Dry skin is a problem that affects a large portion of the population, occasionally for some and chronic for others. The most effective cure is to moisturize it regularly using healthy ingredients. The main purpose is to help her retain her natural oils. Since the skin is the largest organ in the body, it is important to take care of its hygiene on a daily basis to protect it and help it stay healthy.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Choosing a Good Moisturizer
Step 1. Determine what type your skin is
It is essential to know its characteristics in order to choose the best product. To find out which category your skin belongs to, wash your face, pat it dry, and then let an hour pass. Next, try to notice if it's dry or greasy. You will find a more detailed guide within this article.
Step 2. Look for a suitable moisturizer
By now you should have found out which category your skin belongs to. The main distinction is between "dry", "normal", "mixed" or "oily". In addition to these there are also two other categories: "sensitive" and "mature".
- Generally, moisturizers formulated for dry skin are based on oil or petroleum jelly.
- If you have oily skin, you should use a water-based, non-comedogenic cream to prevent it from clogging your pores.
- Normal or combination skin needs a water-based moisturizer that also contains oils, albeit in smaller quantities than products intended for dry skin.
- If you have sensitive skin, it is best to use a product with soothing or therapeutic properties. Among the recommended creams are those that contain chamomile or aloe. Instead, avoid products that are perfumed, colored or that take advantage of the properties of acids.
- The most suitable creams for mature skin are those based on petroleum jelly enriched with oils. You will find a wide selection of products formulated to meet the needs of mature skin, for example to reduce the visibility of wrinkles.
- In addition to creams, there are also excellent moisturizing butters based on natural emollient ingredients.
Step 3. Consult a dermatologist for a prescription for a specific cream, especially if your dry skin problem is chronic
Many people have combination skin, characterized by areas where the skin is very dry and others where it is oily and impure. The dermatologist will be able to point you to a product that meets each of these needs. It may also give you additional advice on cleansing and daily care.
Part 2 of 3: Treating Dry Skin
Step 1. Determine if you have dry skin
Do you often feel it tight or rough? Does it get itchy, red and crack after a shower? Do you often have a dull, gray complexion? If you answered yes to any of these questions, take extra care when moisturizing your skin. The ideal is to use a product that can rebalance the production of natural oils.
Step 2. Take precautions when showering to prevent your skin from becoming even drier
Close the bathroom door to keep the humidity inside the room and try to reduce the water temperature and the duration of the shower. If the skin dries naturally in the air it becomes even drier, so pat it gently with the towel, without rubbing. Apply the moisturizer to dry skin immediately after taking a shower.
Step 3. Use lip balm if you have dry lips
Don't forget to regularly take care of your lips too if you have dry facial skin. During the day, be careful not to lick them so as not to aggravate the problem. Most lip balms have SPF (sun protection factor) to protect lips from the sun, especially when they are dry or chapped. If after using a new lip balm you notice that your lips are unusually swollen, red or sore, try a different product.
Step 4. Use only skin-friendly products
Before applying any product on your face, for example a perfume, an aftershave, a soap or a cream, make sure that it does not contain aggressive substances, such as alcohol, fragrances or acids (for example alpha-hydroxy acids). If you use them only occasionally, your skin may be able to resist and fight the negative effects of these substances, but it is important to give it time to recover. To keep it hydrated when dry, we recommend using a laundry detergent formulated for delicate fabrics.
Step 5. Use gloves if you have dry hands
Especially during the winter months it is important to protect them from wind and low temperatures. Also, you should always use rubber gloves when washing dishes because hot water and detergent help make your skin dry. Apply a moisturizer to your hands at least once a day as long as they feel dry.
Step 6. Avoid heat sources and use a humidifier until the skin regains its balance
One of the main causes of dry skin is prolonged exposure to hot air. Keeping your hands by the fire in cold weather is certainly pleasant, but try not to get them too close or the condition of already dry skin will only worsen. At home or in the office, use a humidifier to keep the humidity in the air at a correct level.
Part 3 of 3: Keeping Skin Healthy
Step 1. Choose a shower gel suitable for your skin type that you can use every day
The best are those that take advantage of the properties of natural oils (for example coconut oil, jojoba or extra virgin olive oil) to help the skin retain its moisture. You can ask your dermatologist or the staff of a shop specializing in natural products and cosmetics for advice. It is best to absolutely avoid bubble baths that contain alcohol because they deprive the skin of its protective moisturizing oils.
Step 2. Thoroughly dry your body after a bath or shower
Although it may seem strange, water can dry out the skin, unless proper precautions are taken. To keep her hydrated and healthy, it is important to adopt some good habits, such as drying the body well after taking a bath or shower, gently patting the skin with a clean towel. Be careful not to rub it, and remember to apply a moisturizer to areas where the skin dries more easily or is exposed to the air, such as on your hands or face.
Step 3. Be careful when shaving
Regardless of the type of razor, before shaving you should moisturize your facial skin using a pre-shave cream that prevents irritation or a damp towel. Avoid aftershave products and lotions that contain alcohol as they can dehydrate the skin. The skin of the legs also needs to be made softer and more elastic before hair removal using a moisturizing shower gel.
Step 4. Always have a moisturizer on hand
You should always have a hand cream and a body cream available because they are two different products that meet very different needs. Depending on the season, it is best to choose a cream with SPF to protect the skin from harmful ultraviolet rays. Keep the moisturizer in your bag and remember to apply it every time you wash your hands.
Step 5. Establish a skincare routine and practice it every day
Remember that the most effective weapon against dry skin is prevention. Don't forget to take care of your skin even when you travel to keep it healthy. If you want to avoid having to pay too much attention to it, the best thing to do is to take care of it every day for a few minutes.
Step 6. Adopt daily habits that are good for your skin
Your skin will appreciate even small changes in your lifestyle. If you want her to stay hydrated and healthy:
- Drink lots of water. You should drink at least 2.2 liters per day if you are a woman or 3 liters if you are a man.
- Not smoking. Smoking causes skin to age faster, so you will end up with wrinkles much sooner than expected. The only way to prevent the skin damage from smoking is to quit smoking.
Advice
- You should use a cream based on natural oils, they will protect the skin from environmental factors that inevitably dehydrate it and help it to remain young and supple.
- In general, it is best not to use water that is too hot when showering or bathing. In addition to directly damaging the epidermis, hot water deprives the skin of its protective natural oils.
- The change of season greatly affects skin hydration and sebum production. During the summer months, a smaller amount of moisturizer is sufficient, but do not stop using it to keep the skin healthy and not to lose the good habit of taking care of it every day. In winter your skin will need more attention due to the wind, low temperatures and dry air present indoors.
Warnings
- Collect as much information as possible before purchasing any type of cream or lotion on the internet.
- If you have consistently dry skin, ask your doctor or dermatologist for help.
- Perform a patch test before using a new product on your face or body. Test it on a limited area of skin on your arm and make sure you don't get a rash.
