How To Treat Dry Skin Properly
When nature does its job, your skin keeps itself permanently hydrated, thanks in part to an important skin component – “urea”. This is a natural moisturizing factor that binds moisture into the skin. Recent researches show that people with dry skin can have a reduction in urea concentration of up to 75% compared to those who have normal or oily skin, which lead to the misery of dry, itchy skin.
Dry skin tends to be thinner than the normal skin. Those with dry skin have a tendency to burn easily. It develops as a result of sebaceous glands under activity. Dry skin tends to be dehydrated. It is characterized as very fine, overly delicate and thin. Unfortunately, dry skin tends to wrinkle easily and is often filled with tiny superficial lines. Dry skin is more prone to skin infections. The skin loses its suppleness in proportion in the decrease in its water content. Skin with normal moisture content will slough off dead cells naturally, but in dry skin the superficial layers don’t peel off easily and remain attached. Sometimes the dry skin tends to fissure and these fissure damage the integrity of the skin and interfere with its function as a protective layers. Dry skin often looks flat and doesn’t reflect very much light.
If your skin is dry this simply means that your glands don’t produce enough moisture that helps maintain the fresh look of your face and the health of the epidermis. Those with dry skin are more prone to prematurely formation of wrinkles and fine lines around the eyes, the edges of the mouth and on the forehead. As your skin is deprived of the usual elasticity and natural moisturization you may have to begin using anti-aging face cream and serums early. Dry skin isn’t elastic, it is thin and needs additional hydratation. That’s why the best way to treat dry skin is to seal in moisture by forming a protective layer over it. When skin is dry every wrinkle is accentuated, making you look older.
The problems can be aggravated by exposure to sun, heat and wind. The excessive lubrication and the lack of protection against moisture loss further exacerbate these problems. We are constantly losing water through our skin as water from body cells slowly migrates to the surface and evaporates. If you live in a dry climate you will probably experience dry skin because arid air speeds up the evaporation process. Most of us get drier skin during the winter months too, because artificially heated air is dry. Air-condition environments have low humidity levels so they literally suck moisture from the skin. Sometimes is common effect of most of the acne treatments.
If your skin is dry choose a liquid foundation rather than a powder foundation. The liquid foundations contain more essential oil and moisturizing ingredients, vitamin A and vitamin E that protect your skin and create a flawless look. A liquid foundation will keep your dry skin well moisturized all day long and won’t dry it or cause irritation. If your skin is mature look for a foundation with more water and essential oils – it will even out your natural skin tone while moisturizing it at the same time.
A program of good skin nourishment and lubrication with appropriate cosmetic products and creams is highly recommended when treating dry skin.
WHAT YOU SHOULD DO IF YOU HAVE DRY SKIN:
- If your skin is dry you should use cleaning milk and gentle makeup remover.
- Your cleansers and toners should be mild and alcohol-free, specifically designed for dry skin.
- You should use a hydrating face cream and a hydrating foundation with SPF 15.
- If your skin is dry you should do a hydrating and nourishing facial mask twice a week.
- Do a facial massage with light, circular motions with almond oil or with massaging oil.
- Use moisturizing body lotion and apply it every day to the whole body.
- Use mild cleansing products, but never use a soap to cleanse the face and remove the makeup.
- In the morning apply light moisturizing cream and in the evening use oilier product.
- Massage your hands with ointment or massaging cream.
- Choose a moisturizer that is hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic.
- Apply moisturizer or body lotion while your skin is still damp.
- Use a moisturizer in the morning and at night after cleansing your face.
- Place a humidifier in your bedroom, especially if you have forced-air heat - it will help keep your skin moist.
- Exfolite your skin with gentle exfoliator once or twice a week, but make sure that the product is suitable for dry skin.
- Always use a good quality body lotion – it will soak into your skin quickly and will keep it hydrated.
- Take showers less frequently to retain your skin’s natural oils which help hold in moisture.
- Use baby oil when your skin is wet after showering and then pat dry with a towel – the baby oil calms and moisturizer dry skin deeply, leaving it hydrated and healthy looking.
- Always wear a sunscreen especially during the summer months – the UV rays dry the skin.
- Always use skin care products and cosmetics suitable for dry skin. They all should contain antioxidants, moisturizing agents and anti-inflammatory ingredients.
- Reapply your moisturizer every time you need to without worries.
- Do a cream or gel facial mask containing glycerin, sodium hyaluronete as these ingredients rehydrate dry skin.
- Choose a face cream with soy extract to soothe dry skin.
- Avoid washing your face with hot water as it removes the skin’s protective lipids.
- Take vitamin E daily to keep your skin hydrated and nourished.
- Look for a moisturizer containing petrolatum, glycerin, Aloe Vera, chamomile.
- Look for skincare products containing humectants.
- Use Aloe Vera gel and apply it over the entire body - it moisturizes the skin and help slough off the dead skin cells.
WHAT YOU SHOULD AVOID IF YOUR SKIN IS DRY:
- If your skin is dry avoid using skin care products containing water and harsh ingredients – it’s proven that instead of hydrating dry skin they make it drier.
- Avoid using skin care products containing alcohol or any harsh ingredients.
- Never use a soap to cleanse your face and to remove the makeup – it’s too harsh especially for those with dry or sensitive skin.
- Avoid using a foam cleansers– use cream cleansers instead as they are less drying and harsh.
- Avoid using face powder – sometimes it may dry your skin and cause irritation.
- Avoid caffeine, smoking and alcohol.
- Avoid washing your face with hot water – sometimes hot water kills more skin cells, which means you could experience more peeling and discomfort.
- Never scrub or rub your dry skin harshly with a towel.
- Limit the consumption of soft drinks, alcohol, cigarette smoking, sugar as they are known to dehydrate the skin.
WHAT TO EAT IF YOUR SKIN IS DRY:
Your skin is a reflection of your health. If your body is deficient of certain vitamins or minerals, that will be reflected in your skin. That’s why a healthy regimen of diet that includes raw vegetables and fruits will maintain a good healthy state of your skin. Your skin will be well moisturized and elastic. To protect your body from dehydration it’s essential to drink at least 1.5 liter mineral water per day. Consume foods rich in fatty acids. Eat foods containing vitamin A, vitamin D and zinc. Make sure your diet includes - fresh fruits and vegetables, cereals, nuts. Increase the consumption of foods containing sulphur - onion, garlic, eggs, asparagus.
HOW TO TREAT DRY SKIN:
Daily skin care regime
1 step Cleanse
Use mild cleansers formulated for dry skin. Use oil-free products researched for dry or sensitive skin. Gentle facial brushes are recommended. The cleansers leave the skin feeling clean, smooth and fresh. They wash off the makeup, the dirt and the oil, leaving the skin clean and tight.
2 step Tone
Use oil-free astringent and formula for sensitive or dry skin. Never use alcohol-based products. Toners remove the traces of makeup, dirt and oil that your cleanser may have missed. The toners also reduce pores, eliminate oil and refine the skin. Avoid using a toner containing alcohol or any harsh ingredients that may dry and irritate your dry skin.
3 step Moisture
Applying creams and body lotions is essential, in order to keep your skin well-hydrated and healthy. Use fragrance-free formulas suitable for dry skin. Light moisturizers protect, retain moisture and shield agents against the environment. Use a fragrance-free make-up remover and cotton ball to remove eye make-up.
Homemade facial masks:
Facial mask for dry skin with almond oil
Mix 150gr. Curds with 100ml. almond oil. Stir well until the ingredients blend together. Apply to the face and neck and leave it for 20 minutes. Rinse well with lukewarm water and apply a hydrating cream. The mask works well for those with dry and sensitive skin. The almond oil moisturizers and calms irritated dry skin.
Facial mask for dry skin with honey and rosewater
Mix one yolk of egg, 1 tbsp olive oil and 1 tbsp. honey and stir well. Apply the mixture to the face and after 20 minutes rinse thoroughly.
To learn more see also the articles:
How To Treat Sensitive Skin Properly and What Cosmetics To Use For Sensitive Skin
How To Select And How To Apply A Facial Moisturizer
How To Prevent Skin Dehydration
Quick And Easy Test To Determine Your Skin Type
How To Determine Your Skin Type
Recommended Products For Dry Skin:
Eucerin Extra Protective Moisture Lotion ($8) – combines intensive moisturization with SPF 30 in a lightweight, non-greasy formula. Provides 24-hour moisturization, especially good for dry skin.
Nivea Visage Gentle Cleansing Cream, Dry and Sensitive Skin ($6.20) – protects your skin’s natural moisture with skin balance technology. Eliminates skin impurities and makeup without stripping.
Nivea Body Essentially Enriched Daily Lotion For Very Dry, Rough Skin ($7) – gives your skin the intense moisture it needs, reduces redness.
Avene Cold Cream ($22) – protects skin against moisture loss and provides nourishing relief for extremely dry skin.
Avene Diroseal Anti-Redness Cream ($25.50) – specialized formula for the treatment of redness and sensitive skin. Relieves irritation and increases skin’s strength and thickness.
Lancôme Hydra Zen Cream Skin De-Stressing Moisturizer ($46) – instantly hydrate dry skin and help it to maintain its optimum moisture balance.
Elizabeth Arden EA Eight Hour Cream Skin Protectant – heals chapped, cracked skin.
Clinique Repairwear Intensive Night Cream Very Dry Skin Formula ($46) – works all night to help block and mend the look of fine lines and wrinkles. Moisturizes and nourishes your skin while you sleep.
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