Dry skin not only looks unpleasant, but can feel really uncomfortable. Plus our skin can reflect our life, from aging to health. So it’s important to take care of it and there are a lot of ways to keep your skin in tip-top shape.
What Can I Do For Extremely Dry Skin?
These skin care tips for dry skin show that taking care of dry skin can be done successfully with some simple changes. One of the first things to do is not get so used to the same routine that you miss how weather changes can impact your skin. You may need a different routine if you live in a location where the temperatures dip in the winter or have hot, humid summers.
To start with, dermatologists recommend the following steps to help dry skin.
Bath Time
As nice as a long, hot shower sounds, it’s certainly not good for your skin so start by keeping your shower or bath to 5-10 minutes maximum. Dermatologists also recommend:
- Using warm, not hot water.
- Using a gentle cleanser since dry skin can be sensitive.
- Blot your skin dry with a towel. Don’t rub.
Moisturize
There are many varieties from lotions, creams, even ointments. They work to trap existing moisture in the skin. It’s important to moisturize right after getting out of the shower and anytime you wash your face or hands.
Ingredients such as olive oil, jojoba oil and shea butter are good at moisturizing. Ointments and creams can be more effective and better for really sensitive, dry skin.
Gentle Cleansers And Detergents
Since dry skin can be sensitive, look into using unscented skincare products. This includes lotions as well as deodorants and even laundry detergents.
Gloves And Clothing
Whether you live in a cold climate or if your hands are exposed to a lot of water or chemicals, protect them with gloves. Also, make sure to choose a material that feels comfortable like natural fibers.
Air Quality
Fireplaces and other sources of heat can dry skin out so don’t sit too close to them. If necessary, add a humidifier to add moisture to the air, especially in dry climates.
How To Build A Skin Care Routine For Dry Skin
Creating a skincare routine for dry skin isn’t too hard or costly. It’s important to find products that will help lock in moisture for the whole day. Read on for an easy-to-follow routine for dry skin:
Cleanse Your Skin
Wash your face with a gentle and hydrating face cleanser.
Apply Serum
The serum has a high concentration of antioxidants that prevent damage caused by harmful free radicals so it protects from environmental issues.
Moisturize
Moisturize right away. This is one of the most crucial steps for dry skin. Make sure to moisturize within 3 minutes of washing your face. Look for a moisturizer that is gentle and doesn’t contain any irritants like fragrances.
Sun Protection
This step is important to protect from harmful UV rays. An SPF 30 or higher is ideal.
How To Treat Dry Skin On Your Face
Dry skin on the face can be more noticeable and embarrassing that anywhere else on the body. Make sure to follow the steps above, but take it a step further making you sure you moisturize your lips too.
Exfoliate
Make sure to not over-exfoliate. Once a week for dry skin may be more than enough. But make sure to apply it gently and don’t rub aggressively.
Makeup
Matte products can make dry skin look patchy. Liquid products can help give a dewy look.
Night Cream
Use a night cream to help lock in moisture while you sleep. This also gives skin a chance to recover.
How To Cure Dry Skin Overnight
As we just mentioned using a night cream can help lock in moisture. But here are some other options to consider:
Face Mask
Instead of just applying the cream, use an overnight face mask made to be worn while you sleep. It can help hydrate skin, leaving it feeling softer too.
Coconut Oil
It can deeply moisturize, has antioxidants and since it contains fatty acids, it creates a barrier for the skin.
Hyaluronic Acid
Products with hyaluronic acid can help moisturize, smooth and even plump the appearance of the skin, helping with wrinkles.
What Is The Best Skin Care Routine For Dry Skin?
Cleanse, moisturize, repeat. It seems like that is the best way to take care of skin, but let’s go beneath the surface and see what else you can do to create the ultimate skin care routine for your dry skin.
Hydrate
First, stay hydrated. If your body is dehydrated, your skin will be too. So make sure you are drinking enough fluids throughout the day (water preferably) to stay properly hydrated.
Watch The Flakes
It’s natural to want to exfoliate the flakes away, but that’s just a sign that your skin needs hydration, not a harsh exfoliator.
Non-Foaming Cleanser
Foam does not necessarily mean gentle. It’s important to use a simple cleaner that will remove dirt without disrupting the outer layer of the skin. Look for one that has hyaluronic acid, but doesn’t foam.
Day Versus Night
The morning should be about protecting the skin from the environment while providing moisture. Your nighttime routine should be a time for recovery and replenishing moisture.
What Do Dermatologists Recommend For Dry Skin
Retaining moisture can be more difficult as we age. Add harsh winters, dry climates, bathing and just going about our daily lives and our naturally dry skin faces a battle every day. But dermatologists recommend simple changes that can be easily made for a dry skincare routine.
Oil-Based Moisturizers
Water-based lotions are easier to apply, but oil-based moisturizers are better at trapping moisture in.
Bathe Right
Not only should you take a quick shower with warm water, don’t shower more than once a day otherwise you run the risk of removing the natural oils from your skin.
Deodorant Soaps
These should only be used in certain areas like under the arms. They can be too harsh and drying.
Skin Care Routine For Dry Skin In Summer
It’s easy to think that dry skin care in summer would be easier than winter, but the summer heat can still do a number on your skin.
Sun Protection
Besides cleansing and moisturizing, it is especially important to make sure you use sun protection. Sunscreen is a must and it’s important to reapply it at least every two hours or right after swimming or sweating.
It’s also really important to make sure to limit sun exposure during the peak hours of 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Seek shake, cover up exposed areas or wear a large hat for extra protection.
Shaving
Whether you are shaving your legs to wear shorts or shaving your beard for a hair-free face, it’s important to take these tips on protecting your skin.
- Don’t shave dry skin
- Use a shaving cream or gel
- Shave in the direction that hair grows
- Change blades every five to seven shaves for less irritation
How To Cure Dry Skin On Legs
Dry skin on legs can be caused by sun exposure, lack of exfoliation, dry weather, scented lotions or even hot showers. Keep in mind some of the tips already talked about especially with moisturizing and shaving, but these extra tips can keep your legs moisturized.
Dry Brushing
Dry brushing can boost circulation and help dislodge any rough, dry skin cells that cling to your leg’s surface. It can also help stimulate collagen production which can lessen the appearance of fat cells and cellulite.
Body Oil
Instead of using a body wash, consider a body oil. It doesn’t strip the skin or leave a lot of grease. Instead, it foams up and washes away, leaving skin hydrated.
Salicylic Acid
This ingredient can actually peel back scaly dead skin cells. It can also help prevent any red bumps or ingrown hairs.
Is Dry Skin Better For Acne?
While acne is more associated with oily skin, it can actually happen with dry skin. Anything that clogs your pores can cause breakouts.
Since everyone has different skin, you may need to experiment to find the right products for you. While oil-based lotions and heavy moisturizers are one of the first lines of defense with dry skin, it can clog pores if skin isn’t cleansed or exfoliated (1). But you also need to not over-cleanse or exfoliate because that can further dry skin out. Find what works for you.
Supplements For Skin Care
Healthy skin also requires healthy cells. Spermidine is a supplement that can trigger cell renewal through a process known as autophagy; old, damaged cell components are recycled for new, healthy cells to be formed. Healthy cells operate more efficiently and work alongside a dry skincare routine to help the skin from the inside out.
Listen to this article:
