Do you have dry skin? Even the lotions labeled “for dry skin” are just not cutting it for you? Here are just a few adjustments that can help improve the condition of your dry skin.
1. Add moisture to the air
This is especially for people living in dry climates. Have you ever visited an area with a more humid climate? Did you notice how soft, smooth, and moisturised your skin felt? Introducing moisture to the air with a humidifier can help maintain the moisture on your skin which may have otherwise evaporated into the environment.
2. Cleanse wisely
Taking a bath or a shower may introduce water to your skin; however, did you know that using very hot water can actually dry out your skin? Therefore, it is recommended that you use warm water instead of hot water to cleanse your skin. Additionally, keep your showers short: about 5 to 10 minutes long. You do not want to strip your skin of its natural oils and lubricants by spending too much time washing them off. Also, many fragrances found in soaps and creams can also cause drying. So opt for a fragrance free cleanser keeping in mind that liquid cleansers tend to be less moisture stripping than bar soaps. Finally, once you are out of the bathtub or shower, pat your skin gently with your towel instead of rubbing the water off.
3. Moisturise moist skin
Yes, you read that correctly. When do you cleanse your body in the bathtub or shower your skin has been in contact with water for an extended period of time and has absorbed that water. Immediately after washing your body and patting your skin somewhat dry, trap that moisture in by applying your cream or lotion.
4. Try ointments instead of cream or lotion
If your skin moisture routine has not been working out so well, you are most likely using a lotion. Ointments use a higher percentage of oil in their formula (about 80/20% oil to water). After ointments, creams are the next best thing; creams use more or less equal concentrations of oil and water. Lotions, however, are more water-based. Oils in your cosmetic products create a barrier between your skin and the harsh elements (the sun; hot, cold, or windy air; etc.) that your skin comes into contact with on a daily basis.
5. Drink enough water
True moisture begins from the inside out. Without enough moisture your skin is more likely to appear dry and more prone to tears and cracks. So your skin is not only what you see on the outside, there are two more layers hidden underneath the epidermis (the top layer). When you apply your ointments or creams they only penetrate the outer layer of your skin. Drinking water helps you flush toxins out of your body, and it maintains the much-needed water content as well as a good pH balance, all of which are beneficial for your skin.
6. Get enough sleep
This one may seem arbitrary but getting sufficient sleep allows for system rejuvenation and cell recovery. Again, the real work happens inside your body, so if you want to have more supple skin get enough sleep and let your body do the rest.
These are just a few simple tips that you can apply to your skin care routine in an attempt to keep it moisturised. However, if your dry skin persists and you sense that it may be more chronic it is best to book a session with a certified dermatologist.
Images Shot by@72_photography
Model Liz (https://www.instagram.com/elizadumsfit/ )
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