Dry Skin Dos & Donts

Dry skin occurs due to many different factors including age, heredity, weather, medications or skincare products

Whether your dry skin is seasonal or stays with you all-year-round, it sure can be difficult to deal with sometimes. Characterized by a lack of moisture, suppleness and a rougher feel, dry skin can result in more prominent wrinkles and fine lines, as well as cracking, flaking, scaling or peeling. As we age our skin tends to produce less collagen and natural oils, which only dries it out further.

Still, there are absolutely things you can do to alleviate dry skin and significantly improve its quality. Below are some tips for dry skin –dos and don’ts- that when followed can help bring much-needed moisture back to your skin.

The DOs:

1. Do wash gently - No matter how dry or sensitive, your face should be washed once a day. Choose a thorough but gentle cleanser to remove dirt and makeup while soothing skin.

2. Do use moisturizing creams -  The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) says that creams are both more effective and gentler on the skin than lotions. Also, look for moisturizers that contain an oil. Excellent moisture-rich oils include jojoba oil, olive oil and shea butter.

3. Do apply moisturizer on your skin right after washing - Why? Moisturizers, whether ointments, lotions or creams work by trapping vital moisture that already exists in your skin, according to the AAD. They recommend applying a moisturizer within a few minutes of drying off after you have a bath or shower, or washing your hands or face.

4. Do choose the right makeup - Skip the foundation and find a great tinted moisturizer that enhances your skin tone. Avoid powder products that can cake into fine lines and draw attention to flaky skin. Instead look for cream formula blushes to add a dewy look to cheeks and cream eye shadows for a smooth application and finish.

5. Do drink your H2O - You can get your beauty from the inside out by drinking your eight glasses of water daily. The skin is the largest organ of the body and keeping yourself properly hydrated will contribute to healthier skin.

6. Do moisturize twice a day - Keeping skin hydrated takes continuous moisture. Apply a lush cream at least twice a day (morning and night) to keep skin soft and supple. Moisturize often and generously, especially in the winter when the weather conditions are harsh and your skin becomes drier.

The DON'Ts:

1. Don’t skip washing your face before you go to sleep at night - Gentle cleansing at night is crucial for even the driest skin types. “Makeup, sunscreen, bacteria, dead skin cells, dirt and oil build up on your face during the day,”.  “They can work their way into your pores, causing inflammation. Wash gently without scrubbing to avoid irritating your skin. There’s no need to wash again in the morning. Just rinse your face with water when you wake up.” In fact, washing too often could dry out or irritate your skin. If you feel the need for something stronger, use a toner on the t-zone.

2. Don't use hot water - When you wash or rinse your face, be sure to use lukewarm or even cool water. Hot water can easily irritate skin.

3. Don’t rub your skin dry when cleansing your face - Rubbing can wear away at your skin, and this can then lead to irritation and inflammation. Rinsing your face with lukewarm water then patting or blotting it with a clean and dry washcloth or towel. The key is not to dry your skin completely, that way your moisturizer can more readily lock in your skin’s natural moisture.

4. Don't use products with fragrances - Look for products that are scent-free since those with fragrance can irritate the skin.

5. Don’t sit too close to fireplaces or other heat sources - as they can dry out your skin, mentions the AAD.

6. Don’t use harsh scrubs - Exfoliation works to remove dead skin cells, and this lets moisturizer better penetrate the skin. Too harsh scrubs can damage dry skin, so it is best to pick a gentler scrub option.

Whether you have dry, oily, normal or combination skin, it is important that you take good care of it and use products that are suitable for your skin type. You will most definitely notice the benefits.