Skin comes in all textures and shades, and everyone has experienced having dry skin, especially when it is winter or in a desert-like region. Although some may think its just a skin deep problem, dry skin if remains unchecked can cause pain, itching, or worse skin problems. In this situation, you will find the list of the best ways to help with dry skin and keep your face looking moisturized and healthy.
Understanding Dry Skin
Dry skin is when your skin does not have enough water in the outer layer of the skin which is known as the stratum corneum. Several reasons can trigger this condition including:
Seasonal weather patterns: Low temperature, low moisture or too much exposure to sunlight.
Individual lifestyle: Keeping hot water baths for longer periods, using very strong cleansing shower bars and not taking enough fluids in a day.
Medical issues: Atopic dermatitis, plaque psoriasis or having a low thyroid level.
Identifying these risk factors is the primary factor in assessing the treatment of the individual’s skin.
1. Internal hydration.
Your skin is a good indicator of how hydrated you are. Adequate water intake during the day helps to keep the skin nourished and healthy. Consume at least 8 cups of water every day and do more if taking in caffeinated drinks or engaging in sports activities.
Besides, eating water-rich foods can help too to some extent. These include fruits and vegetables that have a lot of water inside such as cucumber, watermelon and oranges. Foods that contains omega 3 fats such as fish, flaxseeds and walnuts also contribute to enhancing your skin barrier thereby preventing moisture loss.
2. Opt for Low-Impact Skin Care Products
Strong cleansers take away moisture and natural oils from the skin leading to an even worse dry skin condition. Look for hydrating or gentle on the label instead. Pay attention to the following elements:
Glycerin: Helps keep your skin moisturized.
Ceramides: Helps repair the skin barrier.
Oatmeal: Calms skin and helps keep moisture in.
Sulfates, alcohol, synthetic scents should be avoided in all cosmetic items of skin care, as they enhance dryness and irritability.
3. Moisturize After Cleansing Without Delay
Right after washing the face or after having a bath is the right time to apply some moisturizing lotion or cream. Also, it is good practice to moisturize when the skin is ‘sweaty’ as it assists in trapping any hydrating agents that may otherwise be lost to evaporation. Use a moisturizer that meets your individual needs:
Very dry skin: gooey creams or ointments with petrolatum, shea butter, honey wax, and the like.
Mildly dry: skin-friendly gel and cream-based lotion with active ingredients like hyaluronic acid or vera gel.
4. Hot Showers and Baths should be Taken in Moderation
Though hot water is therapeutic, it robs the skin of its moisture therefore leaving it quite dry. For this reason, warm water is preferred, and showers or baths kept at less than 10 minutes. While bathing or showering, do not rub yourself with a towel; rather, gently dab with a clean soft towel to remove excess water from the surface of the skin.
5. Exfoliation Has Its Benefits But Do It Moderately
Exfoliation is helpful in that it also clears away dead skins so that the application of the moisturizer is more effective. On the contrary, exfoliation is also a skin barrier weakening factor when done excessively. Avoid over-use of exfoliating products that are aggressive or that may be physically tiring and damaging and instead do those that are safe and gentle. Use scrubs which do cannot cause inordinate friction on the skin.
6. Take Care of Your Skin in Any Weather Conditions
Under cold, windy or bright sunshine, the skin generally tends to get even drier. To avoid the adverse effects of such weather on the skin:
Ensure a pair of gloves, a scarf and a hat are worn when it is cold.
Irrespective of th season, apply a broad spectrum sunscreen with an sunscreen protection factor of 30 and above.
Before going out, apply a thick layer of lotion to the exposed body parts.
7. Purchase a Humidifier
Most of the indoor heating systems decrease the humidity of the air leading to dry skin condition. A humidifier adds water vapor to the surrounding air, therefore easing the straining effects of dry air on the skin. Always use the humidifier in either the bedroom or the sitting room and ensure it is on while sleeping for effective results.
8. Don’t Forget About The Care of Hands and Feet
Your hands and feet are subjected to excessive amounts of water and even dryness while done, and near the sun there are considerable wonders. To avoid these terrible beatification effects:
After every hand wash, do not forget to apply that hand cream.
You can apply a heavy cream or foot cream and wear socks overnight to keep the moisture in.
Refrain from using very hot water or irritating hand wash soaps.
9. Stay Away from Irritants
Some materials, soaps, and even some chemicals can exasperate dry skin. Use breathable, natural materials such as cotton and wear hypo allergic cleaning detergents instead. Be careful when using cleaning agents at home, use gloves and get low level or mild cleaning agents.
10. Seek Assistance from Specialists for Extreme Cases of Dryness
In cases where dry flakes of skin persists with redness, and or peels and cracks it’s advisable to seek medical assistance. Some conditions for instance eczema or psoriasis require, treatment from specialist and such treatment cannot be generic. There is no need to be persistent in trying different solutions under the counter if they don’t work.
11. Develop a Regimen Catering for Dry Skin Shown Above
A proper skincare regime if maintained could achieve desirable effects. For instance:
Morning Regimen
Hydrate by cleansing with a mild cleanser
Hydrate using a serum containing hyaluronic acid or glycerin
Apply a free weight moisturizer
Use sunscreen to shield your skin from the sun.
Nighty Routine:
Dress up, take off your makeup and wash your face
Massage a serum or oil into your face
Either a thick night cream or a sleeping mask cream should be applied.
12. Do Not Abandon and Be Calm
Dealing with dry skin needs a lot of time and consistency. Follow through with your skin regimen and resist the temptation to mix too many skin products. Evaluate the response of your skin and modify your approach/strategy accordingly.
Conclusion
Dry skin can be annoying but it can be manageable with the right treatment and measures. Remember to hydrate, and use appropriate products and methods to minimize the impact of environmental conditions. By practicing these elements on a daily basis, your skin will become softer, smoother and will be healthier.
Also, take care of your internal state since healthy skin will always reflect a balanced way of living so make sure you eat well, drink water, and practice self-care. Keep hydrated! next blog post
