Xerosis : causes, consequences and solutions

With age, the skin is really more prone to dryness. This skin condition appearing in the elderly is known as "senile xerosis". Senile xerosis which is a severe skin dryness condition affects 55% of people over 65(1)and 75% of those over 75(2). What causes it? How do the signs manifest themselves? How can this skin issue be soothed?

(1). Paul, C et al. (2011). Prevalence and Risk Factors for Xerosis in the Elderly: A Cross-Sectional Epidemiological Study in Primary Care                                                                                        

(2) BARCO D. et GIMENEZ-ARNAU A. Xerosis: a dysfunction of the epidermal barrier 

What is senile xerosis?

In dermatology, the term "xerosis" is frequently used to describe dry skin. It is derived from the fusion of the Greek words "xérós" meaning dry and "ose" meaning disease(3). Senile xerosis refers to skin dryness due to age. This type of dry skin results from the slowing down of biological functions leading to the alteration of the skin barrier.

(3)Xérose — acadpharm. (n.d.). 

The skin barrier of healthy skin

The skin barrier is often compared to brick walls and cement. The bricks represent the skin cells and the cement that binds cells together represents a mixture of sebum, lipids and water. The cement is called the hydrolipidic film. On the surface of our skin, this hydrolipidic film plays a protective role against external aggressions. Healthy skin is skin that is well moisturized. The hydration is maintained naturally by skin's compounds which are mainly proteins and lipids. Proteins are natural moisturisers and lipids retain water inside the skin(4).

(4) Lübbe, J. (2004, March 3). La barrière cutanée : peau de chagrin du Patient âgé. Revue Medicale Suisse. 

Senile xerosis: an altered skin barrier

With age, the skin biological functions such as lipid and protein production slow down. The skin is no longer able to retain water, which evaporates. Thinner and fragilized, the skin barrier becomes permeable. Water is no longer retained by the skin and molecules such as allergens can easily penetrate it. In short, the brick wall becomes crumbly, and porous and no longer plays its protective role. All these phenomena lead to senile xerosis(5). 

(5) Wang Z, Man MQ, Li T, Elias PM, Mauro TM. Aging-associated alterations in epidermal function and their clinical significance. Aging (Albany NY). 2020 Mar 27;12(6):5551-5565. doi: 10.18632/aging.102946. Epub 2020 Mar 27. PMID: 32217811; PMCID: PMC7138575.

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Good to know

Using hygiene products that are not suitable for dry skin can unbalance the skin. Aggressive cleansers tend to damage the skin barrier, which is more fragile in elderly. In order to take care of dry skin, Laboratoire BIODERMA develops dermatological hygiene formulated with gentle cleansing agents to respect the physiological balance of the skin. 

Senile Xerosis: a significant impact on quality of life

Itching, tightness, flaking, the daily life of people with senile xerosis.

Tightness and discomfort

Lack of moisture makes the skin less supple, and it loses its elasticity. It leads to skin discomfort which manifests itself by tightness, for instance. 

Flaking

With age, the skin's renewal process is impaired and dead skin cells accumulate on the skin's surface. As a result, your skin tends to peel. Scaly skin is the dead skin cells that are shed at an accelerated rate. This flaking gives your skin a whitish appearance and makes it rough in some places. 

Intense itching sensations

Due to the skin barrier alteration, severe dry skin is more permeable to irritating molecules. The skin is irritated, and severe itching appears leading to intense scratching reactions. Very difficult to bear on a daily basis, a real vicious circle sets in. Itching leads to scratching, thus aggravating the skin irritation. The infection risk of skin with senile xerosis is considerably higher. Indeed, raw skin is more fragile and prone to infections.

The dermatological expertise of Laboratoire BIODERMA at the service of patients

Laboratoire BIODERMA, concerned with meeting patients' needs, provides an ecobiological response to very dry skin. For 10 years, ATODERM Intensive baume has been the skincare reference in the management of very dry skin by acting on its causes and consequences. Approved by experts worldwide for its clinically proven results, it supports you and your family throughout life.

ATODERM Intensive baume, a unique formula developed for very dry skin

Formulated with LIPIGENIUM™ technology, ATODERM INTENSIVE BAUME reinforces the skin barrier by stimulating the natural production of lipids and proteins.

Also composed of PEA (PalmitoylEthanolAmide), ATODERM INTENSIVE BAUME helps to reduce itching sensations upon application.

A BIODERMA ECOBIOLOGICAL INNOVATION

ATODERM INTENSIVE BAUME

Very dry to atopic-prone skin

No more flare-ups for 6 months

76% of patient.*

Skin is immediately soothed

90%**

* Clinical study carried out among 130 patients between 6 months and 15 years of age, with moderate atopic dermatitis, twice-daily for 6 months.

**Use test under dermatological control, % satisfaction, on 32 subjects

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ATODERM Intensive baume, proven efficacy on senile xerosis

A recent study conducted by Laboratoire BIODERMA showed that ATODERM Intensive baume has positive actions on senile xerosis.

Immediate effect :

-94% of users(7) felt that the skin was nourished immediately

-83% of users(8) felt that itching was relieved

Long-lasting effect :

-88% of users(7) felt that the skin was soft and supple.

True to the NAOS ecobiological approach, ATODERM Intensive baume acts both on causes and consequences of senile xerosis. It intensely nourishes the skin to strengthen the skin barrier. The skin regains an effective barrier function and becomes supple, soft and comfortable. Thus, ATODERM Intensive baume plays an essential role in the improvement of elderly quality of life. 

Learn more about the application of our emollient.

(7)  Clinical study, 32 subjects, for 28 days

(8)  Clinical study, 18 subjects, for 28 days

Xerosis: causes, consequences and solutions