Dry Skin: What Causes It? What Can You Do About It? Complete Guide here :)

Dry skin is a common yet frustrating condition that can affect anyone at any time of the year. 

Whether it’s caused by environmental factors, aging, or underlying skin conditions, dealing with dry, flaky, and sometimes irritated skin can be a challenge. While over-the-counter creams and home remedies may provide temporary relief, truly effective solutions require a combination of professional treatments and medical-grade skincare.

At Aesthetic Med Studio in Springfield, MO, we specialize in advanced aesthetic treatments that not only alleviate dry skin but also restore hydration, improve skin barrier function, and enhance overall skin health. This guide will explore the causes of dry skin, the best treatment options available, and how our team can help you achieve long-lasting, radiant results.

What Causes Dry Skin?

Dry skin, also known as xerosis, occurs when the skin lacks adequate moisture and natural oils. While some people may experience occasional dryness, others struggle with persistent dry patches that can lead to redness, flakiness, and even cracking. Understanding the root causes of dry skin is essential for finding the right treatment approach.

1. Environmental Factors

The environment plays a major role in skin hydration levels. Common external factors that contribute to dry skin include:

• Cold Weather: During winter, humidity levels drop, leading to increased moisture loss from the skin.
• Hot Showers & Baths: Prolonged exposure to hot water strips the skin of its natural oils.
• Air Conditioning & Heating: Both artificial cooling and heating reduce indoor humidity, making skin drier.
• Sun Exposure: UV radiation damages the skin barrier, leading to dehydration and premature aging.

2. Aging & Hormonal Changes

As we age, our skin produces less sebum (natural oils) and hyaluronic acid, essential for moisture retention. Women going through menopause may notice increased dryness due to a drop in estrogen levels, which affects skin elasticity and hydration.

3. Medical Conditions

Certain health conditions can contribute to chronic dry skin, including:

• Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis): A condition that weakens the skin barrier, leading to excessive moisture loss.
• Psoriasis: A skin disorder that causes rapid cell turnover, resulting in flaky, dry patches.
• Diabetes: Poor circulation and high blood sugar levels can lead to skin dehydration.
• Hypothyroidism: Low thyroid hormone levels slow down oil production, making the skin dry and rough.

4. Harsh Skincare Products

Many drugstore skincare products contain alcohols, sulfates, and fragrances that strip the skin of its natural oils. Over-exfoliating or using the wrong skincare ingredients can further disrupt the skin barrier, leading to irritation and dryness. Retinols, Retin A or Tretinoins can be great for their ability to increase cellular turnover but sometimes they can lead to issues with dry skin. There are so many different options when it comes to skincare and figuring out what is ideal for your skin. The marketing with all of these products can always make it seem like “this is exactly what your skin is needing”. Truthfully, talking with a professional and learning what options are available to get your skin in the best shape possible is always the best course of action.

5. Dehydration & Poor Nutrition

Not drinking enough water or lacking essential fatty acids, vitamins A, C, D, and E can contribute to skin dryness. A well-balanced diet plays a key role in maintaining optimal skin hydration.

The Best Treatment Options for Dry Skin at Aesthetic Med Studio

At Aesthetic Med Studio, we offer medical-grade skincare and advanced aesthetic treatments designed to restore hydration, repair the skin barrier, and improve overall skin health. Here are some of the top treatments we recommend for combating dry skin.

1. Hydrafacial: Deep Hydration & Gentle Exfoliation

Best for: Dry, dull, and dehydrated skin

One of the most effective and non-invasive treatments for dry skin is the Hydrafacial. This multi-step facial deeply cleanses, exfoliates, and hydrates the skin using a patented Vortex-Fusion technology.

How It Works:

• Step 1: Cleansing & Exfoliation: Removes dead skin cells and impurities without stripping moisture.
• Step 2: Acid Peel: A gentle blend of glycolic and salicylic acid to brighten and smooth the skin.
• Step 3: Extraction: Painless vacuum suction removes dirt and debris from clogged pores.
• Step 4: Hydration: Antioxidant-rich serums, hyaluronic acid, and peptides are infused into the skin for deep moisture replenishment.

Why It Works:

The Hydrafacial is ideal for dry skin because it delivers instant hydration while improving the skin’s ability to retain moisture over time. Unlike traditional facials, there is no downtime, making it perfect for those with sensitive or flaky skin.

2. Medical-Grade Facials: Custom Solutions for Skin Hydration

Best for: Mild to moderate dry skin, seasonal dryness

At Aesthetic Med Studio, we customize our medical-grade facials based on your skin’s unique needs. These facials incorporate deep hydration, antioxidants, and gentle exfoliation to restore the skin’s moisture balance.

Popular Facial Add-Ons for Dry Skin:

• Oxygen Infusion Therapy: Delivers pure oxygen and hydration-boosting serums deep into the skin.
• Enzyme Masks: Gently remove dead skin while nourishing with vitamins and amino acids.
• LED Light Therapy: Reduces inflammation and stimulates collagen production for long-term hydration.

3. Radiofrequency Microneedling (RF Microneedling) or ProFractional Laser for Skin Rejuvenation

Best for: Aging skin, severe dryness, and fine lines

Dry skin often lacks elasticity due to collagen and elastin depletion. RF Microneedling and ProFractional Laser creates new collagen production while allowing the skin to absorb hydrating serums more effectively.

How It Works:

• Tiny microneedles create controlled micro-injuries in the skin.
• Radiofrequency energy heats the deeper layers to trigger collagen and elastin synthesis.
• Custom serums, such as hyaluronic acid, are infused to deeply hydrate and plump the skin.

ProFractional Laser does not use tiny microneedles but instead a laser to create microthermal zones in the skin

Why It’s Effective for Dry Skin:

RF Microneedling strengthens the skin barrier, helping it retain moisture more effectively. ProFractional Laser will do a similar effect. Creating healthier skin in order to make the skin becomes more resilient, hydrated, and youthful.

4. BroadBand Light Therapy (BBL) for Skin Repair

Best for: Sun-damaged, dry, and dull skin

BBL (BroadBand Light Therapy) is an advanced light-based treatment that addresses sun damage, pigmentation, and dryness by stimulating cellular turnover and collagen production.

How It Works:

• Light energy penetrates the skin to stimulate natural hydration and reduce inflammation.
• The treatment promotes the regeneration of fresh, hydrated skin cells.
• It enhances the effectiveness of hydrating skincare products.

Benefits for Dry Skin:

BBL not only improves hydration but also repairs UV-induced damage, a common cause of moisture loss.

5. Medical-Grade Skincare: The Best At-Home Solutions

For long-term hydration, professional treatments should be paired with a customized medical-grade skincare regimen. At Aesthetic Med Studio, we offer top-tier brands formulated with potent, science-backed ingredients.

Recommended Products for Dry Skin:

• Hyaluronic Acid Serums: Helps retain moisture and plump the skin.
• Ceramide-Based Moisturizers: Strengthen the skin barrier and lock in hydration.
• Vitamin C & E Serums: Fight oxidative stress while providing moisture.
• Gentle Exfoliants (Lactic Acid): Removes dead skin without stripping hydration.
• SPF 50+ Sunscreen: Prevents further dehydration from UV damage.

Our skincare specialists will analyze your skin and create a personalized regimen tailored to your specific needs.

Why Choose Aesthetic Med Studio for Dry Skin Treatments?

At Aesthetic Med Studio, we take a science-backed, results-driven approach to skincare. Unlike generic spa treatments, our solutions are medical-grade, meaning they deliver deeper hydration and long-lasting improvements.

What Sets Us Apart?

• Expert Team: Our experienced aestheticians and medical professionals ensure the best treatment outcomes.
• Advanced Technology: We use state-of-the-art devices for superior skin hydration.
• Customized Plans: Every client receives a tailored treatment and skincare plan for optimal results.

Dry skin can be frustrating, but with the right professional treatments and skincare regimen, you can achieve long-lasting hydration and a radiant complexion. At Aesthetic Med Studio, we offer the most advanced aesthetic solutions to help you achieve smooth, hydrated, and youthful skin.

Book Your Consultation Today!

Ready to transform your dry skin? Schedule a consultation at Aesthetic Med Studio in Springfield, MO and surrounding areas near you to let our experts create the perfect hydration plan for you.