Dry skin is one of the most common, frustrating, and uncomfortable problems people can experience. It’s also one of the hardest to solve because several different factors often cause it. The good news is that there are many ways to prevent or treat dry skin – but you have to know what makes your skin dry in the first place. That’s why we’ve put together this list of 10 things that make your skin dry.
Over Exfoliating
A common mistake that can lead to skin dryness is over-exfoliating our skin – especially in problematic areas like the face or neck. Over-exfoliation results in removing too many cells, leading to flaking and irritation because there’s no way for them to retain moisture. If you want smooth pores & a radiant complexion, the best method is always to exfoliate at least once a week (ideally, you should do this with an oil-based product) but not more than twice per month!
Exposure To Harsh Chemicals
Personal care products labeled as “natural” or “organic” may contain chemicals and additives that can cause your skin to dry out, so it is best to check ingredients before buying any new product. For example, fragrance in a lotion formula could be very drying because of how it reacts on the skin – even if there aren’t many other irritating ingredients listed!
Bad Diet
If you are not getting enough essential fatty acids in your diet (a type of fat that is crucial for healthy skin) or aren’t consuming foods high in vitamin E, it may cause skin dryness. These nutrients help keep the natural oils on your body balanced! Healthy fats are in nuts, seeds, olive oil, avocados, and oily fish like salmon, while Vitamin E is in leafy green vegetables such as spinach & broccoli. If changing what you eat doesn’t improve dryness after a few weeks – consider seeing a doctor to rule out any medical conditions which could have triggered this problem!
Too Much Stress & Anxiety
When you are stressed out about something, your body produces stress hormones that signal your glands to stop producing natural oils. This makes skin dry out easier because there is less sebum available for hydration. No amount of moisturizer will solve this problem alone without changing the cause! The best way to prevent dehydration is by making sure you are getting plenty of sleep, eating well, and practicing good stress-relief techniques.
Wrong Moisturizer
When you use a moisturizing formula that is not right for your skin type, skin dryness can occur. Since everyone’s skin can be different – there isn’t just one product that works best! The most important thing to look for when buying any skincare products is the ingredients list. If it contains harsh chemicals or irritants like fragrance (which dries out the skin) and parabens (which clog pores), consider switching formulas so you don’t have to deal with this issue again!
Too Much Sun Exposure
It’s easy for dry skin symptoms to appear when your skin isn’t adequately protected by sunscreen. Another important step you should be taking daily is preventing sun damage and dehydration. When UV rays hit our cells, they break down the lipid membrane that keeps them intact, which leads to premature aging and diminishes moisture levels. To help prevent this problem, make sure you use a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher on all exposed areas of skin every day!
