The Proper Skincare for People With Dry Skin
Dry skin can be painful and unattractive. It commonly shows up as rough, red, and itchy patches in places of the body that show — arms, hands, lower legs, ankles. But it also shows up on the soles of the feet, thighs, and the abdomen. Taking action and using the right moisturizer and following the proper skincare routine can help if you have dry skin.
Some dry skin is often hereditary and some comes with aging, as natural skin oils diminish. Some can come along with medical issues such as asthma or thyroid disease. But daily skincare habits such as washing with rough soaps, using sanitizing or harsh cleansing agents, and scrubbing can also lead to dry skin or make it worse.
Since most dry skin is created by external causes, it responds well to external skincare treatment. Just making a few adjustments to your daily skincare routine can help. No matter what the cause, there are many things you can do to make dry skin smooth and fabulous.
Hot water diminishes oils from the skin quicker than warm water. Long showers or baths actually result in dried out skin. Try restricting yourself to a single 5- or 10-minute warm shower or bath each day. Wash with unscented, soap-free, or mild soap cleansers instead of harsh cleansers. Pat your skin with a towel after you shower or wash your face or hands, leaving it damp. Apply a moisturizer within three to five minutes of washing to lock moisture in your skin. Ceramides help the skin hold water and soothe dry skin. Synthetic ceramides can mimic the natural substances in the outermost layer of skin that help keep moisture in.
Also, you should plug in a humidifier at home to help keep skin hydrated when indoor air is dry during winter months. Wear cotton and other natural fibers; wool, synthetics, or other fabrics can be scratchy and irritating. Drink a lot of water and eat omega-3 foods. Essential fatty acids can help fortify the skin’s natural oil-retaining barriers. For itching or inflammation, try a cool compress or a hydrocortisone cream on the area for a week.