Being blessed with amazing genes doesn’t mean you can do without a skin care routine; in fact, much like the DNA, the environment, as well as the daily habits all have their impact on the health of our skin.
Dryness is a common issue that arises when you don’t pay particular attention to your skin or your habits, resulting from too much exposure to the sun without protection, cold weather, dry air, excessive washing, exposure to harsh soaps and chemicals, and smoking. Add to this health problems such as hypothyroidism, diabetes and certain skin conditions, like psoriasis and atopic dermatitis and the dryness aggravates.
Careful with the Products
The signs that typically appear are lack of elasticity, itching, redness, tight feeling and dull look. When you notice them, it means it’s high time you took your beauty care seriously and started investing in the suitable products, choosing them specifically for dry skin. Though there are various, here are some of the most basic ones you ought to use:
Mask – You would do yourself a favour by implementing the use of hydrating face mask for dry skin. Rich in vitamins, it can help repair the skin by nourishing it thus making it smoother and firmer. For the best results, look for hydrating mask with A, B (like B5), C and E vitamins as they’re powerful antioxidants assisting with elasticity, moisture, collagen synthesis and tissue regeneration.
Cleanser – When you’ve got dry skin, regular soaps with fragrances are a big no-no because they easily lead to irritation, and that’s why a gentle cleanser can be your friend in need. Such a product is created to help you out with cleanliness without stripping the skin of the natural oils, particularly those that consist of hyaluronic acid. To be sure you buy one of quality, it’s important to avoid ingredients like SLS (sodium lauryl sulfate), mineral oil, parabens, alcohol, and artificial colours.
Moisturiser – This product is essential for skin care because it doesn’t only help with hydration, much like the hydrating face mask for dry skin, it also assists with forming a seal over the outermost layer of the skin. To be on the safe side, stay away from alcohol and petrolatum, and look for moisturisers that are lightweight, with natural extracts from aloe vera and the hydrating rosehip oil that alleviate redness and flaking, and prevent water loss. Some vegetable extracts can even come in handy with improving your complexion so it’s a bonus.
Serum – Don’t skip on serum either, because it’s a product that’s more concentrated and as such it works on a deeper level, penetrating the skin’s layers. Hyaluronic acid is an ingredient that can help with moisture retention, so it’s one you should focus on, along with peptides. Even though serums might be on the pricier side compared to the rest of the beauty care, they’re a great investment because they address various issues, among which fine lines and wrinkles, uneven texture, dullness and dark spots.
Sunscreen – Definitely a must-have for your routine as the utmost protection against sun damage. If you want to reap the benefits without risking getting any side effects that would worsen your problem, look for natural hydrating products based on ceramides.
In case you don’t have much time to implement the whole routine, you could choose a 2-in-1 product, in the example of sunscreen with moisturiser, so you have both steps covered at once. As for the SPF, the higher the better, so it’s recommended to choose something with at least SPF30 or higher.
Careful with the Habits
Okay, now you know the products of beauty care you should focus on, but don’t think acquiring them would do all the work – you have to reconsider some of your daily habits and make changes if necessary. Those who enjoy smoking should think of giving it up and finding some substitute for it, and those who spend considerable time in the sun should get the needed protection in terms of clothing.
Another point where you might not be doing yourself a favour is the bathing time; if you tend to relax soaking up in a hot bath or shower, the bad news is it’s not beneficial for the skin as the hotter the water, the easier it strips the natural oils. In addition, the time you spend bathing or showering is also crucial, as the longer you do so the worse it is for the skin’s sebum. Translation: warm and short (up to 10 minutes) soaking up is ideal!
Careful with Winter Months
As for the air at home, it’s advisable to add some moisture with the help of humidifiers especially in the cold and dry winter months to prevent skin dryness. You’d love the fact humidifiers are great for taking care of other aspects as well, from preventing the spread of airborne viruses, treating dryness of nose and throat, and alleviating allergy symptoms, to preventing static electricity.