How to Care for Dry Skin

Did you realize that having dry skin is as much a problem as having oily skin? If your skin isn’t prone to dryness, you probably haven’t given this opposite condition much thought. Dry skin isn’t really the result of an insufficient amount of oil production, but rather a lack of moisture. Otherwise normal skin can become dry when exposed to harsh environmental conditions including wind, the colder months when moisture is stripped from the air, and hot desert-like temperatures.

Skin that is too dry tends to be tight and flaky, and it has a dull, parched appearance. If you suffer the effects of dry skin, don’t make the mistake of overloading your skin with creamy moisturizers. That is usually overkill and often causes unsightly blemishes to appear. Dry skin does need to be moisturized, but you don’t want to clog up pores so much that they cannot breathe. Also steer clear of products containing harsh chemicals because they can strip away those all-important oils.

Simply cleanse your dry skin with warm, not hot water and a soap that contains a moisturizer. But be careful with water too as it can aggravate skin and make it even dryer. If you’re prone to dry skin, try to take shorter showers and baths, no longer than 10 or 15 minutes. And if possible, wash your dry skin with mineral water instead of tap water as the deposits found in tap water are harsh. If you can, spritz your dry skin as you would a delicate flower, and gently massage in a moisturizer formulated especially for dry skin.

It’s important that dry skin be brought under control because it can lead to more extreme skin conditions like eczema and dermatitis. But even chapped skin can cause problems so be careful. Drinking plenty of water helps keep skin hydrated that won’t cost a lot. Finally, pay attention when you’re outdoors and protect your skin accordingly.