Let’s face it, dry, flaky skin isn’t fun. It’s hard to disguise with makeup, and it tends to highlight fine lines and wrinkles. But what if you had a skin care routine that showed you how to get rid of dry flaky skin on the face? Sounds good, right?
But first…
Irritated Skin: Why Do You Have Dry Itchy Skin That’s Lacking Moisture?
Why do you get dry, itchy skin in the first place? Well, there’s certainly more than one reason. And, dry skin can happen no matter your skin type.
Here are a few reasons why you may find yourself dealing with dry, flaky skin:
The Weather – Changes in weather, especially weather that brings dry air, can strip moisture from the skin. How you operate in the weather can also lead to dry skin issues – the sun, chlorine, salt water, or air conditioning can also cause dry, flaky skin.
Aging – You may have once had oily skin, but skin naturally produces less oil as you age. This can lead to a much drier skin type than you had when you were younger, and unless you’ve adjusted your skincare routine, your skin may suffer.
Dehydration – Dehydration can occur if you’re not using a good enough moisturizer for your skin type. A lightweight lotion may be perfect for your friend, but your skin may be crying out for a deeply hydrating cream. Dehydration can also occur if you don’t drink enough water.
Irritants – Using certain skin care products, harsh soaps, fragrance, or over-washing your face are just a few ways you can easily irritate your skin.
Nutritional Deficiencies – A lack of essential vitamins and minerals can start to show on the skin. So make sure you’re eating a balanced diet.
Stress – Stress can worsen many dry skin conditions.
Your Skin Type – some people are just born with a dry skin type. Their skin doesn’t produce enough sebum (oil), and it’s not good at retaining the sebum that it does produce. A high-quality moisturizer can help even those with the driest of skin.1-5
Dry Skin Care Routine: Use a Cleanser, Exfoliator, and Moisturizer
So, if you find yourself suddenly dealing with dry, scaly skin, it’s important to know how to fix it. Luckily, there are certain products out there that are aimed at doing exactly this. The best way to approach dry skin is to have a good dry skin care routine in place.
1. Cleanse
Though it may feel like cleansing dry skin will only dry it out further, this is only true if you choose the wrong cleanser. Seek out deeply hydrating cleansers to help restore moisture to your face while you wash.
Look for a cleansing oil or products that contain nourishing ingredients. Think hyaluronic acid (the matriarch of moisture), fruit enzymes (a gentle natural exfoliant), or hydrating rose stem cells.6
2. Exfoliate
Before you can properly restore moisture to your complexion, you need to exfoliate that dry skin — but that doesn’t mean scrubbing it with a rough washcloth. An exfoliating product is perfect for doing this job, gently. Exfoliators free up clogged pores, removing dead, flaky skin cells on the surface of the skin.
Products which contain alpha-hydroxy acids (glycolic or lactic acid) or beta-hydroxy acids (like salicylic acid) are great choices. These chemical exfoliants are usually gentle enough for even sensitive skin, especially lactic acid.7,8
3. Moisturize
The most important step in this routine is to moisturize your skin regularly and efficiently. Depending on just how dry your skin is, you’ll find that certain types of moisturizers tend to work better for you.
If moisturizing was a spectrum, you’d have light lotions at one end and thick, heavy petroleum jelly at the other. Some people will find that lotions are too light for their dry skin, so a heavier, oilier cream will be far more suitable.
Moisturizing Ingredients:
Hyaluronic acid and rose stem cells are great moisturizing ingredients. They are exceptional at keeping the skin hydrated and preventing moisture from escaping.9
Aloe Vera gel is another great moisturizing ingredient. Because it’s made of mostly water, it’s a great way to moisturize the skin without a greasy feel. Aloe Vera absorbs easily making it ideal for those with oily skin.
Jojoba Oil is naturally rich in hydrating, fatty tocopherols (a.k.a. vitamin E). A few drops can help support healthy, hydrated skin. This is especially beneficial when paired with specially-formulated skin care products. However, If you’re susceptible to breakouts, oil-free moisturizers may be a better choice.
And yes, even though you have dry skin you can still get breakouts.
Note: Avoid moisturizers that contain parabens, as they can be irritating to the skin.11
4. Slumber
A good night’s sleep is always beneficial for a healthy body and mind. Sleeping gives your skin time to rejuvenate and regenerate.12
Need A Facial? Know When To Contact The Pros About Your Skin Dryness Issue
If you’re still struggling with dry skin issues, talk to your dermatologist. They may be able to provide you with more comprehensive advice regarding your unique skin type.
You may want to see how a professional facial works for you. A beauty therapist will have some great products on hand and can teach you the best way to use them during a professional facial treatment.
Moisturizing Is Essential
Moisturizing is paramount for everyone, at any age. Your skin needs water, and it doesn’t always get enough. Moisturizing doesn’t just help to put water back into the skin, it also has the ability to help trap it there.
And, skin that’s well hydrated is not only flake-free, it’s also healthier.
Learn More:
How Does Caffeine Help Your Skin Health?
6 Surprising Things That Make You Look Older
What Does Eye Cream Do?
Sources
1.https://www.prevention.com/beauty/skin-care/a25858151/dry-flaky-skin-treatment/
2.https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/16940-dry-skinitchy-skin
3.https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/how-much-water-should-you-drink
4.https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/0f07/0293366f4efbbc48306d9e4c56813253742b.pdf
5.https://www.express.co.uk/life-style/health/1103066/dry-skin-symptoms-signs-vitamin-d-deficiency
6.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29328637
7.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19245467
8.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4554394/
9.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5849435/
10.https://www.researchgate.net/publication/328288524_Skin_hydration_is_significantly_increased_by_a_cream_formulated_to_mimic_the_skin’s_own_natural_moisturizing_systems
11. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17186576
12. https://www.sleep.org/articles/how-sleep-improves-your-skin/