If there is one skin concern more significant than oily skin, it has to be dry skin. With the potential risk of skin becoming flaky or even cracking, a person with dry skin has to face several consequences if their skincare routine is not in tune with their skin’s needs. Though skin texture is a genetic trait, many environmental factors add to the situation, making things worse. Here are the top daily habits that promote dry skin, and you’ll be surprised at how common they are in your life!
Your bath may be the reason your skin is becoming dryer! Hot water strips the oil from the face. The natural fatty acids secreted by the skin act as a moisturizing barrier that prevents water loss from the surface. However, as the hot water removes this barrier, your skin cells are more vulnerable to losing moisture. As a result, the skin becomes dry and itchy.
Limit your showers to not more than 15 minutes. Do not use hot water on the face. Instead, wash the face using lukewarm water and gently pat dry using a soft towel.
Rubbing Your Skin
Your skin is very delicate and sensitive to touch, especially the face. Vigorously rubbing your face with a towel causes the skin to become dry and rip off the oil. Dry your face using a soft cloth with a gentle pat on the face.
Washing Your Face Too Much
How many washes are too many? Well, no one has the correct answer. But experts do suggest not to wash more than two times a day as excessive washing can dry the skin further. Washing your face too much can lead to two consequences: first, your skin will become dry, or second, this will trigger your skin to release excess oil. Either way is not suitable for your skin. Hence, limit the number of washes.
If you have oily or dry skin, do not wash more than twice a day (unless required!), once in the morning and then when you retire for the day.
Skincare Routines To Follow
Clean, Moisturize And Protect
Cleaning the face is very important. Clean your face with a fragrance-free cleanse and use lukewarm water to do the task. Depending on your skin, you can adopt a skin cleaning routine. One such routine to adopt is the two-minute wash, where you gently rub your skin in a circular motion for around two minutes before washing off the lather. Pat dry and immediately apply a generous dose of moisturizer to seal the moisture.
Don’t Let The Soap Bar Touch Your Face.
The soap bars are not suitable for your face wash! First, the skin on your face is more delicate than the skin on your body. Hence, using soap for the face means you are subjecting the face to a harsher environment. Second, the soap is more basic than your skin. Thus, when you apply soap, you are disturbing the skin’s pH balance and, in turn, damaging the same. Third, the lathering agent in the soap bars further strips away the moisture, making your skin dry.
Avoid DIY’s That Dry Your Skin
DIY face masks are popular and quite convenient. After all, with a few simple kitchen supplies, you can get radiant skin. But, while applying the DIY masks, it is essential not to let them dry your skin too much. Most of the packs come with clay as the base product, which can dry your skin if kept for a long time. Hence, while applying the product, make sure they do not peel off the moisture from your face.
Stick to the time limit. Do not keep the masks overnight! Try applying a mask that helps in moisturizing rather than drying.
Go Light On Your Skin Care Products
Your skincare products have a lot to say about how dry your skin becomes. Avoid products that have a lot of chemicals. Instead, opt for natural base products that won’t trigger your skin much. High fragrant cleansers/face washes should not be your go-to preference. While choosing the makeup products, too, check whether they are absorbing the moisture of the skin. Products with hyaluronic acids help in improving the moisture content in the skin.
Avoid using products that contain harsh chemicals. Never use products of the body for the face!!
Don’t Go Easy On Sunscreen.
Use quality sunscreen to protect your skin from harsh UV rays. Irrespective of the type of skin, you should not let go of the sunscreen. Hence, before going out, apply sunscreen with SPF 30 or more. Don’t ditch sunscreen on a cloudy day, as the sun’s rays are there, whether the sun is visible or not. Reapply the sunscreen regularly after 2-3 hours or as directed.
Conclusion
Sensitive skin requires proper care. If you have dry skin, aim towards improving the moisture on your skin using skincare products. Avoid actions that further drain the skin of moisture. As dry skin condition is a genetic trait or condition amplified by an environmental factor, there is no way out than taking proper care! However, if the condition aggravates further, it is best to consult a dermatologist to understand your skin needs better!
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