Explore these expert tips on treating and preventing flaky, dry skin.
Searching for how to curedry skinon the face overnight?
All these are signs that youre not getting enough moisture.
Dalina Rahman/Getty Images
Once the skin barrier is compromised, it is more likely to become irritated and sensitive.
There are a couple of key causes of a compromised skin barrier.
and psoriasis can cause excessive dryness.
Skin conditions that cause itchiness can also lead to dry skin from incessant scratching over time.
It’s also worth noting that certain products to treat some skin conditions can exacerbate dryness.
Nutrient Deficiencies
Skin requires nutrients to keep it moisturized and healthy.
Vitamin D and A deficiencies, for example, can cause dry skin.
Similarly, a lack of niacin, zinc, or iron can be a culprit behind dry skin.
Environmental Factors
Dry air can take a toll on the skin, causing dryness.
This is typically true in colder climates or during seasonal changes when temperatures drop.
Sunny skies can also dry out the skin.
In more humid climates, there is more moisture in the air, which translates to more moisturized skin.
“Applying a moisturizer on damp skin can help seal in moisture.
It also allows better penetration of your moisturizer, making it more effective, Castilla says.
Layer Your Moisturizers
Layering moisturizing products over each other can also get more moisture to your skin.
Candace Marino, a medical aesthetician, even spritzes a hydrating mist in between these steps.
It has a slime-like consistency, hence the name.
When your skin is missing moisture, you could help to replace it with this ingredient.
Apply Colloidal Oatmeal
Colloidal oatmeal can be an effective skin soother and moisturizer because of its properties.
The finely ground oats contain a blend of lipids, proteins, polysaccharides, and saponins.
Apply AHA Cream to Feet & Cover With Socks
Also dealing with super dry hands or feet?
The product itself helps soften and exfoliate skin while the cloth covering creates humidity which boosts results.
Use Ceramides
Some skincare products contain ceramides, which are also vital for skin health.
They play an active role in forming the skin’s natural barrier, which retains the skin’s moisture.
However, natural levels of ceramides decline with age, leading to dryness.
Topical tool of ceramides can replenish these lipids.
Here are some tips to prevent dry skin in the first place or keep it from recurring.
This is due to lack of humidity, but a humidifier can fix that problem real quick.
Even in places with humid air outside, the indoor heating systems tend to significantly decrease indoor air humidity.
Just double-check to clean it regularly to prevent any mold issues.
Exfoliate Once Every Week or Two
Exfoliation plays a pivotal role in your skins moisture levels.
Marino recommends using a very gentle chemical exfoliator about once per week.
Its important not to overdo exfoliation since this can have the inverse effect of causing dry skin.
A consistent nighttime routine will pay off in spades.
Use a Silk Pillowcase
Asilk pillowcasecan help prevent dry skin, as well.
Silk reduces friction and retains moisture better than cotton.
Plus, the smooth surface of silk is less abrasive against on the skin, preventing irritation.
These oils are essential for maintaining moisture.
Without them, your skin becomes more susceptible to dryness.
And keep your showers under 10 minutes to prevent drying out your skin.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes.
Dermatologists agree that chemical exfoliators tend to work better that physical ones.
Then you might come up with a personalized treatment plan.
“DRY SKIN: WHO GETS AND CAUSES.”
American Academy of Dermatology Association.
Karakiulakis, G. et al.
“Hyaluronic acid: A key molecule in skin aging.”
“Active Moisturizing Lotion With Colloidal Oatmeal Skin Protectant Versus Its Vehicle for the Relief of Xerosis.
“J Drugs Dermatology.
Bektay, H. et al.
“Recent Advances on Topical tool of Ceramides to Restore Barrier Function of Skin.“Cosmetics.
2016;17(4):462. doi:10.3390/ijms17040462
