"Inadequate skin hydration is the result of improper nourishment of the body or difficulties in water retention in the body, but above all, it is a symptom of many ailments. We must not forget that this is an extremely common problem in elderly people whose water management regulation is deteriorating. It is worth paying attention to any changes in our bodies, including external ones. This symptom can be quite bothersome and its elimination is not always easy. Read the article and learn more about this condition and natural remedies for dry skin relief!"
Dehydrated skin around the eyes, on the face, hands, and feet – causes, symptoms, and implications of xerosis
The skin serves as a critical biological barrier, shielding the body from environmental hazards such as airborne pollutants, toxic substances, and chemical irritants. However, its protective capacity is not absolute: microscopic particles measuring less than 15–20 micrometers in diameter can penetrate the epidermal layer, bypassing its defensive mechanisms. A parallel phenomenon occurs in the context of water regulation, where the skin participates in transepidermal water loss—a physiological process essential for maintaining osmotic balance and cellular function. Without this regulatory mechanism, cells would lose their supple elasticity, becoming brittle and prone to structural damage.
An imbalance in the skin’s hydro-lipid mantle, clinically termed *xerosis cutis*, represents a widespread dermatological concern, affecting approximately 39% of the population. It most frequently manifests in areas subjected to persistent external stressors: the face (due to continuous exposure to ultraviolet radiation, wind, or artificial air conditioning), the periocular region (where the skin is thinnest and lacks sebaceous glands, rendering it highly susceptible to dehydration), and the hands and feet. On the feet, xerosis often presents as painful heel fissures, which can impair mobility and create an entry point for secondary bacterial or fungal infections.
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