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An Easy And Effective Skincare Routine For Dry Skin
If you struggle with dry skin, you know how difficult it can be to manage. Nobody wants to walk around with dry, cracked skin all the time! Fortunately, an easy skincare routine for dry skin can help you repair the damage and maintain glowing, soft skin.
These simple steps may help you combat dry skin and keep it at bay.
Table Of Contents
Why Is My Skin Dry?
Before tackling your dry skin, it's essential to know why it's dry in the first place. While several factors can play a role, below are a few of the most common.
Genetic Disposition
Unfortunately, some of us are just predisposed to having dry skin. If your family has a history of this condition, then there's a chance you may be dealing with the same thing.
If you notice that your skin just doesn't lock in moisture like other people's, it could be a sign that your genes are playing a part. While there's nothing you can do to alter your genetic makeup, you can still take steps to manage your dry skin.
Irritant Exposure
If your skin comes in contact with something irritating, like a chemical or even an allergen, it could lead to a dry and uncomfortable feeling. If you've noticed that feeling regularly, you may be sensitive to certain things.
Journaling can help you pinpoint the particular irritant that's causing you trouble. Keep track of your skin’s condition over time as you document your daily activities, and note which products you use. This can help you look for patterns.
A doctor can also assist with this, especially if you have underlying allergies causing your skin to become dry.
Harsh Environment
What's the climate like where you live? Environmental factors could affect your skin if you reside in a place with extremely cold or dry weather.
Low humidity levels combined with extreme temperatures in either direction can impact your skin's natural moisture barrier, resulting in dry patches. Running a humidifier in your home and taking extra steps to protect your skin when outside can make a difference.
Medications
Certain classes of drugs, such as diuretics, statins, and some acne treatments, can cause your skin to dry out. Check with your doctor if you think your prescriptions are the issue.
Your Age
As you age, your skin's ability to produce natural oils decreases, leading to dryness. In addition, hormonal changes during menopause can result in dry skin.
Without a good skincare routine, you may find it harder to keep your skin moisturized as you grow older.
Dry Skin Symptoms
The most common symptom of dry skin is an itchy feeling followed by flaking, scaling, and cracking. You may also notice rough patches or redness in the areas where you experience dryness.
These symptoms may always be present, or they may come and go depending on the cause.
Where You’ll Notice Dry Skin
You can experience dry skin all over your body, but some places may be more prone to this condition. These include your:
The good news is that no matter where you're experiencing dry skin, the skincare routine for dry skin outlined below can help you manage it.
An Effective Skincare Routine For Dry Skin
If you're ready to fight back against your dry skin, here are six things you need to do:
1) Wash Your Face (With The Right Products)
Though too much (hot) water can dry out your skin, keeping it clean is vital. So take time to give your face a gentle wash twice a day.
Your evening wash is especially crucial, as it removes the dirt and sweat that have collected on your skin throughout the day, along with any makeup or other products. This allows your skin to rest and rejuvenate all night long.
When cleansing, make sure to use skincare products designed for dry skin, as harsher cleansers can strip away necessary moisture. Look for formulas containing hydrating ingredients, like niacinamide and guar bean extract, to help improve your skin's condition.
Also, don't scrub too hard or use too much friction. Being rough can damage your skin's protective layer, making you more prone to dryness.
2) Add A Toner
Toners help remove any leftover impurities from cleansing and restore your skin's pH balance. But, as with any skincare product, too much of a good thing can be detrimental.
Don't overuse your toner, or you may find yourself with flaky, dry skin that’s worse than before. While many toners call for use twice a day, this might be too much for your dry skin. Start by using it once a day, and keep an eye on how your skin responds.
Additionally, always read the product instructions and use as directed. Otherwise, you may end up applying too much at a time.
Finally, ensure the toner you select is a good fit for dry skin. You’ll want to find one that’s alcohol-free and contains hydrating ingredients, such as hyaluronic acid or vitamin E.
3) Lock In Moisture
One of the best ways to combat dry skin is to keep your skin moisturized. You can use a moisturizing cream, lotion, or oil to accomplish this. Pick one that's made for your skin type and has natural ingredients, like shea butter and almond oil, to help lock in moisture.
Apply the product right after you wash when your skin is still damp. This timing will help seal in the water and keep your skin hydrated for longer.
You'll also need to pay attention to your hydration levels. If you're not drinking enough water, your skin won't be able to keep up with all the moisture it needs, leading to dryness.
4) Be Sun Smart
When it comes to skin care, the sun is an often-neglected part of the equation. Unfortunately, the sun’s damaging UV rays can rob your skin of natural oils, leading to further dryness and irritation.
To better keep your skin moist and protect it from harm, don’t skimp on sunscreen. Instead, look for one with gentle ingredients. Some sunscreen products are specially formulated for people with dry skin. Give one of these a try to see how your body reacts.
Once you find a good sunscreen, apply it regularly. Anytime you're going to be outside for more than 20 minutes, don't forget to slather it on. And if you're swimming, make sure to reapply every two hours.
If the sun is especially harsh, consider wearing a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses to protect your face, neck, and eyes. Lightweight, long-sleeved shirts are also a great way to guard your skin against the sun's rays.
5) Avoid Irritants
If you know that something dries out your skin, try to avoid it. This means staying away from skincare products containing harsh ingredients, as well as activities like taking hot showers or long baths.
You may also need to watch out for specific fabrics. Synthetic materials like polyester, nylon, and rayon tend to trap heat and pull away moisture. Instead of those, wear loose-fitting clothes made of cotton or other natural fibers that allow your skin to breathe.
In addition, be cautious when cleaning. Many household cleaners contain ingredients that can dry your skin out, so stick with natural alternatives, like vinegar or baking soda, when possible. If you need to use a harsh chemical, wear gloves and wash your hands when you’re finished.
6) Be Consistent With Your Skincare Routine For Dry Skin
Dry skin isn't something that goes away overnight. To keep it in check, you'll need to establish a skincare routine and stick with it.
The steps above will help you manage your dry skin when done consistently. So don’t try it for a week or two and then give up. Patience is key!
Dry Skin Be Gone!
Dry skin doesn't have to stand in the way of having soft, glowing skin. With the right skincare routine for dry skin and some patience, you’ll soon notice an improvement in your skin's appearance.
At Bodewell, we’re here to support you along your skincare journey. Whether you’re dealing with dry skin, eczema, psoriasis, or another skin condition, you deserve to have better skin days!
Sources
American Skin Association Pinnacle ENT XCode Life
