Having dry skin is embarrassing and annoying, but luckily, it is a problem that you can easily solve in several ways. Changing your facial cleanser can be a solution; Additionally, you can reduce moisture loss by using a humidifier and reducing the time you spend in the shower. A healthy diet and supplements can also help improve skin condition. If none of these methods work and you can't fix your dry skin problem, see your doctor or dermatologist.
Steps
Part 1 of 4: Cleanse Skin Properly
Step 1. Choose a cleaner without perfume, alcohol and dyes
These are substances that can dry out the skin further, so read the ingredients list carefully before buying a new facial cleanser. Choose a specific product for dry skin for the best possible results.
You can choose a soap-free cleanser, such as that of the Cetaphil cosmetic line dedicated to sensitive skin
Step 2. Wash your face twice a day with warm water and a mild cleanser
Moisten your skin by cupping your hands and sprinkling cool or warm water on your face. Massage the cleanser into the skin with your fingertips in small circular motions. Finally, rinse your face to remove the product from the skin.
- Do not rub the skin with a sponge or cloth so as not to deprive it of its natural oils, otherwise it will become even drier.
- Do not use hot water to wash your face as it further dehydrates the skin.
Suggestion: wash your face as soon as you wake up and before going to sleep. Do not wash it more than twice a day to avoid aggravating the problem of dry skin. The occasions when you sweat, for example when exercising, are an exception.
Step 3. Blot the skin with a clean towel
After washing your face, take a clean, dry towel and use it to gently pat your skin. Do not rub it on your face to avoid the risk of further drying the skin. Just place it gently on your face to absorb excess moisture.
You can use a common terry towel or, better yet, a microfiber towel or cotton t-shirt for extra softness
Step 4. Use a moisturizer enriched with oils, shea butter or other emollient substances
Dry facial skin has special needs. Read the list of ingredients and choose a product that contains at least one of those listed. It is generally better to choose a cream or conditioner and not a liquid lotion to ensure more effective hydration. Look for an "intense" or specific action product for the needs of dry skin.
Other ingredients that might help moisturize dry skin include: dimethicone, glycerin, hyaluronic acid, lactic acid, lanolin, mineral oil, petroleum jelly, and urea. Before choosing a product, make sure it contains at least one of these ingredients
Step 5. Apply the moisturizer to a clean face
The best time to trap moisture inside the pores is right after cleansing. Use an amount of cream that allows you to distribute it evenly on your face and let the skin absorb it. Apply and massage the cream on your neck as well.
In some cases, a pea-sized amount of cream may be enough for the entire face; therefore start with a very small dose and add more if needed
Step 6. Moisturize the skin deeply with aloe vera
Applied twice a day, pure aloe vera gel is very helpful in fighting dry skin. You can use it instead of or in addition to the moisturizer on a clean face. Apply enough to cover your entire face and let your skin absorb it.
- Pure aloe vera gel is also readily available in the supermarket.
- Make sure the aloe vera gel is pure and does not contain other ingredients, such as perfume, dyes, alcohol, or lidocaine (sometimes added to relieve sunburn symptoms). All of these ingredients tend to irritate the skin.
Step 7. Feed your skin with a manuka honey mask once a week
Used regularly, manuka honey can help you reduce the problem of dry skin. Apply a thin layer to your clean face and leave it on for 10 minutes before wiping it off with warm water. Repeat the treatment 1-2 times a week to deeply nourish the skin.
- You can buy manuka honey online or in stores that specialize in organic and natural foods.
- If you have trouble finding it, use traditional honey.
Part 2 of 4: Keeping Skin Hydrated
Step 1. Use a humidifier
Its function is to increase the level of humidity present in the air. Keeping it on when you are indoors will help you keep your skin hydrated and reduce the problem of dry skin on your face. Try keeping it on in your room even while you sleep to humidify the environment.
You can also turn on the humidifier during the day when you have the opportunity to stay indoors for a few hours. Place it in the room where you intend to spend most of the time
Step 2. Do not spend more than 10 minutes in the shower or bath
Taking a long hot shower or bath can be relaxing, but the dry skin problem will get worse. Time how much time you spend in the shower or bathtub and try never to exceed 10 minutes to reduce the dehydrating action of hot water on the skin.
Suggestion: Close the bathroom door to trap moisture in the room. If you leave it open while showering or bathing, moist air will escape from the room and your skin will dry out even more.
Step 3. Don't sit in front of heat sources to warm yourself
If you feel cold, put on heavier clothing and wrap a blanket around it. Don't sit in front of the fireplace, stove or hot air vent or your skin will dry out even more.
On very cold nights, try using an electric blanket to keep warm. Alternatively, you can put a blanket in the dryer for 5-10 minutes to warm it up and then wrap it around
Part 3 of 4: Diet and Supplements
Step 1. Drink the water whenever you are thirsty
When the body is well hydrated, the skin is healthier and less prone to drying out. Drink a glass of water whenever you are thirsty and on occasions when you normally drink something, for example during meals or after physical activity.
Use a reusable eco-friendly bottle. Always keep it handy and refill it several times throughout the day
Step 2. Avoid or limit alcohol
Alcoholic beverages have a diuretic effect, cause the body to excrete water and consequently the skin dehydrates. That's why you should avoid them or at least only take them every other day. If you have dry skin and are a regular drinker, eliminating alcohol will improve the condition of your face dramatically. If you don't intend to quit completely, at least try to limit the number of drinks (1 or 2 at most) and only drink every other day.
It may take a few weeks before you see any visible benefits
Suggestion: If you intend to avoid drinking alcohol for at least 30 days, try taking a picture of yourself before and after to see how the skin on your face has changed.
Step 3. Eat foods rich in vitamin C for healthier skin
Vitamin C is a vital nutrient for skin health. Try increasing your intake of foods that are high in vitamin C to see if the dry skin problem on your face subsides. The list of options includes:
- Citrus fruits, such as oranges, grapefruits, lemons, and limes
- Kiwi, mango and papaya;
- Strawberries, blueberries and raspberries;
- Melon;
- Broccoli, cabbage and cauliflower;
- Traditional potatoes and sweet potatoes;
- Red peppers.
Step 4. Try taking a vitamin supplement formulated for healthy skin, hair and nails
A specific vitamin supplement for skin, hair and nails can help you have healthier and more hydrated skin. Look for a specific multivitamin supplement and take it regularly following the manufacturer's instructions. Generally these products contain a combination of vitamins A, B, C and E, sometimes associated with omega-3 fatty acids and other ingredients that are beneficial for the health of the skin, nails and hair.
Consult your doctor before taking any type of supplement, especially if you are on medication or are already taking any other supplements
Part 4 of 4: Asking the Doctor for Help
Step 1. Call your doctor if your skin is itchy, bleeding or red, or if your skin is very dry and cracked
If you have any of these symptoms, make an appointment with your doctor right away. These signs could indicate that the skin is infected or could become infected if you do not intervene. Your doctor may prescribe treatment or advise you to wear wet bandages.
Warning: A rash, swelling, pain, or pus on the face are all clear signs of an infection. See your doctor immediately for proper treatment.
Step 2. Consult a dermatologist for a prescription for a cream if the problem persists
If your skin condition does not improve despite several attempts, you may need the help of a dermatologist. They may prescribe a special cream or ointment to help rehydrate your skin and reduce irritation.
If you have a skin condition that contributes to dry skin, such as psoriasis, your doctor may prescribe a drug treatment
Step 3. Ask your doctor to check if your thyroid is working well
Dry skin can be a symptom of hypothyroidism, a syndrome due to insufficient thyroid action. This pathology requires a medical diagnosis and specific treatment. Other symptoms of hypothyroidism are:
- Tiredness and fatigue;
- Cold intolerance;
- Weight gain
- Swelling of the face;
- Hair thinning;
- Abundant menstruation;
- Depression;
- Memory problems.
Advice
- You may need to try different cleansers and products before finding the ones that best suit your skin's needs. If the first one you tested didn't give good results, try another one.
- If you also have dry lips, use a moisturizing lip balm in addition to the cream.
