Even if you’re one of the lucky ones who has never had a problem with dry skin, it can become more of an issue with age, especially without a good skincare routine.
Let’s take a look as to the reasons dry skin issues can sneak up on you and what you can do to keep skin hydrated and healthy.
A hot, dry climate can not only dry out your skin, but you’ll be battling against those extremely damaging UVA and UVB sun rays.
Another culprit is age. Skin becomes dry due to years of sun damage catching up to us, hormonal changes, slower skin cell turnover and less production of natural oils.
Here are some ways you can care for dry skin.
Although a hot, steamy shower or face wash might sound relaxing, using warm water is much less drying for your skin.
Along with a gentle, exfoliating cleanser, you’ll get clean without stripping the skin of much-needed natural oils.
Use a gentle touch when cleansing your skin and always pat, not rub, your skin dry.
Don’t use harsh alcohol-based astringents or toners on your skin because they strip away too much of the natural oils your skin needs to stay plump and moisturized. Stay away from fragrance additives.
Using hyaluronic acid on slightly damp skin, along with a creamy night cream, goes a long way to keep skin hydrated during the night. When you sleep and are at rest, your skin is busy with cell renewal and rejuvenating itself. Nighttime is the best time for your hydrating creams to soak in and combat dry skin.
Using body and face creams containing ceramides also works to fight dry skin. Ceramides are a type of fatty molecule that are found in up to 40% of your epidermis, or outer skin layer, which is most prone to dryness. Ceramides help lock in moisture to keep skin hydrated.
A gentle retinoid, a derivative of vitamin A, is not only great for boosting skin’s collagen for a firmer look, it also helps combat the effects of past sun damage and keeps wrinkles and fine lines at bay.
A topical retinol cream at night also helps minimize pigmentation issues like age and sun spots.
Damaging UVA and UVB rays from the sun dry skin out. You’ll know you’ve had too much sun when your skin feels tight or becomes flaky.
Sunscreen prevents immediate skin cell damage in addition to protecting skin from damage in the future.
Use a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 and by using a creamy sunscreen, you get the extra benefit of a moisturizer.
Dry skin responds extremely well to a light steam. Steaming opens up your pores and following up with a topical hyaluronic acid or ceramide cream keeps moisture locked in.
A humidifier works well in spaces where the air is dry. Even running a desk-size mini humidifier keeps the air moist and keeps the dry air from air conditioners or heaters from drying out your skin.
Vitamins A, C, E and CoQ10 contain powerful antioxidants that fight off free radical damage, which ages and dries the skin due to cell and tissue damage.
Try adding fatty omega-3 or omega-6 supplements like flax or fish oil which help replenish skin’s natural oils.
Drinking more water not only keeps skin plump and hydrated, but also eliminates toxins in the body.
If you are struggling with dry skin, let the experts at Laura Skincare in Petaluma work with you for a one-on-one consultation and complete treatment plan.