This post is all about the best skincare tips to keep dry skin at bay all day every day!
Have you ever had that tight uncomfortable feeling in your skin? Sometimes it’s itchy and sometimes it’s flakey and you just know something is not right? You guessed it! I’m talking about dry skin. At some point in our lives most of us have been plagued with dry skin unless you’ve been blessed with normal skin all year round, congratulations I’m jealous. However, I don’t think you are one of those people if you are reading this post.
Usually you would think “Okay, I’ll just put on moisturizer and problem solved!” Nope! That moisturizer probably lasts a few hours and then the rest of the day your skin is left feeling parched yet again. For people who suffer with dry skin seasonally or even all year round, need more than just moisturizer. There are other factors to consider when trying to combat dry skin. These are the 10 tips that will help you the next time your skin has decided to become dehydrated.
Skincare Tips
1. Shower with lukewarm water
Let’s face it, the idea of showering with warm to hot water especially in the cooler months sounds like a great idea because it feels like a warm hug and a relief from the cold. Anything cooler than that can seem a bit….daunting. However it’s not the way to go. When you use shower with hot water, your skin becomes red and inflamed which makes it start to itch which in turn makes you scratch your skin causing dryness and flakiness. This is why showering with lukewarm water is the best to wash.
2. Stay hydrated
You know that saying “You are what you eat?” Well that rings true when it comes to dry skin. Just like you nourish your skin externally by topically applying lotions and moisturizers, you should be nourishing your skin internally as well. And what better way to do that than by staying hydrated with water? When you skip out on water you are more prone to dull, dry skin. Water prevents premature aging and promotes skin elasticity allowing your skin to be more plump and less dry.
3. Use a humidifier
Using a humidifier is a lifesaver in dry climates. When you live in a dry climate, that’s most likely going to translate to your skin. So a great way to experience a less dry climate to to make one in your home by using a humidifier. Using a humidifier keeps the air moist which in turn will keep your skin hydrated and relieve that parched feeling. It’s a fantastic way to keep your dry skin in check.
4. Stay away from heat
Similar to staying away from hot water, you should stay away from other forms of direct heat as well. You know that beautiful fireplace you may create during the holiday season or just to feel cozy and warm, keep it at a distance. Even space heaters. Or….I have the perfect example! How about those sunny days when you’re at the beach and are tanning directly under the sun? Yeah, that’s not the best idea for dry skin. Of course we all want to live a little and soak in the sun especially on vacations, but everything is moderation is best!
5. Use an occlusive moisturizer
When you have dry skin, nine times out of ten, a regular lotion just won’t cut it. You’ll probably be moisturized for a short while, but you won’t get that all day hydration. Using a thicker moisturizer that’s occlusive that’s a balm or contains oils especially right out of the shower really helps by creating a barrier between your skin and the elements to trap in the moisture and keep you hydrated much longer.
6. Exfoliate
You may be thinking if your skin is dry wouldn’t exfoliating cause your skin to be more dry or irritated? Not when it comes to dry skin. Of course you don’t want to over exfoliate because that’s not good for anyone. However, exfoliating is key because if don’t exfoliate, you’re allowing dead skin cells to collect on top of each other causing flakiness, which in turn makes it harder for your moisturizers or oils to penetrate your skin. Exfoliating one to two times per week really helps to keep your skin glowing and flake free.
7. Vitamin C
If you want to glow, vitamin c is your best friend. Of course vitamin C has other amazing benefits like protecting your skin from environmental aggressors or lightens dark spots like acne scarring, however it’s fantastic at helping to promote collagen. When we get older, our skin stops produces as much collagen which can cause dull, lifeless skin. However, if you incorporate vitamin C, because of its aid in producing collagen, your skin becomes more plump and firm. It’s a must have!
8. Avoid scratching
Of course when your skin is dry, it can start to itch so your first instinct may be to scratch it. You should refrain from scratching it because you’re causing more harm. When you scratch dry skin, it becomes inflamed and scaly. You’ll notice the dry cracks in your skin a lot more when you do this. Instead as soon as your skin starts to itch, moisturize it with a balm or heavier lotion and it’ll relieve that uncomfortable feeling.
9. Add oils into your routine
Sometimes if your skin is extremely dry, sometimes even using a heavier moisturizer doesn’t understand the assignment. In times like these, we bring out additions. Adding oils to your moisturizer are great because they give that extra layer of conditioning and leaving your face more moisturized than if you were to use only moisturizer. Using a moisturizer and oil together are lifesavers in the dead of winter. It’s best to consult with a dermatologist on which oils are best for you as there are some oils like coconut oil can contribute to acne.
10. Wear gentle fabrics
When you have dry skin, certain fabrics can be further irritating to the skin. In the colder months a lot of us love our wool sweaters because they keep us warm, however wool can be rough. Fabrics like cashmere, cotton, or silk are best because they and softer and way more gentle to the skin. Try to opt for fabrics like these the next time you go clothing shopping. However if you do wear a rough fabric in the winter, you can wear a cotton thermal underneath so that your skin is not coming in direct contact to the irritating fabric.
