In short
The most common cause is dryness. Hot water and harsh foam strip away the skin's lipids, so the skin loses water, feels tight and itches. Lukewarm water, a gentle cleanser and a moisturiser after the shower are often enough.
Tightness is the first sign
If your legs, arms or back feel tight when you step out of the shower, your skin has lost too much of its lipids during washing. Cosmetic scientists have known this for years: harsh foaming agents act on the skin's proteins and lipids. The result is tightness, dryness and itching.
The first thing to go during washing is the skin's own fatty acids. As these lipids dwindle, the skin's protective layer weakens and dryness sets in.
Dryness is more common than you might think
In Germany, dermatologists examined 48,630 employees from head to toe. Dry skin was found in 29.4% of them. That is roughly one in every three to four people. The rate rises with age.
Why is it worse in winter?
Cold, dry air lowers the skin's barrier function. On top of that, showers get longer and the water gets hotter in winter. Put the two together and complaints of itching go up.
What can you do?
Keep the water lukewarm and the shower short. Use a cleanser that is free from harsh sulphates. Apply a moisturiser after drying off; no difference was found between applying it straight away or half an hour later. What matters is that you apply it.
If the itching doesn't go away, or if there is redness or a rash, see a dermatologist. There may be causes other than dryness.
Sources
- Ananthapadmanabhan KP et al. (2004). Cleansing without compromise: the impact of cleansers on the skin barrier and the technology of mild cleansing. Dermatologic Therapy 17(Suppl 1):16–25. doi:10.1111/j.1396-0296.2004.04S1002.x
- Ananthapadmanabhan KP et al. (2013). Stratum corneum fatty acids: their critical role in preserving barrier integrity during cleansing. International Journal of Cosmetic Science 35(4):337–345. doi:10.1111/ics.12042
- Augustin M et al. (2019). Prevalence, predictors and comorbidity of dry skin in the general population. Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology 33(1):147–150. doi:10.1111/jdv.15157
- Engebretsen KA et al. (2016). The effect of environmental humidity and temperature on skin barrier function and dermatitis. Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology 30(2):223–249. doi:10.1111/jdv.13301
- Nguyen KH et al. (2022). Moisturizing effectiveness of immediate compared with delayed moisturization. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology 21(10):5134–5140. doi:10.1111/jocd.15003
These studies were not carried out with EcoProbiotic products.