Most people have experienced dry skin at some point in their life. Dry skin is usually caused by environmental conditions, genetics, or excessive bathing, and can occur anywhere on the body. If you have dry skin, don't worry - there are many ways you can moisturize it and prevent it from drying out again. See the methods below.
Step
Method 1 of 4: Moisturizing from the outside
Step 1. Moisturize regularly
The need to moisturize when dry skin may seem like a trivial thing, but it is important that you know how to moisturize effectively. For example, applying a thick moisturizer once a week will not produce the desired effect. On the other hand, you must moisturize frequently and do it consistently in order to effectively combat dry skin.
- Put a facial moisturizer next to your bed. This will make it easier for you to remember to moisturize your skin every night before you go to bed. Make it a part of your nighttime routine.
- If you experience dry hands, keep hand cream in small packs in your bag or next to your sink. Use it every time you wash your hands.
Step 2. Moisturize the skin while it is still damp
Moisturizing your skin while it's still slightly wet can help retain more water. After you wash your face, dry your face by simply patting it gently with a towel to remove excess water, then immediately apply the moisturizer. Do the same for your body. Pat your skin with a towel until it's still slightly damp, then apply a good moisturizer. Let your skin dry naturally so that all the moisturizer is fully absorbed.
If your skin still feels dry, apply the moisturizer again after the first layer has been absorbed
Step 3. Change your moisturizing product
You may need to change the moisturizing product you use, according to changes in your skin or season. During the colder months, which generally tend to dry out your skin, you may need to switch to a richer moisturizer with higher moisturizing power. In summer, you should use a moisturizer that contains SPF, in order to protect your skin from the sun at the same time. If you have combination skin, you may want to use a light moisturizer on the areas of your skin that are usually the oiliest (such as the T zone) and a heavier moisturizer on the areas of your skin that are usually dry.
Step 4. Choose the right cleaner
Be careful when choosing a facial or body cleanser, because some cleansers can deplete your skin's natural moisture. Choose a gentle cream cleanser or cleansing milk that can both moisturize the skin while cleansing. Also try to stay away from cleansers with strong or strong perfume scents as the chemicals behind those scents can dry out your skin.
Step 5. Gently exfoliate the skin
Exfoliating your skin is a great way to exfoliate dry and dead skin cells so your skin feels smoother afterwards. However, many facial scrubs can also strip the skin of moisture and irritate dry skin. That's why it's important to exfoliate your skin gently, using the right products and techniques.
- The ingredients in many facial scrubs can also strip the skin of important natural moisture. Therefore, instead of using a facial scrub, use a damp washcloth to massage your face in small circular motions to gently but effectively exfoliate the skin.
- Get rid of harsh body scrubs with a gritty texture, and try using a loofah (bath pad), exfoliating gloves, or a special dry skin brush to gently exfoliate the skin.
- Always moisturize your skin immediately after exfoliating.
Step 6. Limit the use of "care" products
Dry skin is often a side effect of using certain treatments, such as products for acne and wrinkles. If you want to cleanse your skin or fight aging, that doesn't mean you have to stop using these care products completely. It just means you have to use it less often because certain active ingredients in these care products can make dry skin worse, especially in winter.
Step 7. Relieve itchy skin
Dry skin often causes itching, but scratching it can make it worse, and even damage the skin. Sometimes just moisturizing will help relieve itching from dry skin, but if you need some extra help, try a hydrocortisone cream or over-the-counter anti-itch lotion.
Method 2 of 4: Hydrate from within
Step 1. Drink plenty of water
Water can flush toxins from your system and distribute nutrients to your cells. This will help prevent dry skin by keeping it hydrated and nourished. You should aim to drink at least two liters of water per day.
Step 2. Eat fresh fruits and vegetables
A healthy and balanced diet will help your skin by providing the vitamins and nutrients your body needs to stay healthy and hydrated. Try to eat at least 2 servings of green leafy vegetables and 2 servings of seasonal fruits every day. Fruits and vegetables with high water content, such as watermelon, broccoli and tomatoes, are great for hydrating the body and skin.
Step 3. Eat healthy fats
Eating foods that contain the good types of fats will contribute to overall body health – by increasing blood flow and nutrient delivery to all body cells, including the skin. Try to eat more foods that contain monounsaturated fats, such as avocado, olives, and peanut butter, as well as more foods that contain polyunsaturated fats, such as salmon, walnuts, and tofu.
Step 4. Take supplements
Taking supplements is an easy and effective way to increase your intake of essential nutrients and vitamins, which help create healthy, hydrated skin. Try taking fish oil supplements which are great for dry skin and eyes, or increasing your intake of vitamin E, an antioxidant that repairs and protects skin.
Step 5. Cut down on salty and fried foods
Salty and fried foods will dehydrate the body, making dry skin problems worse. Limit the consumption of these types of foods as much as possible to avoid dehydration, and for the sake of your overall health.
Step 6. Don't smoke
The negative side effects of smoking are well documented, but you may not know that smoking is also bad for your skin. The tar contained in cigarettes can clog pores, leading to blackheads and acne. Smoking also inhibits your ability to breathe, thereby impeding circulation and reducing oxygen in skin cells. Smoking also reduces tissue vitamin C which is essential for healthy looking skin.
Step 7. Limit alcohol intake
Alcohol can dehydrate the body which also results in skin dehydration. This reduces the body's ability to absorb fluids, leading to a loss of water, electrolytes, and minerals. In the end this will lead to dry and red skin that is easily irritated. Try to drink alcohol in moderation or even avoid it altogether. And if you drink alcohol, alternate with drinking a glass of water.
Method 3 of 4: Prevent Dry Skin
Step 1. Avoid excessive bathing
Don't shower or wash your face too often, as that will dry out your skin. To avoid dryness, you should limit bathing to only one bath per day. You should also avoid using hot steam on your skin and washing your face or body with water that is too hot.
- Use warm or lukewarm water so that the moisture in your skin doesn't drain too much. Water that is too hot tends to wash away the protective fatty layer of your skin.
- For the same reason, you should also avoid taking long showers.
Step 2. Moisturize skin all year round, no matter the season
This may be obvious to some, but not so to others. By moisturizing your skin year-round, your skin will be ready for whatever season it's in, whether it's the biting winter winds or hot summers.
- People with sensitive skin should avoid creams containing fragrances or lanolin as these can cause the skin to react negatively.
- Try to get products that contain either glycerin or hyaluronic acid, as these are great for hydrating the skin.
Step 3. Wear sunscreen
If you spend a lot of time outdoors, it's very important that you protect your face with a cream or moisturizer that contains SPF 15 or higher. It will protect the sensitive skin on your face from the sun's damaging rays, which cause burns, sun spots, and even wrinkles. Remember that the sun can burn your skin all year round, so sunscreen isn't just for summer!
Step 4. Use a humidifier
If the air in your home is very dry, your skin can dry out while you sleep, leaving it feeling rough and flaky the next day. To work around this, try placing a humidifier in your bedroom, which you can turn on while you sleep.
- Placing a bowl or pan of water next to the radiator in your bedroom is an inexpensive and easy way to replace a humidifier.
- Or, try using a natural plant humidifier, such as Boston coconut, bamboo fern, or Ficus alii. These plants increase the moisture content in the air through transpiration - so try placing one of these plants in your bedroom. It will help your skin as well as give your bedroom a tropical feel!
Step 5. Cover it
Protect your skin from the elements that cause dry skin by covering it as much as possible. In winter, protect your skin from winds that dry out the skin by wearing a hat, scarf, and gloves. Use a protective lip balm like chapstick to protect your lips. In summer, wear a baseball cap or sun-hat to protect your face from the scorching sun, and wear loose, lightweight long-sleeved pants and shirts to prevent sunburn.
Method 4 of 4: Home Treatment
Step 1. Use petroleum jelly
The hydrating properties of petroleum jelly cannot be underestimated. Petroleum jelly is highly emollient and actually forms a barrier layer that prevents moisture from evaporating from the skin's surface. This product is also a cheap and fun alternative for treating dry skin on a low budget. The most easily available brand for this product is Vaseline.
- Since petroleum jelly can feel thick and sticky, it may be better to apply it at night. Try moisturizing your skin with water, then apply your usual layer of moisturizer, then apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly to cover everything.
- You can also use petroleum jelly for dry hands and feet. Coat your hands and feet with a layer of petroleum jelly before going to bed. Then cover with cotton gloves and socks to maximize absorption and prevent petroleum jelly from rubbing and sticking to your sheets. Your skin will be supple and moisturized the next morning.
Step 2. Use avocado
Puree half a ripe, fresh avocado, then add a quarter cup (60 ml) of organic honey. Add a teaspoon of milk or yogurt if desired. Apply this prescription skin care cream on your face and neck. Lastly, wash off with cold water after 10 minutes for super nourished skin.
Step 3. Use bananas
Bananas can rejuvenate dry skin so that it becomes soft and supple. Mash half a banana in a bowl and smooth it over the face and neck. After 5 to 10 minutes, you can rinse it off with warm water. To increase the effectiveness of this face mask, you can add a teaspoon of honey to a mashed banana.
Step 4. Use milk
Milk has long been used as a hydrating beauty balm - in fact, Queen Cleopatra used to bathe and soak in milk! If it's a little extreme, try simply washing your face with milk to moisturize the skin and reduce dark spots. The best way to do this is to pour plain milk into a cup, dip a washcloth or soft hand towel in it, then massage the milk into your skin. The lactic acid in milk will gently cleanse your skin, while the high fat content is good for moisturizing the skin.
Step 5. Use mayonnaise
Mayonnaise is considered very good for dry skin. Apply a mixture of two tablespoons of mayonnaise, one tablespoon of lemon juice, and half a teaspoon of honey directly to your face, and leave it on for about 10 minutes. For best results, use this mayonnaise mask once a week.
Step 6. Make a sugar scrub
You can make your own sugar scrub to exfoliate and hydrate dry skin using just half a cup of brown or white sugar and a splash of olive oil. If you prefer, you can also add a drop or two of a fragrance essential oil such as mint or vanilla extract, or a teaspoon of honey.
Step 7. Use aloe vera
Aloe vera helps rehydrate the skin and also naturally reduces redness and inflammation. To use it, break a leaf from the aloe vera plant and rub the clear sticky sap all over your face. Leave for 15 minutes, then rinse. For best results, use an aloe vera mask once or twice a week. You can easily find an aloe vera plant at a nursery or flower shop.
Step 8. Use oil
Natural oils like olive oil, almond oil, and coconut oil are all fantastic home care products for dry, flaky skin. Simply apply a thin layer of the oil of your choice to the skin, morning and night, for smoother and softer skin.
Step 9. Use ice cubes
Try rubbing an ice cube all over your face. This will allow more blood to circulate around your face and bring moisture to the surface. It's great for getting rid of dry skin and getting a glowing face!
Step 10. Use glycerin
Take a few drops of glycerin and apply it all over the face and neck. Leave it for 20 minutes, then wash it off with warm water. You will get a glowing and supple face.
Tips
- Don't rub your dry skin because it can leave red marks and irritation, you don't want that to happen, do you?!
- Don't use a sugar scrub. Sugar actually has a fairly sharp shape and edges when viewed through a microscope. This will abrade your skin and leave it red and damaged. Dry skin may even stay.
- If you do not get favorable results by performing the steps above, consult a beautician/dermatologist.
- Get an eczema soap and moisturizer from your local GP and use it daily as part of your daily routine. Creams such as Dermol and Diprobase are recommended for treating dry skin.
- Wearing cotton gloves and socks as often as possible can help protect your skin.
- Drinking juice can help relieve eczema.
- Try the oil cleaning method.
- If you have eczema, try using a double base. It can relieve your dry skin, and you can use it whenever you need it.
Warning
- Dry skin can cause premature aging, so don't ignore it!
- Dry skin can also increase the production of excess oil by your skin as its mechanism for moisturizing itself – and this can lead to breakouts.
