Dry skin on the face and body is an extremely unpleasant and bothersome problem that affects a growing number of people. Those with dry skin often compare it to the texture of parchment paper – the skin becomes rough and unpleasant to the touch, feels tight, and consequently, unwanted redness, hypersensitivity, and even severe itching appear. What are the causes of dry skin?
Dry skin is primarily associated with a reduced ability to retain water in the epidermal layer. Under normal conditions, skin glands produce a natural oil, known as sebum, which is responsible for retaining moisture and softening the skin. However, under certain circumstances, this oil production becomes imbalanced and, as a result, becomes insufficient to meet the skin's needs. Problems with dry skin are particularly common in the fall and winter, when the air around us, both outdoors and indoors, is dry. As a result, our skin becomes irritated, rough, itchy, and cracked. Dry skin can also be caused by excessive contact with water or inappropriate cosmetics. Remember that in many cases, a significant decrease in skin hydration can be a sign that your body is struggling with an illness. If you don't know what to do about dry skin or can't recognize what it's missing, this article is for you. Below are 10 rules for caring for dry skin that will surely be useful to many of you:
1. Take care of soft skin – enzymatic peeling
A peel is a very simple cosmetic treatment that anyone can easily perform in the comfort of their own home. Its goal is to exfoliate dead skin cells and stimulate the skin to produce new, healthy cells. Peeling is an important element of dry skin care, but choosing the right type of peel is crucial. Remember that your skin needs support, not additional problems that can result from a poor choice. The ideal, and at the same time the only, recommended peel for dry skin is an enzyme peel. Why is it recommended for those struggling with dry skin? Primarily because its most important characteristic is its gentleness. Its purpose is to non-invasively remove dry skin and refresh the face, giving it a radiant and visibly fresh look. It contains a significant amount of the enzymes keratolysis, papain, and bromelain. Unlike granular peels, enzyme peels do not mechanically impact the skin, which is crucial for dry skin. An additional advantage of using an enzyme peel is the method of application. Simply apply this product to cleansed skin as a mask, then rinse it off with water. The exfoliation time and frequency of use are specified by the manufacturer, so it's best to follow their specific recommendations.
2. Short bath, quick shower
Both showers and baths should last no longer than fifteen minutes. Prolonged contact with water dries out the skin and also strips away its protective layer of natural oils. Opt for a quick shower in warm or lukewarm water (for the brave among you, it's worth starting the shower with cold water and ending it with cold water; this will improve the firmness and invigoration not only of your skin but also of your entire body). When showering, use only creamy shower balms that don't irritate or dry out the skin and are formulated with natural ingredients. A carefully selected shower balm can be an ally in the fight against dry skin. Dry skin shouldn't be a reason to deny yourself the pleasure of a relaxing bath. If you adjust the quality and duration of your bath to your skin's needs, you can be sure that it will soon reward you. The most important thing is the water temperature; the water should be warm, not hot. As someone with dry skin, you should embrace oils as soon as possible and incorporate them into your skincare routine. Water, after adding a few drops of oil, takes on unique properties and an interesting consistency. Wet skin absorbs the benefits of natural oils, which, when mixed with water, create an additional protective layer on the skin, making it smoother and firmer. STAY CALM oil from the Annabelle Minerals multi-purpose oil line is an excellent moisturizer. Remember, after bathing or showering, don't rub your skin with a towel to dry it, as this can lead to exfoliation. Gently apply the towel to specific areas of your body and let it act as a sponge, absorbing excess water from your skin.
3. Avoid high temperatures and sudden temperature changes
Dry skin doesn't like sudden changes and definitely doesn't like high temperatures. Excessive temperatures, as well as fluctuating temperatures, negatively impact the condition of dry skin, creating additional complications in skincare. Heat further dries and irritates the skin; without proper protection and hydration, dry skin is at a disadvantage when faced with the sun or tanning beds. It's your responsibility to avoid strong sunlight and ensure your skin's safety by using appropriate sunscreens tailored to the needs of dry skin (preferably SPF 50+). Avoid tanning beds! The combination of dry skin and tanning beds is a particularly explosive combination. The effects of UV rays on very dry skin can lead to significant flaking, damage to the outer layer of the skin, and hypersensitivity. However, if you love a tanned complexion and can't imagine a pale complexion, reach for bronzers, self-tanners, or other cosmetics that improve skin tone. The modern cosmetics market offers a multitude of natural and safe products that don't leave unsightly streaks or stains after application. Remember to choose a cosmetic that will additionally moisturize your skin and give it a natural appearance.
4. Drink water
Hydrate from the inside! Regular water consumption improves the condition of our skin, improving its texture and tone, reducing imperfections, and making it significantly more elastic, thus healthier. Focus on hydrating from the inside out. Drink at least 8 glasses of water a day (remember that the choice of water you drink is equally important; choose mineral waters with a high mineral content – at least 1000 mg of nutrients per liter of water). Avoid black tea, coffee, alcohol, and carbonated drinks, not only because of their harmful effects on the skin but also because of their diuretic effect, which causes you to excrete more than twice as much fluid from your body.
5. Diet and dry skin – eat healthy!
Did you know that our diet has a huge impact on the appearance of our skin? Do you know what your dry skin is missing? Do you realize that caring for yourself from the inside is much more important than caring for yourself from the outside? A diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids should become your diet. Dry skin requires high levels of hydration; using appropriate care and drinking adequate water is only half the battle; the other half is your attitude and the diet you follow. If you struggle with very dry skin, try enriching your current diet with oily fish like mackerel, sardines, or salmon. The abundance of omega-3 fatty acids in these fish contributes to the proper condition of skin cell membranes. Avocado is an excellent alternative to fish; it can be eaten in almost any form and always tastes delicious. Include flaxseed in your diet! In the form of oil or ground flax seeds, it will spice up any meal. If you're a fan of hummus, you can start eating it even more often from now on. Remember, by changing your diet you will not only be doing a favor to your skin, but also to your entire body.
6. Hands – your calling card
It's long been known that hands are our calling card. The condition of our skin, well-groomed nails, and hand hygiene are all elements of care that require systematic attention. Daily activities such as cleaning, laundry, and cooking significantly impact the condition of our hands. Frequent contact with water is enough for the delicate skin of our hands to fall victim to dryness and irritation. If you also mix water with a strong detergent, you can be sure that your skin condition will deteriorate. Therefore, remember to protect your hands from direct contact with water while cleaning. Above all, wear protective gloves, and choose higher-quality ones – hypoallergenic and powder-free. After finishing work, remember to thoroughly wash your hands with a gentle cleanser that has moisturizing properties and a pH that's natural for the skin, and apply a supportive cream. Treat your dry hands to deeply moisturizing masks rich in urea, even twice a week, which will nourish, regenerate, and strengthen the skin. Additionally, before going to bed, it's a good idea to apply a rich, rich cream to your hands, then put on cotton gloves to enhance the cream's effectiveness. Follow these few simple rules, and you'll surely enjoy beautiful, healthy skin.
7. Watch your skin – dry skin and diseases
No one knows you better than you do. Often, the first symptoms of illness are triggered by changes in the skin. There are many such skin symptoms that indicate an underlying condition. It's important to monitor yourself, analyze any changes that appear, and, above all, report them to your doctor. Self-care isn't just about beautiful makeup, a gorgeous hairstyle, or well-groomed nails. It's a comprehensive approach aimed at improving your quality of life. Therefore, it's worth considering whether dry skin could indicate the presence of a specific condition. One condition associated with very dry skin is diabetes. The skin becomes excessively flaky, dry, and the thin epidermis is very susceptible to all kinds of injuries. Thyroid diseases also cause dry skin syndrome. These lesions are characterized by dark gray lesions on the thickened skin of the body, such as the elbows, knees, and heels, which require strong and consistent moisturizing. Dry skin can also be a sign of psoriasis and atopic dermatitis (AD). So, if your skin seems to have suddenly started changing recently, see a doctor!
8. Do not test on dry skin!
We all love experimenting with new cosmetics, and it's not that women with dry skin shouldn't switch cosmetics and try new products. However, dry skin doesn't like change because it's much more susceptible to irritation than normal skin. Any changes should be introduced gradually and with great caution. Always perform a patch test before using a new product: apply a small amount of the product to the area where your ear meets your cheek (this is the most delicate and sensitive area on our body) and observe. If you experience itching, burning, or other unpleasant symptoms, you know the chosen product isn't for you. Sometimes it's not worth experimenting and exposing your skin to additional irritation. If you're happy with the results and see that the cosmetics you're using work perfectly with your skin's structure, don't change them! Be happy that you've found the perfect products for you, and don't treat your body as an experimental field.
9. Include algae in your dry skin care routine
Algae are a wealth of vitamins and minerals essential for dry skin care. They contain proteins, carbohydrates, fats, potassium, magnesium, sodium, and iron, as well as vitamins A, E, C, and B vitamins. One of the most important ingredients found in algae is alginic acid. It's worth considering if you have very dry skin, as it has strong water-absorbing properties, providing excellent hydration and protection. The hydroxyl alcohols found in algae are unmatched in nourishing and moisturizing the skin. They also regulate skin processes, such as sebum production. Lipids are also an important component of algae, contributing to the regeneration and protection of the epidermis and soothing any irritation. It would be a shame not to include algae in your daily dry skin care routine, or at least try them out. But remember! Don't experiment with too many cosmetics at once and choose only fully natural ones that actually contain algae.
10. Take care of dry skin regularly
Nothing comes easy or quickly, and if it does... you're in a fast food chain. Getting your skin back to healthy condition takes time and a lot of work on your part. Spectacular results won't come from a single mask or a scrub every now and then. Neglecting dry skin can lead to a condition that's difficult to repair. Take care of yourself daily! For this type of skin, consistency and consistency are essential. The battle against dry skin will show whether you're determined and patient enough to win. Try incorporating one regular skincare routine into your daily routine. Take small steps, start with one key step (e.g., daily body lotion), and if it becomes a habit, gradually introduce others. Never write out a comprehensive skincare routine, because after just one day you'll decide it's not for you and give up in despair. Fight head-on for beautiful and healthy skin!
Good luck!
Agata Bielecka / AGU – She was supposed to be a teacher, but she became a blogger. She owns a blog available at www.agatabielecka.pl. Known online as Agu, she's passionate about cosmetics and everything related to beauty and self-care. She's obsessed with brushes, eyeshadow, and red lips. In her private life, she's a cat lover, a fan of photography, Scandinavian crime novels, austere interiors, good food, and coffee.
