Your skin plays a vital role in your overall wellness. It is the largest organ of your body, which works by acting as a barrier against many viruses and bacteria. Having healthy skin is important because it can decrease your risk of getting sick and damaging your bones, muscles, and other internal organs.
Although dry skin is a normal condition, leaving this issue unaddressed can result in more severe problems, such as atopic dermatitis or eczema. This skin condition can cause severe cracking, inflammation, and redness. These symptoms can take a toll on your range of motion and productivity. In worse cases, suffering from red patches and excessive itching can create a negative impression about your character and personality.
For you to properly take care of your skin and avoid dry skin, follow these skincare routines:
Dry skin is a common skin condition, but this doesn't mean that it's one that's easy to treat. On the contrary, combating dry skin is something that will require commitment because you may have to change your entire skincare routine for you to finally get rid of it.
One of the first things you can do to avoid dry skin is to buff your skin by using a dry skin face mask or a gentle scrub. If possible, look for skincare products that contain lactic acid and mild glycolic because these compounds can effectively scrape off dead skin. You should apply these products to your body at least twice a week.
For individuals suffering from raw or extremely dry skin, use a wet washcloth every day. Gently buffing with a wet washcloth will not only exfoliate your skin; it can also fight wrinkles, especially when used regularly on the face.
Aside from changing your skincare routine, avoiding dry skin will also require you to change a few things inside your home. Your environment plays a significant role in the condition of your skin. For one, being exposed to dry air can cause dry skin. The longer you stay in this kind of environment, the drier your skin gets.
You can steer away from this direction by investing in a humidifier. This device can be cost-effective in the long run because it can help you achieve softer and more vibrant skin because it works by adding moisture to the indoor air. Using a humidifier at home can also reduce your risks of infections, as well as improve the quality of your sleep. All of these benefits can have positive effects on your skin and overall health.
The food in your diet can also affect your skin health. Fast food items, for example, contain high levels of refined carbohydrates that can cause an increase of oil production in your skin, which, in turn, will clog your pores, resulting in severe acne. Refined carbohydrates can also age your skin, making you look older than your actual age.
If you want to get rid of dry skin for good, you should drastically change your diet and start consuming food that contains the following:
- Salmon: Usually, dry skin is caused by damaged skin cells that your body can no longer repair on its own. You can minimize this damage and keep your cells healthy by consuming food rich in antioxidants and omega-3, such as salmon. Consuming salmon regularly will make it easier for you to achieve supple and glowing skin.
- Oysters: Any food that has the ability to produce collagen can help combat dry skin, which is why you should eat oysters more often. Aside from helping your body produce more collagen, oysters also contain high levels of zinc that can repair damaged skin cells.
- Avocados: All fruits are great for your body, and when it comes to your skin health, avocados are one of the best ones out there. This fruit is a great source of healthy fat that can significantly improve the condition of your skin. Getting enough healthy fat is also important as it contributes to the flexibility and moisture of your skin.
- Walnuts: Aside from being a healthy and filling snack, walnuts have characteristics that are essential for healthy skin. Walnuts contain fatty acids that can reduce inflammation and symptoms of common skin conditions, such as psoriasis. Because walnuts also contain vitamin E, zinc, and selenium, consuming this food regularly would allow your skin to function properly and stay healthy.
- Sweet Potatoes: Excessive sun exposure can result in dry skin. Aside from applying a generous amount of sunblock or sunscreen whenever you go out, eating food rich in beta carotene, such as sweet potatoes, can also help. The nutrients found in sweet potatoes act as a natural sunblock that protects your skin from the sun's harmful ultraviolet rays.
With the number of skincare products available in the market today, you will never run out of options. Regardless of your skin type and budget, you will surely find one that fits the bill. However, when picking skincare products, you should pay extra attention to the ingredients they contain.
If you're planning to change your skincare routine by adding more products, avoid those containing additives and fragrances. Sure, these substances can make a skincare product smell good and feel smooth, but these can actually strip off the natural oils produced by your body. The absence of these oils makes you prone to skin cracks and severe dryness.
Instead, use gentle cleansers that are formulated using oatmeal or chamomile. These ingredients can add an extra layer of protection to your skin by trapping in the natural oils produced by your body, which can also improve its overall moisture.
An evening skincare routine matters because it helps cleanse your skin from the environmental elements that you've been exposed to during the day. Although the skin can naturally repair itself when you sleep, having a nighttime skincare routine can expedite this process, as well as boost your body's ability to produce new cells that will eventually remove all of the daytime damages.
If you're clueless on how to create your own nighttime skincare routine, these tips can come in handy:
- Use deep-cleansing yet mild products that can remove dirt and other pollutants that might have built up in your skin during the day. Get rid of irritating body washes and soap bars and use a creamy cleanser instead. Look for one that contains ceramides and lanolin as these can help trap-in moisture in your body throughout the night.
- Aside from these, you should also invest in a high-quality eye cream that's suitable for your skin type. Apply the product under your eyes and lids. This can help add moisture and make your eyes look more refreshed in the morning. An eye cream can also prevent eczema and redness.
- It's also important to use a moisturizer on your hands, cuticles, and lips. These parts of your body are usually exposed and are prone to chapping, especially during the colder months. When looking for moisturizers, make sure that you're not using those that contain clay or charcoal as these contain properties that may cause severe itching, swelling, and even rash when applied to the skin.
Taking a shower or bath is necessary for you to have moisturized and clean skin, but staying in the bathroom for too long can create adverse effects. For you to effectively combat dry skin, take your shower or bath for around five to ten minutes only. Being in the shower or bath longer than ten minutes can remove sebum or the natural oils from your skin.
It is also important to only use warm water, not hot, when taking a shower or bath. Using hot water might be very relaxing, but, over time, the temperature can also strip off the natural oils of your skin.
Men and women shave regularly to remove unwanted hair off of their armpits, faces, and other parts of their bodies. Although shaving is cheap and provides immediate results, shaving can actually harm your skin. Whenever you do this, all of the natural oils in your skin are also scraped off. You can minimize the dangers of shaving by being careful with your techniques.
When shaving, make sure that you're doing it immediately after taking a shower or bath as hairs are usually softer and more pliable during this time. The faster you shave, the less damage it can cause to your skin.
It's also important to use a shaving gel or cream in order to prevent your skin from drying. Lastly, make sure that you're shaving in one direction only and using a razor that is sharp enough. Using a dull razor can mean more attempts in shaving, which can result in drier and more irritated skin.
Contrary to popular belief, you don't need to spend a lot of money in order to get rid of dry skin. There are actually cheap yet effective dry skin remedies that you can find at home. As long as you're consistent with your efforts, these home remedies can finally become your ticket to experiencing supple and moisturized skin.
Listed below are the common home remedies for dry skin:
- Sunflower Seed Oil: Countless studies have already been published proving that sunflower seed oil promotes skin hydration.
- Coconut Oil: Aside from sunflower seed oil, another natural oil that works best in improving the skin's moisture is coconut oil. Applying this to the skin can increase the number of lipids or fat on the surface of your skin, improving its natural moisture. Moreover, coconut oil has saturated fatty acids that act as a natural moisturizer, filling in the gaps of dry skin and eventually making it smoother.
- Honey: Honey can be considered as a holy grail when it comes to skin care. Honey is known to treat several skin conditions, such as inflammation and acne. Regularly applying honey to the skin can also slow down aging and boost your complexion.
- Petroleum Jelly: Aside from being conveniently available in almost all stores, petroleum jelly also works well in preventing dry skin as this can be used as a moisturizer. Petroleum jelly can also help heal minor skin burns and scrapes, remove eye makeup, and prevent diaper rash.
- Aloe Vera: For people suffering from severe dry skin, applying aloe vera to the affected area can provide immediate relief. You need to do this before going to bed, leaving the aloe vera overnight.
All of these home remedies can work well when applied to damp skin after taking a shower or bath. This practice will help secure the moisture and natural oil in the body.
Dry skin may also be caused by too much sun exposure. The sun is a great source of vitamin D, but being outdoors for too long can result in dry and rough skin, wrinkles, and premature aging.
One of the simplest ways for you to avoid dry skin is to cover up when going outdoors. Depending on the activities you will undertake, you can apply a sunscreen with an SPF (sun protection factor) of at least 30 before heading out. The longer you stay outdoors, the more often you should reapply sunscreen.
Chapped and dry lips can also become a problem when you're spending a lot of time outdoors. This skin condition can result in pain and discomfort and adversely affect your appearance. You can prevent this from happening by using a lip balm with SPF 15 or covering your lips using a mask.
Aside from incorporating the products and home remedies listed in this article to your daily skincare routine, it's also important that you seek the help of a professional. A dermatologist can properly assess your skin condition and provide an accurate diagnosis. Seeking professional help when it comes to your skin is important, especially if you have been unsuccessful with your efforts in combating dry skin in the past.
