Translation guide
Describes skin that lacks moisture, feels rough or tight, and may flake. In Japanese, the most common and natural way to express this is 乾燥肌 (dry skin as a condition). For temporary dryness, 肌が乾燥している is used. Medical or formal contexts may use 皮膚乾燥症.
乾燥肌です。
I have dry skin.
肌が乾燥しています。
My skin is dry.
Referring to skin that is chronically dry, or describing one's skin type as dry.
The standard, everyday term for 'dry skin' as a condition or skin type. Used in cosmetics, skincare, and daily conversation.
私は乾燥肌です。
I have dry skin.
乾燥肌用のクリームを探しています。
I'm looking for a cream for dry skin.
Describes the current state of the skin being dry, rather than a permanent condition. More temporary or situational.
最近、肌が乾燥している。
My skin has been dry lately.
Loanword from English, often used in beauty and cosmetic contexts. Sounds slightly more technical or fashionable.
ドライスキンに効果的なオイルです。
This oil is effective for dry skin.
Medical term for xerosis or dry skin condition. Used by dermatologists or in clinical contexts.
皮膚乾燥症の治療には保湿が重要です。
Moisturizing is important for treating dry skin conditions.
Describing skin that feels dry right now, often due to weather, washing, or other temporary factors.
Onomatopoeic expression for skin that feels rough, dry, and possibly flaky. Very common in casual speech.
冬は肌がカサカサする。
My skin gets dry and rough in winter.
Neutral description of skin being dry at the moment.
手を洗いすぎて肌が乾燥している。
My skin is dry from washing my hands too much.
Similar to カサカサ, but implies a lack of moisture and a slightly powdery or brittle texture. Less common.
この石鹸を使うと肌がパサパサになる。
This soap makes my skin dry and rough.
乾燥肌 is a noun meaning 'dry skin' as a type or condition. 肌が乾燥している is a phrase describing the current state. Use 乾燥肌 when talking about skin type (e.g., 'I have dry skin'), and 肌が乾燥している when describing temporary dryness (e.g., 'My skin is dry today').
The literal translation '乾いた肌' (kawaita hada) is not natural for describing dry skin in Japanese. It sounds like skin that has been physically dried with a towel. Use 乾燥肌 or 肌が乾燥している instead.