rozenblat

With love,
Nurit Rozenblat
OrOrgani

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