Learn about how to treat dry skin with simple, effective way. Discover skincare routines, best ingredients, and natural remedies to keep your skin hydrated, soft, and healthy.
Table of Contents
What is dry skin:
Dry skin is one of the types of skin. When the skin loses too much water or is unable to retain the moisture already present in it becomes dry. This is called dry skin. Individuals who have dry skin often experience discomfort, tightness, roughness, and many other irritations at a time. This skin issues can take off your skin’s natural glow and look like older than your age. But by a proper routine one can get rid of this skin problem. That’s why you should find out the cause behind it and should know how to treat dry skin.
Understanding the causes of dry skin:
Before starting a skincare routine, you should know the causes of dry skin. Dry skin also known as xerosis, happens for lacking of necessary moisture to keep it soft and supple. Dry skin causes can be classified into external and internal. While there is not much you can do about the internal causes, certain external causes can be modified to help in your favor.
Here are some external causes:
- Environmental Factor:
Lack of humidity, very cold weather and wind can strip your moisture of skin.
What to do:
When the ambient humidity drops, your skin starts feeling dry. So while you are bathing it is important to close the bathroom door to retain the moisture inside. Use warm or lukewarm water rather than hot water. It is best to limit the time of shower to 5 to 10 minutes and not exceed this time limit. Use gentle non-firming cleanser to clean your body and face.
Pro Tips: You can take a bucket bath. In that bucket water you can add in about 8 to 10 teaspoons of coconut oil and bath with that water. This way it will not dry your skin out.
- Frequent Washing:
Over-washing, especially with very hot water, can damage skin’s natural barrier and remove oils from skin.
- Harsh soaps and detergents:
Some soaps and detergents contain harsh chemical that can reduce your skin’s natural oil.
- Lifestyle Factors:
Frequently use of hot water, using harsh face wash, do not use moisturizer regularly, eating so much junk food, do not eating vegetables and do not drinking mineral water properly can increase the dryness of skin.
Here are some internal causes:
- Medical condition:
Ambiences like eczema, psoriasis, and hypothyroidism, low thyroxine levels, and diabetes can cause chronic dry skin that demands medical attention.
- Genetical Issues:
Some people experience dry skin according to their family.
- Aging:
As we get older, our skin produces less oil that can lead to dryness, tightness, and roughness.
Effective skincare routine for dry skin:
- Gentle Cleansing:
If anybody askes how to treat dry skin, then we will tell him/her to pick up a gentle cleanser and wash your face regularly. Cleansing is a very important part of skincare routine, but when it comes to dry skin, it is important to consider it with extra care. If you do not wash your skin properly with a gentle non-foaming cleanser them it will slowly goo worsen.
Dry skin has already lack of oil, harsh cleansers which contain alcohol, fragrances and sulfates, can be more irritating for dry or sensitive skin. To hydrate your skin you can try finding cleansers or cleansing milks rather than face washes. They are meant for dry skin. For choosing a cleanser you should avoid foam based cleanser. Better you choose a cream or gel base cleanser.
- Moisturizing:
Apply a moisturizer right after washing your face or showering. You need to use your moisturizer two to three times a day in order to appropriately provide moisture to your skin. Search for products that is formulated with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, aloe vera, ceramides. These ingredients help to restore and retain the skin’s natural moisture.
If you like to include an active molecule, you can do it under the layer of your moisturizer. You can try using vitamin C or a niacinamide or hyaluronic acid face serums. These are non-irritating and can suit your skin. Most of these help you with pigmentation issues as well. Try finding these products in serum or cream form. This extra layer will also provide hydration to your skin.
Pro Tips: Moisturize on Dam skin. Using moisturizer on Dam skin helps in sealing the moisture for a longer period of time and provides longer lasting hydration.
- Sun-Protection:
Exposure to sun can lead to evaporation of water from the skin surface making it drier. So always apply a broad-spectrum SPF, even on cloudy days. That can prevent dehydration of your skin. Sun damage also lead to premature aging.
Tips for attending a party:
If you would like to make some extra efforts for your dry skin, you can try using a sheet mask that contains bio-cellulose or hyaluronic acid immediately before you attend a party. This extra layer of moisture will make you comfortable and give you that kind of glow and plumpness you deserve.
Home Remedies for Dry Skin:
For a good skincare routine, many home remedies can help alleviate dry skin.
Oatmeal Baths: Adding ground oatmeal to your bath can gratify and moisturize your dry skin.
Coconut Oil: Organic coconut oil is a natural emollient, which can moisturize your skin deeply. Apply it after bath or during bath by mixing it into your bathing water to lock in moisture.
Aloe vera: Aloe vera is known for its antibacterial, antiviral, and antiseptic properties. It can be applied directly to dry, damage, and irritated skin to provide relief and promote healing.
Honey Mask: Honey is a natural humectant that means it helps retain moisture. Honey mask can be applied once in a week to keep your skin hydrated. But if you have allergy on honey then you should avoid it.
Common Mistakes to avoid:
When we are treating dry skin and sensitive skin, we should avoid certain common mistakes like-
Over-exfoliating:
For removing dead skin cells, exfoliation plays a great role. But doing it too often can damage your skin by stripping natural oil and sebum. That can put you in a big trouble.
Skipping Moisturizer:
Never skip moisturizing your skin, especially after washing face or showering. This step is very important to keep your skin hydrated.
Using Hot Water:
Hot water can take all off your skin’s natural moisture, leading to dryness. Use lukewarm or warm water to wash your face.
When to see a Dermatologist:
If your skin’s dryness increases badly despite following a proper skincare routine, it is high time you should go to a dermatologist for better treatment.
Conclusion:
How to treat dry skin involves understanding its causes, maintain a daily skincare routine with most gentle and effective products, and using effective home remedies. By avoiding common mistakes and knowing when to go to a dermatologist, one can have a healthy, hydrated skin year-round.