With age, the skin is really more prone to dryness. This skin condition appearing in elderly is known as "senile xerosis". Senile xerosis which is a severe skin dryness condition affects 55% of people over 651 and 75% of those over 752. What causes it? How do the signs manifest themselves? How can this skin issue be soothed?
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 disease3. 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.
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 moisturised. 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 skin4.
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 fragilised, 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, porous and no longer plays its protective role. All these phenomena lead to senile xerosis5.
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.
Lack of moisture makes the skin less supple, and it loses its elasticity. It leads to a skin discomfort which manifests itself for instance by tightness.
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.
Due to the skin barrier alteration, severe dry skin is more permeable to irritating molecules. The skin is irritated, and severe itching appear 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.
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.
Formulated with LIPIGENIUMTMtechnology, 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 recent study conducted by Laboratoire Bioderma showed that Atoderm Intensive baume have positive actions on senile xerosis.
Immediate effect :
-94% of users7 felt that the skin was nourished immediately
-83% of users8 felt that itching was relieved
Long lasting effect :
-88% of users7 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.
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