{"id":2925,"date":"2024-12-15T08:00:00","date_gmt":"2024-12-15T08:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rodanandfields.com\/en-us\/blog\/?p=2925"},"modified":"2025-01-15T20:22:06","modified_gmt":"2025-01-15T20:22:06","slug":"deep-dive-into-dry-skin-underlying-causes-and-best-treatments","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rodanandfields.com\/en-us\/blog\/science-of-skincare\/deep-dive-into-dry-skin-underlying-causes-and-best-treatments\/","title":{"rendered":"A Deep Dive into Dry Skin: Underlying Causes and Best Treatments"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Dry skin affects most people from time to time, often triggered by environmental conditions and personal behaviors. Depending on its severity and persistence, dry skin and its symptoms can be a minor nuisance to some and a significant quality-of-life issue to others. But what is dry skin really, and what causes it? And, most importantly, what is the best way to treat dry skin or even prevent it? In this article, we answer these questions by, almost literally, taking a deep dive into the skin and learn about its intricate structure, basic functions, and the way the right ingredients can help to keep it moisturized and healthy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_86 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.rodanandfields.com\/en-us\/blog\/science-of-skincare\/deep-dive-into-dry-skin-underlying-causes-and-best-treatments\/#What_is_dry_skin\" >What is dry skin?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.rodanandfields.com\/en-us\/blog\/science-of-skincare\/deep-dive-into-dry-skin-underlying-causes-and-best-treatments\/#What_causes_dry_skin_%E2%80%93_introducing_the_skin_barrier\" >What causes dry skin \u2013 introducing the skin barrier<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.rodanandfields.com\/en-us\/blog\/science-of-skincare\/deep-dive-into-dry-skin-underlying-causes-and-best-treatments\/#Water_the_environment_and_the_skin_barrier\" >Water, the environment, and the skin barrier<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.rodanandfields.com\/en-us\/blog\/science-of-skincare\/deep-dive-into-dry-skin-underlying-causes-and-best-treatments\/#How_the_skin_barrier_renews_itself\" >How the skin barrier renews itself<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.rodanandfields.com\/en-us\/blog\/science-of-skincare\/deep-dive-into-dry-skin-underlying-causes-and-best-treatments\/#From_dehydration_to_dry_skin_%E2%80%93_the_vicious_dry_skin_cycle\" >From dehydration to dry skin \u2013 the vicious dry skin cycle<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.rodanandfields.com\/en-us\/blog\/science-of-skincare\/deep-dive-into-dry-skin-underlying-causes-and-best-treatments\/#Treating_dry_skin_%E2%80%93_breaking_the_vicious_cycle\" >Treating dry skin \u2013 breaking the vicious cycle<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.rodanandfields.com\/en-us\/blog\/science-of-skincare\/deep-dive-into-dry-skin-underlying-causes-and-best-treatments\/#Do_no_harm_%E2%80%93_eliminating_the_negatives\" >Do no harm \u2013 eliminating the negatives<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.rodanandfields.com\/en-us\/blog\/science-of-skincare\/deep-dive-into-dry-skin-underlying-causes-and-best-treatments\/#Humectants_to_attract_moisture\" >Humectants to attract moisture<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.rodanandfields.com\/en-us\/blog\/science-of-skincare\/deep-dive-into-dry-skin-underlying-causes-and-best-treatments\/#Occlusive_oils_to_lock_in_moisture\" >Occlusive oils to lock in moisture<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.rodanandfields.com\/en-us\/blog\/science-of-skincare\/deep-dive-into-dry-skin-underlying-causes-and-best-treatments\/#Replenishing_barrier_lipids\" >Replenishing barrier lipids<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.rodanandfields.com\/en-us\/blog\/science-of-skincare\/deep-dive-into-dry-skin-underlying-causes-and-best-treatments\/#Minimizing_irritation\" >Minimizing irritation<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/www.rodanandfields.com\/en-us\/blog\/science-of-skincare\/deep-dive-into-dry-skin-underlying-causes-and-best-treatments\/#Product_recommendations\" >Product recommendations<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_dry_skin\"><\/span><strong>What is dry skin?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When we talk about things being \u201cdry,\u201d we typically mean that they are lacking in moisture. And although dry <em>skin<\/em> definitely lacks water, there is so much more to it than that. Rather than just being dehydrated, dry skin is a <em>condition<\/em> that is often accompanied by flaking, tightness, and itching, and in extreme cases, cracking and even bleeding. The reason for this is that the skin is not a simple, homogeneous material, but a living tissue with a highly intricate layered structure made up of many different types of cells and molecules that is regulated by complex cascades of biochemical processes, all of which critically depend on the presence of water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_causes_dry_skin_%E2%80%93_introducing_the_skin_barrier\"><\/span><strong>What causes dry skin \u2013 introducing the skin barrier<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Water is central to any discussion of dry skin, but so is something called the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rodanandfields.com\/en-us\/blog\/science-of-skincare\/how-to-repair-maintain-a-healthy-skin-barrier\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"2837\">skin barrier<\/a>. The barrier is a critical function of the skin. Essentially, it prevents bad things like pollutants, chemical irritants, bacteria, and viruses from entering our bodies, and good things, like water, from leaving.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The skin barrier takes the form of the ultrathin, uppermost layer of the skin. It is composed mainly&nbsp;&nbsp; of three things: flattened skin cells, water, and molecules called \u201clipids.\u201d Think of the cells as tiny shields, protecting you from the outside world, and the water and lipids taking up the space between the cells like the mortar in a brick wall.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"975\" height=\"344\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rodanandfields.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/image.png\" alt=\"Diagram showing cross-section of the stratum corneum barrier, barrier consisting of skin cells, separated by layers of lipids, which include a water loving head group and oil loving tails.\" class=\"wp-image-2928\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.rodanandfields.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/image.png 975w, https:\/\/www.rodanandfields.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/image-550x194.png 550w, https:\/\/www.rodanandfields.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/image-768x271.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 975px) 100vw, 975px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>The skin\u2019s barrier function prevents chemicals, microorganisms, and viruses from entering our bodies while keeping water inside. The barrier is contained in the ultrathin (as thin as one hundredth of an inch) uppermost layer called the \u201cstratum corneum.\u201d The stratum corneum is made up of flattened skin cells, acting as shields, that are separated by layers of lipids (molecules than have both oil- and water-liking parts) that seal in the moisture.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The skin layer that forms the barrier is called the <em>stratum corneum<\/em>. Although the stratum corneum may be thin, because it is the uppermost layer of the skin, not only is it our first defense against the environment, it is also the first layer that light interacts with as it touches the skin and is reflected back. Because of this, taking care of your skin barrier is key to healthy, moisturized skin, it also is critical to a beautiful, smooth appearance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Water_the_environment_and_the_skin_barrier\"><\/span><strong>Water, the environment, and the skin barrier<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There are two factors that influence the water content of your skin. One is the amount of water in the air around you and the other is the condition of your barrier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Simply put, the drier the environment you are in, the more water evaporates from your skin. This is why you are more likely to develop dry skin in the desert or in the wintertime or if you spend a lot of time in airconditioned places.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">However, if your barrier function is impaired, staying away from dry environments is not enough to avoid dry skin. Having a poor barrier is the same as having a \u201cleaky\u201d stratum corneum that is not doing a good job of holding the water molecules inside and allowing them to evaporate into the air.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We now know that a poor barrier can dehydrate the skin, but the reverse is also true. The ironic thing about the skin barrier is that, while its function is to keep water inside the skin, it itself needs water to do that job. This is because of the fact that the skin barrier periodically renews itself so that every few weeks it is made up of an entirely new set of skin cells. The renewal allows the barrier to stay strong in the face of the environmental insults it is exposed to all the time. You may ask yourself what happens to the old cells. Those are shed, one cell at a time. This is why up to half of the dust in your home is made up of dead skin cells!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_the_skin_barrier_renews_itself\"><\/span><strong>How the skin barrier renews itself<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">One of the most amazing things about the stratum corneum is its ability to both renew itself constantly while remaining structurally intact to provide its critical barrier function. The renewal requires the production of new cells, called <em>corneocytes<\/em>, that slowly migrate from the base of the stratum corneum to the surface. This migration takes several weeks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To keep the stratum corneum together the corneocytes are attached by special linkages called <em>desmosomes<\/em>. However, to be able to shed cells once they reach the surface the skin needs a mechanism to digest these desmosomes. This job is done by specialized enzymes that exist in the upper layers of the stratum corneum, inside the water channels between the corneocytes. These enzymes need water molecules around them to remain stable and functional. If there is not enough water to go around, they stop doing their jobs. When this happens, desmosomes no longer are digested but cells are still migrating towards the surface. The result is corneocytes, still attached to one another, accumulating on the skin surface that can be seen by the naked eye as dry skin flakes or as part of \u201cdehydration lines.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"975\" height=\"419\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rodanandfields.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/image-1.png\" alt=\"diagram showing cross-section of stratum corneum, with cell migration of corneocytes linked together by desmosomes. Desmosome digesting enzymes are pictured inside the water channels between the corneocytes.\" class=\"wp-image-2932\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.rodanandfields.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/image-1.png 975w, https:\/\/www.rodanandfields.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/image-1-550x236.png 550w, https:\/\/www.rodanandfields.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/image-1-768x330.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 975px) 100vw, 975px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"975\" height=\"417\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rodanandfields.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/image-2.png\" alt=\"Diagram contrasting healthy skin vs dry skin. In healthy skin, well-hydrated enzymes digest desmosomes so corneocytes can shed one cell at a time. In dry skin, dehydrated enzymes stop functioning so cells are no longer shed properly and remain clumped together.\" class=\"wp-image-2934\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.rodanandfields.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/image-2.png 975w, https:\/\/www.rodanandfields.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/image-2-550x235.png 550w, https:\/\/www.rodanandfields.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/image-2-768x328.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 975px) 100vw, 975px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>The constant renewal of the skin barrier is dependent on the functioning of enzymes that digest the linkages between the cells (desmosomes) as they migrate upwards to the surface. In dry skin, there is not enough water to keep the enzymes hydrated. As a consequence, cells are no longer being shed properly and clumps of dry skin cells accumulate on the surface of the skin. If these clumps become large enough, they are visible to the naked eye as skin flakes.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"From_dehydration_to_dry_skin_%E2%80%93_the_vicious_dry_skin_cycle\"><\/span><strong>From dehydration to dry skin \u2013 the vicious dry skin cycle<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When not properly taken care of, it is easy for skin to get stuck in a vicious cycle: Dehydration causes the barrier to weaken, which causes more dehydration, which further weakens the barrier, etc. In addition to increased water loss, an impaired barrier also makes the skin more vulnerable to pollutants and irritants, which can lead to irritation, which, in turn, negatively affects the barrier, adding another element to the cycle\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Also, as we get older, the renewal process slows down, making the barrier more vulnerable, and at the same time the production of essential lipids slows down reducing the water sealing properties of the barrier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Treating_dry_skin_%E2%80%93_breaking_the_vicious_cycle\"><\/span><strong>Treating dry skin \u2013 breaking the vicious cycle<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There are a number of different approaches to breaking the vicious dry skin cycle and achieve healthy, moisturized skin:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Do_no_harm_%E2%80%93_eliminating_the_negatives\"><\/span><strong>Do no harm \u2013 eliminating the negatives<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">One often made mistake is to skimp on a facial cleanser or washing frequently with high-foaming cleansers or soap bars. Cheap or aggressive cleansers tend to contain harsh surfactants (cleansing molecules) that can strip the barrier of the essential lipids that help seal in the moisture or damage the proteins that are critical for barrier renewal. Therefore, a high-quality, mild <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rodanandfields.com\/en-us\/category\/face-wash-facial-cleansers-makeup-removers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">facial cleanser<\/a> is an essential first step to treating dry skin. Whatever you do, if you have dry or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rodanandfields.com\/en-us\/blog\/skincare-guides\/why-is-my-skin-so-sensitive-all-of-a-sudden\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"1609\">sensitive skin<\/a>, your face should not come even in the vicinity of a soap bar, ever.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When it comes to the sun and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rodanandfields.com\/en-us\/blog\/pro-tips\/sun-damage-and-importance-of-sunscreen\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"1562\">UV radiation<\/a>, you should realize that even if you\u2019re not getting a sunburn, UV light and the free radicals it can generate can still damage your skin and your barrier. So, if you go out into the sun, make sure to always use an SPF of at least 30. In the short term this will provide extra protection to your barrier, while you are slowing down longer-term <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rodanandfields.com\/en-us\/blog\/pro-tips\/what-causes-skin-to-age-and-how-to-delay-visible-signs-of-aging\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"500\">skin aging<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Humectants_to_attract_moisture\"><\/span><strong>Humectants to attract moisture<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Although water is critical to healthy skin, soaking your skin in water is a losing strategy because it actually dries out your skin. What is a winning strategy is to use a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rodanandfields.com\/en-us\/category\/face-moisturizers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">moisturizer<\/a> formulated with powerful <em>humectants<\/em>. Humectants are molecules that have the ability to attract water molecules and hold on to them. Humectants frequently found in skincare products like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rodanandfields.com\/en-us\/blog\/skincare-guides\/glycerin-vs-hyaluronic-acid\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"1287\">Glycerin<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rodanandfields.com\/en-us\/blog\/science-of-skincare\/what-is-hyaluronic-acid\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"147\">Hyaluronic acid<\/a> are absorbed by the skin and attract moisture from the air and also help the skin hold on to the water molecules that are already there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Occlusive_oils_to_lock_in_moisture\"><\/span><strong>Occlusive oils to lock in moisture<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Occlusives are molecules that are able to form a layer on top of the skin that effectively seals in moisture by preventing water from evaporating. It\u2019s like a temporary barrier on top of your real barrier that takes over its duties and giving it a chance to heal. Traditional occlusives like petrolatum and mineral oil are used less and less because of their greasy skin feel and environmental concerns. They also tend to clog up pores making them unsuitable for acne prone skin. Modern alternatives like Squalane, plant-based Esters and Silicones provide a superior balance between performance, skin aesthetics, and environmental profile, while being suitable for a wide range of skin types.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Replenishing_barrier_lipids\"><\/span><strong>Replenishing barrier lipids<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The lipid molecules that are critical to a healthy skin barrier \u2013 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rodanandfields.com\/en-us\/blog\/science-of-skincare\/what-are-ceramides-in-skincare\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"1511\">Ceramides<\/a>, Fatty Acids, and Cholesterol (bad for your heart, but great for your skin!) \u2013 are produced by the skin itself but that ability deteriorates with age, and also, they can be stripped from the skin by detergents and solvents. Luckily, they can be replenished from topical creams.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Minimizing_irritation\"><\/span><strong>Minimizing irritation<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As mentioned above an impaired barrier can cause skin irritation and <em>vice versa<\/em>. Therefore, and particularly if you have sensitive skin, it is very important to keep any kind of irritation in check. Proven soothing agents you can find in many products include Colloidal Oatmeal, Panthenol (Vitamin B5), <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rodanandfields.com\/en-us\/blog\/science-of-skincare\/niacinamide-skin-benefits-according-to-dermatologists\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"687\">Niacinamide<\/a> (Vitamin B3), and Bisabolol.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Product_recommendations\"><\/span><strong>Product recommendations<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The R+F <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rodanandfields.com\/en-us\/shop\/soothe-calming-gel-cleanser\/p\/SOWA125\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">SOOTHE Calming Gel Cleanser<\/a> is an ideal facial cleanser for dry and sensitive skin, formulated with gentle surfactants, barrier-protecting Glycerin, and skin-calming Bisabolol.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Both the R+F <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.rodanandfields.com\/en-us\/shop\/soothe-daily-mineral-sunscreen-spf-30\/p\/SOSS050\" target=\"_blank\">SOOTHE Daily Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rodanandfields.com\/en-us\/shop\/redefine-triple-defense-cream-broad-spectrum-spf-30\/p\/AATT030\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">REDEFINE Triple Defense Cream Broad Spectrum SPF 30<\/a> provide the sun protection you need and moisturize your skin at the same time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For the ultimate in skin hydration look no further than the R+F <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rodanandfields.com\/en-us\/shop\/rodan-fields-active-hydration-serum\/p\/ENHEFG1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Active Hydration Serum<\/a>. It is powered by R+F\u2019s proprietary 3D3P Molecular Matrix containing 30% Glycerin and cross-linked Hyaluronic Acid to draw moisture from the atmosphere and lock it on the surface of the skin, as well as essential Ceramides and Cholesterol to restore key barrier lipids.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you have dry skin that is also sensitive, R+F <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.rodanandfields.com\/en-us\/shop\/soothe-moisturizing-rescue-cream\/p\/SOMO050\" target=\"_blank\">SOOTHE Moisturizing Rescue Cream<\/a> is the ideal any-time moisturizer for you with its blend of Colloidal Oatmeal, Ceramides, and Vitamin B5 (Panthenol) to strengthen your barrier and soothe skin irritation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\" style=\"float:left;\">\n<a href=\"\/en-us\/blog\/science-of-skincare\/expert-contributor-dr-daan-thorn-leeson\/\">\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rodanandfields.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/dr-daan-thorn-leeson-thumbnail-1.jpg\" alt=\"Dr. Daan Thorn-Leeson, PhD, Senior Director for Innovation and Formulation at Rodan + Fields\" class=\"wp-image-2847\" width=\"75\" height=\"75\" style=\"width:74px; height:75px; float:left; margin-right:1em;\" \/>\n<\/a>\n<p style=\"font-weight:bold; margin-bottom:4px;\"><a href=\"\/en-us\/blog\/science-of-skincare\/expert-contributor-dr-daan-thorn-leeson\/\">Dr. Daan Thorn-Leeson, PhD<\/a><\/p><p style=\"font-style:italic;\">Senior Director for Innovation and Formulation at Rodan + Fields<\/p><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\">\n{\n    \"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\",\n    \"@type\": \"Article\",\n    \"headline\": \"A Deep Dive into Dry Skin: Underlying Causes and Best Treatments\",\n    \"description\": \"What is dry skin really, and what causes it? 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