Dry skin care routine

Introduction

Dry skin is a very common problem that may present a merely cosmetic issue or a symptom of an underlying disease. Dry skin is not only unpleasant for the eye but it also feels rough, tight and itchy. It is associated with other skin issues, such as redness, flaking, scaling, cracking, wrinkles and pigmentation problems.

Many factors contribute to dry and rough skin. Skin is kept subtle and moisturized by the body’s natural lubricating oil called sebum. Certain parts of the body, such as the feet, have less sebaceous glands in them and thus are more prone to dryness.

Factors that often lead to dry skin include excessive exposure to the sun, cold, dry and windy weather, pollutants in the air, household chemicals, bathing or showering with hot water, excessive exposure to water and moisture, harsh cosmetic products, improper nutrition, deficiencies and inadequate fluid intake.

Whatever the cause of dry skin is, it is good to know that there are many ways to deal with it, whether it is a temporary or more of a chronic problem. Proper skin care routine, must be observed on daily basis in order to prevent the skin from drying.

Skin care routine for dry skin

Treating dry skin requires more than just a moisturizer. Skin care needs to be combined with some lifestyle changes and new, healthier habits. It is important always stay hydrated, to eat plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables and to assure the appropriate intake of omega-3 fatty acids and other “healthy” fats. Alcohol is known for drying the skin up, among other effects, and so are cigarettes. Therefore, those unhealthy habits should be avoided.

People who have dry skin should use a face cleanser only once a day because those products tend to strip the moisture off the skin. The face should be cleansed in the evening, before bedtime, using mild cleanser and cool or lukewarm water. The face should never be rubbed too hard with a towel.

After cleaning the skin, it must be moisturized. There are special moisturizing lotions and creams that contain ingredients such as glycerin, lactic acids, lanolin derivatives, alpha hydroxyl acid and such.

Women who have dry skin must always make sure to always remove the makeup before going to bed.

Dryness can be aggravated by too much heat. It is recommended to avoid hot baths and saunas. In the house, the heaters should not work too hard and the air should not be hot. If the indoor air is dry, it is advised to use humidifiers or vaporizers.