5 Helpful Tips for Avoiding Dry Skin Days
When skin does not have sufficient moisture, it leads to dry skin. The ironic thing is that it can also happen as a result of frequent bathing. Not to mention other factors such as the weather, using harsh harsh products, having certain medical conditions, or just aging in general.
To strategically deal with dry skin and prevent it from getting even more red and irritated, we recommend structuring a skin routine that works best for you. This may also include limiting activities or habits that may actually be more rapidly drying out your skin.
Here are the 5 tips to help heal dry skin and prevent its return:
1. Have a skin-friendly bathing habits
If you love having long hot baths or showers, this may be a surprising wake-up call. Studies recommend that you must keep your bath or shower as short as 5- to 10-minute bath or shower daily. Water temperature must also be kept warm, not hot.
“Excessive exposure to hot water can strip the skin of essential oils leading to irritation and inflammation,” says Joshua Zeichner, M.D., director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Medical Center.
Bathroom products such as shampoos and soaps that contain alcohol can also be drying. Even worse when you use it with bath scrubs, sponges or cloths. You might want to consider switching to using gentle, and hypoallergenic products.
In addition to that, shave after taking a bath or shower. This will allow your hair to get softer, making it less likely to irritate your skin.
2. Avoid harsh chemicals and drying soaps
Detergents, fragranced soaps, and alcohol are a big no-no. These ingredients can worsen dry skin, and even cause burns in some cases, Shainhouse says.
It is best to use fragrance-free detergents, gentle skin cleansers, and bath or shower soaps with added moisturizers. Choose mild soaps that have added oils and fats.
Another option is to find a cleanser with surfactants that effectively remove dirt without damaging the outer skin layer. Look for products that contain polymers that prevent the cleansing ingredient from penetrating and irritating the skin.
3. Make a habit of apply moisturizers immediately after a shower
As per the American Academy of Dermatology, applying moisturizers immediately after bathing or washing your hands helps plug the spaces between your skin cells and seal in moisture while your skin is still damp. This is the best way to make sure it absorbs fully.
Using an ointment or cream rather than lotion is more effective and less irritating because they are heavier and contain soothing oils.
Bee Natural would make a great go-to moisturizer. It is an all-natural healing balm made of 100% organic ingredients. It is multi-purpose and can be used not only as face moisturizer, but as an eye cream, a scar treatment, after-sun lotion, and after-shave balm.
Remember to also moisturize each time you wash your hands or face. Always carry moisturizer with you and apply it after you use soap or alcohol-based sanitizers.
Also don’t forget to moisturize your lips! The skin on the lips is actually one of the thinnest and can end up being quite painful when it is dry and cracked.
A good lip balm like Bee Smooth contains beeswax and olive oil that nourish and soothe dry lips all year round. It also comes in three variants - grapefruit, lavender, and mint.
4. Drink your water
One of the most common things we know to keep our body and skin hydrated is to drink at least 8 glasses of water daily. This is the simplest way to moisturize your skin from the inside out.
“Proper hydration with water is important to keep fluid moving efficiently through the capillaries,” says Engelman. “It’s easier to get dehydrated when we are not making it a priority, or when it’s cold outside and water is evaporating faster.”
5. Watch what you wear
Our choice of clothes and fabrics are just as important as the moisturizers we use. We have an entire post about what clothing materials best left untouched by babies and kids.
Choose fabrics that are kind to your skin. Natural fibers, such as cotton and silk, allow your skin to breathe. But wool, although natural, may cause skin flare-ups.
Wool and rough fabrics can irritate your skin along with chemicals in laundry detergents and other cleansers. Try washing your clothes with hypoallergenic and no fragrance laundry detergents if your skin is sensitive.
When going out, may it be winter or summer, always wear clothes that can protect you from the cold or the sun. Also consider to put on sunscreen, even in the winter, for extra protection.
Experiencing dry skin is common and usually not an alarming health problem. But always having dry skin may lead to serious complications like eczema.
Don’t forget to consult your trusted dermatologist if you suffer from severe dry skin, which includes bleeding and swelling.
Before having to reach that point, keep in mind that prevention is better than cure. This is why we hope you will keep these helpful tips in mind to help avoid having recurring dry skin.