Anyone with dry skin will know full well that it requires a little more TLC than normal skin does. Skin is amazing, and considering it’s your body’s largest organ-it makes up 15% of your body weight-looking after it is pretty important. You may not be able to change your skin type, but you can care for dry skin like a pro. Here’re the things you really need to avoid:
A)Being afraid to use oils
Just because you have dry skin doesn’t mean you can’t try the latest skin care trends. One you should consider for dry skin: facial oils! Using a facial oil on dry skin can help nourish and hydrate your complexion. Pick a facial oil that can help create the appearance of more radiant skin and place four to five drops in the palm of your hand. With a finger, dab the oil onto your skin in small dots, then use the surface of your hands to slowly spread the oil out over your visage. You can apply facial oils over your moisturizer to maximize hydration!
B)You don’t moisturize on damp skin
Your hydrator-of-choice will glide on easily and penetrate the skin more deeply if you don’t waste any time after showering. In the morning, timing is everything, and the best time to moisturize is within seconds of getting out of the shower. If you have dry skin, make sure you put on a good moisturizer immediately afterward.
C)Choosing any old cream or lotion
Using a moisturizer is a must for everyone, and that’s definitely the case for super dried out skin. That being said, it’s a good idea to pick one that’s formulated for your skin type instead of grabbing any random cream off the shelf. What works for oily skin may not work for dry skin. If you have dry skin, try using one of the following lightweight water-based moisturizers, both of which are formulated with hyaluronic acid and aloe vera water to help provide long-lasting hydration.
D)Skipping sun protection
you should wear an SPF of 15 or higher daily as directed and you should reapply it at least every two hours or immediately after swimming or sweating. Sun protection doesn’t stop there, though. The FDA also states that you should limit your amount of time in the sun (especially during the sun’s peak hours of 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.), seek shade, and cover up exposed areas in long sleeves, pants, a broad-brimmed hat, and UV-blocking sunglasses. For those days when you’re rushing out the door, consider using a moisturizer formulated with broad-spectrum sunscreen to help cut down on the number of steps in your skin care routine.
E)Focusing on treatment instead of prevention
It’s easy to notice a dry patch, slather on lotion, and then repeat the process as needed. If you’re prone to dry skin or eczema, start using lotion every single day after the shower. If you use on a one-off basis, you end up chasing your dry skin problems instead of preventing and properly treating them.
F)Taking steaming hot showers
Hot showers can be extremely relaxing-there’s no argument here. The only problem is, they’re also not so swell for your skin. When you bathe in water that’s too warm, it can strip your skin of essential oils, causing it to become even drier. Obviously, that’s the last thing you want if you have dry skin. The next time you hop in the shower, turn down the dial and cleanse your skin in lukewarm water instead. Sure, it might not be quite as relaxing, but your skin will certainly thank you!
G)Spending time in dry environments
While you may not be in charge of how dry the air is all the time, you can make a few tiny changes that can help add moisture back into the air. When you spend a lot of time in air-conditioned or heated spaces, the lack of moisture in the air can end up affecting your skin. Using a humidifier is a great way to help add much-needed moisture back into the air. If you have dry skin, turn a portable humidifier on while you work and keep one by your bed to help maintain skin hydration while you sleep.