How does dry air affect the skin?

Climatic factors can have a significant impact on the skin. This is particularly the case with dry air, characterised by a low humidity level, which can induce skin changes such as:

• Reduction in the water content of the stratum corneum.

  A study has shown that air with low humidity can cause changes to the skin, including a 31% decrease in the water content of the stratum corneum and the appearance of skin flakes. The authors suggest that a dry environment disrupts the degradation of desmosomes by reducing the water content of the stratum corneum, and the subsequent alteration of the desquamation process in normal skin in vivo may lead to the induction of a flaky skin surface.

• Changes in the stratum corneum.

  In conditions of low humidity, another study has shown that the dry weight of the stratum corneum and the thickness of the epidermis also increased, and increases in lipids and lamellar bodies of the stratum corneum were observed. It has been suggested that dry air induces the synthesis of epidermal DNA, the increase in keratinocyte proliferation and inflammation markers, and that these changes are attributable to modifications in the moisture content of the stratum corneum.

• Promotes the emergence of epidermal pathologies.

  These studies have also suggested that interleukin-1a is a significant factor in mediating the relationship between environmental humidity and epidermal pathology. Clinical studies have shown that individuals working in an environment with low humidity are more prone to skin symptoms such as itching or contact dermatitis. However, there are currently no justifications to explain these observations.

Generally, insufficiently humid air contributes to a dull complexion, making it vulnerable and struggling to fulfil its role as a protective barrier.

Several simple actions can help your skin better tolerate dry air.

• Drinking at least 1.5 L of water per day is recommended to maintain bodily hydration.

• It is advisable to use lukewarm water if you tend to shower more than once a day. Hot showers can dry out the skin. Lukewarm water helps to maintain its suppleness.

• The use of moisturising treatments is also essential, especially if you have dry or sensitive skin. To enhance your skin's hydration, you can apply our hydrating serum daily. It is composed of 3% hyaluronic acid (INCI: Sodium Hyaluronate) known for its highly hydrating virtues (it can retain up to 1,000 times its weight in water), as well as 2% pro-vitamin B5 (INCI: Panthenol) which reduces insensible water loss.

• Natural skincare is to be favoured, as it respects your skin and does not pollute the environment.

• Consider humidifying the air inside your home at night. An air humidifier maintains an ambient humidity level between 40 and 60%. It helps to avoid health-related discomforts.

• ENGEBRETSEN K. A. & al. The effect of environmental humidity and temperature on skin barrier function and dermatitis. Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (2016).

• GOAD N. & al. Ambient humidity and the skin: the impact of air humidity in healthy and diseased states. Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (2016).