Whether you have perpetually dry skin or it is a result of the harsh weather conditions, dry skin can be frustrating. Many lifestyle factors strip the moisture from your skin including the cold, windy conditions of winter, constant sun exposure, and using the wrong products. Your first steps should be following a healthy diet and drinking plenty of fluids, as this improves your overall skin health. Once your lifestyle is at its best, you will need to purchase products made specifically for dry skin.
Choose the Right Cleanser
Your skin care regimen starts with the cleanser. If you suffer from dry skin, stay away from traditional bars of soap even if that is what you’re used to. While your everyday soap will clean your skin of dirt and grime, it also removes a lot of its moisture as well. Choose cleaners made specifically for dry skin such as the Essential Cleansing Solution by Dermalogica. This cleanser contains vitamins and natural oils to replace the moisture needed for soft, milky skin.
Moisturize Your Skin
Every skin type needs a good moisturizer, but with dry skin, it is absolutely essential. When choosing a moisturizer, read the label and be sure it is meant for dry skin as it will contain a higher amount of nutrients for your skin type. One such moisturizer is Crucial Moisture by Bioelements. This not only softens your skin and relieves the dryness, but it also helps to reduce the signs of aging. Add some antioxidants to your skin to leave it looking radiant with Dermalogica’s Antioxidant Hydramist, made for dry skin types. If you’re prone to sunburn or spend a lot of time in direct sunlight, protect your skin with a moisturizing sunscreen such as the SPF 40 Facial Moisturizer by gloTherapeutics.
Exfoliate Regularly
While you may think exfoliating will dry your skin out even more, it’s quite the opposite. Having skin that is exfoliated regularly will actually help your moisturizer work even better. If you suffer from dry skin, exfoliate at least once or twice a week. If you want to exfoliate every day, be sure to get a mild exfoliant that is appropriate for daily us. Choosing a regular exfoliating product for everyday use can cause redness and irritation. The Gentle Cream Exfoliant by Dermalogica is a non-abrasive exfoliate that removes the dead skin cells from your skin while providing you with a cream-based moisture.
Additional Dry Skin Tips
When cleansing and rinsing your skin, be sure to use lukewarm water. Water that is too hot will strip the moisture from your skin while cold water keeps you pores closed and won’t help with proper cleansing. Finding a good balance of warm water is best for rinsing dry skin. Using a humidifier in your bedroom can also help with the air quality that is causing your dry skin. You want some of that air moisture to improve your skin’s health and vitality. Aim for about 30% humidity in your room. This is especially important during the winter when the harsh cold and wind strips all the moisture from your skin.