Nobody wants to deal with dry, rough skin. If you're like everybody else, you want to have a supple, radiant complexion that makes you look young and glowing.
However, if you already have dry skin, it doesn't mean that you have to resign yourself to this condition. There are several steps you can take to combat the dryness and get your skin to look healthy again.
Causes of Dry Skin
Before you begin buying expensive products and undergoing treatments for your dry skin problems, you should first understand what causes your condition. Doing so will allow you to address your problem at its root cause and manage it effectively.
Here are some of the most common causes of dry skin:
Harsh Products
Many skin care products and detergents that you can buy over the counter contain harsh ingredients that may irritate your skin. These items can also strip off moisture from your skin because they're formulated to remove oil from surfaces.
Heat
Living in areas with cold, dry climate requires you to use heating appliances around your house. Although these can keep you warm and comfortable, they can suck out the humidity from the environment and dry out your skin.
Aging
The older you get, the more your skin tends to lose its natural oils and get less effective in retaining moisture. This is why elderly people tend to suffer from dry and itchy skin more often than younger individuals.
Dehydration
Another cause of dry skin is the lack of water in your body. If you want to prevent dry skin, make sure you drink plenty of hydrating fluids throughout the day, like water or juices that contain natural electrolytes.
Medications
Certain drugs like antihistamines, diuretics, antacids, and beta-blockers can also cause dry skin because they affect your body's hydration levels. Talk to your doctor if you are taking these medications and think that they may be causing your dry skin.
Skin Care Tips for Dry Skin
Now that you know what causes your dry skin problems, here are some skin care routine tips you can follow to improve your complexion:
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Use Warm Water When Bathing
Having a hot, steamy shower might feel good, especially after a tiring day. However, it might not be too friendly for your skin.
Hot water can strip off natural oils from your skin's surface and make the dryness worse. Instead, opt for using warm water when bathing or showering to keep your skin hydrated. You should also limit your time in the shower and make sure that you last no longer than 10 minutes.
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Cleanse Gently
If you want to remove dirt and other impurities from your skin without causing irritation, use a gentle cleanser that is specifically formulated for sensitive skin. You should also stay away from products that contain fragrances because they can further irritate your complexion.
One tip for dry skin is to look for a soapless, fragrance-free cleanser to wash your skin with. You might also want to buy a cleanser that contains ceramides, which can help your skin retain its moisture.
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Shave Properly
If you want to get rid of unwanted facial or body hair, make sure that you do it properly so that your skin won't suffer from its effects. Since shaving can further irritate dry skin, you need to take extra precautions when doing it.
It's best to shave after you shower because your hair will be softer. You should also apply shaving gel or cream whenever you're shaving to reduce friction between your skin and the razor. Lastly, use a sharp razor and shave in the direction the hair is growing to avoid irritation and dryness.
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Moisturize
One of the most important skin care tips for dry skin is to moisturize. Using a moisturizer regularly will soothe your dry skin and prevent it from getting irritated.
When buying moisturizer for your dry skin, you should look for products that contain shea butter, ceramides, stearic acid, or glycerin. These ingredients can help replenish your skin barrier and allow your skin to retain moisture more effectively.
If you plan on wearing makeup for the day, you should consider using Pixi Vitamin C Priming Oil. This product will hydrate your skin and provide it with the nutrients it needs to stay healthy even when covered with makeup.
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Use Sun Protection
It's important to wear sunscreen when going outdoors, especially if your skin is sensitive and dry. You should choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen that has an SPF of at least 30 so that you can protect yourself from the sun's harmful rays.
Apart from using moisturizers with SPF protection, you should also apply sunscreen directly on your skin. Reapply it every two hours and don't forget to cover the areas that are most exposed to the sun, like your face, neck, hands, and arms.
Keep Your Skin Healthy and Moisturized
Dry skin can be a nuisance but with the right skin care routine tips, you can manage its effects well. Follow the tips for dry skin listed above and you'll soon see an improvement in your complexion.
Remember, it's always better to prevent dry skin than to look for ways to treat it. So, keep these tips for dry skin in mind and take good care of your skin!
