Overview:

Dry skin can appear at any age and to any person. It’s actually common but it’s rarely serious.

It’s characterized by skin that feels tight, itchy and rough. Apart from being uncomfortable, this skin type can also cause embarrassment, particularly if it develops on the face.

Causes:

Dry skin can happen to anyone but there are certain factors that put you at an increased risk of developing this skin type. The list includes:

• Living in dry, colder climates
• Being more than 40 years old
• Jobs that require you to constantly immerse your skin into water
• Existing skin diseases
• Taking frequent hot baths and showers
• Using harsh soaps and laundry detergents
• Being exposed to heat

Symptoms:

The symptoms of dry skin relate to your age, what caused it, your health as well as the place you live. But, in general, here’s what you can see and feel when you have dry skin.

• Itching
• Flaking skin
• Feeling of tightness after showering, cleansing your face or swimming
• Skin that feels rough
• Presence of fine lines and cracks
• Redness
• Bleeding at times

Skin Care Routine for Dry Skin:

Dry skin needs extra attention and care. If your skin starts to crack, there’s a good chance that bacteria can get into those cracks and cause infections.

You can end up with irritated skin and sore spots.

In establishing a good skin care routine for dry skin, make sure to consider the following steps:

Step 1: Cleanse

In choosing the right cleanser for dry skin, it’s highly important that you pay close attention to the ingredients. As much as possible, stay away from products that contain lauryl sulfate and ammonium laureth as they can leave your skin more dehydrated and dry.

Skip bar soaps, too. They can strip away your skin’s natural oils which can cause it to turn rough and flakey.

Pick creamy cleansers as they won’t leave your skin tight and taut. Also check if they are fragrance-free, too.

As to how many times you should wash your face, do it once daily, preferably before going to bed.

Step 2: Exfoliate

Dry skin often ends up looking dull because of the buildup of dead skin cells. Although tempting, skip exfoliants with harsh beads as they can cause tears on your skin.

Stick with gentle exfoliants to make sure you only buff off what’s necessary.

Your warm, wet washcloth can be enough in most times. However, if it isn’t you can try chemical exfoliation by using products with AHA or BHA.

Remember, limit exfoliation to once or twice a week and don’t overdo it.

Step 3: Tone

Toners are primarily meant to make sure that your skin is thoroughly cleansed. Some of them contain ingredients that help address specific skin issues.

In choosing your toner, be extra careful in checking ingredients. Make sure to pick one that’s alcohol-free to make sure it doesn’t dry out your skin more.

Toners that contain hyaluronic acid and peptides are great for your skin type as well. These ingredients can lock in moisture in your skin.

Step 4: Using serums

Serums can give your skin some serious hydration. But, of course, that is if you find the right product for your skin type.

The best serum for dry skin is one that contains humectants, like hyaluronic acid. Glycerin is another great option, too.

As for application, use it on damp skin. Press it on your skin with open palms instead of your fingertips to allow its magic to work.

Serums are already concentrated so you don’t have to apply too much product on your skin.

Step 5: Moisturize

Since your skin is drier than usual, you have to pay more attention to how you moisturize.

Apply your moisturizer at least three times a day to ensure that your skin stays hydrated. Do it every time you wash your face or take a shower.

As for the right moisturizer, select one that’s rich. Ideally, the drier your skin, the heavier your moisturizer should be.

You should also consider the ingredients. Niacinamide and hyaluronic make great options since they don’t only provide moisture, but they also reduce water loss.

Step 6: Use sunscreen

In choosing your sunscreen, pick one that offers broad spectrum protection. This means that the sunscreen is able to keep your skin safe from both UVA and UVB rays.

Aside from that, you also need to look closely at its ingredients. Since your skin is dry, you’ll need something that’s moisturizing.

Pick a sunscreen that has natural emollients and fruit butters. There should also be ceramides and peptides to ensure that your skin stays elastic and supple.

Apply your sunscreen a couple of minutes before stepping outdoors. Make sure to apply to all exposed areas of your body.

If you can, try to apply your sunscreen while you’re naked. This way, you won’t miss out on any important areas.