The skin is the largest organ of our body and, just for that, it deserves all our attention. Among the various skin types, dry skin is one of the most common, affecting millions of people around the world.
Today we will dive into the world of dry skin, exploring its causes and symptoms. Discover our tips and tricks to keep it healthy and vibrant.
Understanding dry skin
Dry skin, or xerosis, results from skin lacking moisture. This hydration is however necessary to maintain the suppleness and natural softness of the skin. This may be due to a lack of lipids, that is, essential fats that keep the skin barrier healthy. It can be caused by various factors, such as genetics, weather conditions, excessive use of aggressive products, or an unbalanced diet.
Common symptoms of dry skin include tightness, itching, redness, and sometimes even flaking.
What is dehydrated skin?
Unlike dry skin, dehydrated skin is a problem of hydration rather than lipids. In short, your skin lacks water, which can be due to factors such as poor water supply, a dry environment, or excessive use of cleaners. Symptoms of dehydrated skin include fine lines, a feeling of tightness, rough areas, and sometimes overproduction of sebum to compensate for lack of hydration.
How to take care of your dry skin?
Choose the right products
The first essential step in managing your dry skin is to select products designed specifically for your skin type. Opt for gentle and fragrance-free cleansers that will not remove the natural oils from the skin. Moisturizing soaps and shower gels based on natural components such as colloidal oats or sweet almond oil can be ideal.
When it comes to moisturizers, look for those that contain ingredients like hyaluronic acid, shea butter, or argan oil. They are known for their ability to retain moisture and restore skin suppleness. Choosing products specially formulated for dry skin can make all the difference in your skincare routine.
Hydrate daily
Regular hydration is crucial to help your dry skin. After each cleansing, generously apply a moisturizer adapted to your skin type. Opt for formulations rich in moisturizing agents like hyaluronic acid and ceramides that help seal moisture in the skin. It is recommended to apply the moisturizer twice a day, in the morning and evening, to maintain optimal hydration. Also, don’t forget the often overlooked areas like elbows and knees.
Always keep in mind that hydration is the key to restoring the suppleness and elasticity of your dry skin. A well-hydrated skin is a skin that radiates health and vitality.
At the same time, be sure to maintain adequate internal hydration by drinking plenty of water throughout the day. Water is the foundation of skin health because it helps maintain elasticity and eliminate toxins. Adopting this simple but crucial habit will help your skin maintain its natural softness and radiance.
Avoid too-hot showers
Although a warm shower is comforting in the evenings or on winter mornings, it can worsen the dryness of your skin. Indeed, hot water tends to remove natural protective oils from the skin, leaving a feeling of tightness and dryness. Opt for lukewarm showers instead.
If you can not do without a moment of heat, limit the duration of your shower and be sure to use a mild and moisturizing soap. Finally, after showering, gently pat your skin with a towel rather than rubbing. By taking these small precautions, you will help preserve the hydration of your skin. You give it the chance to regain its natural balance.
Exfoliate gently
Regular exfoliation is a crucial step for all dry skin. However, it is essential to do it carefully. Choose a gentle scrub specially formulated for dry skin.
Exfoliation helps remove dead skin cells. Thus, it allows your moisturizer to better penetrate and nourish your skin in depth. However, don’t get carried away by the excitement of a good scrub. Exfoliating once a week is enough. After exfoliation, immediately apply a moisturizer to seal the moisture and rebuild the skin’s hydrolipidic barrier.
Use moisturizing masks
You’ll love this tip! Incorporate moisturizing masks into your skincare routine. In addition to being a perfect cocooning moment, it is a beneficial step to revitalize your dry skin. Opt for masks formulated specifically for dry skin, rich in ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, or avocado oil.
Apply them regularly to give your skin an extra dose of moisture and nutrients. These masks act in depth to regenerate skin cells, soothe irritation, and restore elasticity.
Avoid aggressive products
When you have dry skin, it is crucial to carefully choose the products you apply. Avoid abrasive cleansers or scented soaps that can strip your skin of its natural essential oils. Instead, adopt mild, non-irritating products, specially formulated for dry skin. Opt for moisturizing formulas that help restore skin moisture while gently cleansing.
Protect yourself from the sun
Although the sun is essential to our well-being, excessive exposure can be harmful to dry skin. UV rays can worsen dryness and cause premature skin aging. It is therefore imperative to use a sunscreen adapted to your skin type every time you go out.