Dry skin is a common problem caused by water and natural oil loss, leading to skin dryness, itching, redness and flakiness. The reasons for dry skin could be harsh winter, hot summer, chemicals, medical conditions or ageing. There are numerous formulations available in the market which claim to address dry skin problems. While some of these ingredients may be useful, they cannot tackle all problems tied to dry skin. Here is more on that and 9 other ways to address your irritated, itchy and dry skin concerns.
Relieve yourdry skin problems with these top 10 tips
Use a technologically-advanced blend: Since dry skin is an actual skin type requiring more care, using just a humectant or only an occlusive will not help. An immersive blend that not only moisturises from the first usage, but also strengthens the skin barrier to prevent moisture loss is what you need.
The novel hyaluronic acid is one such high-science technology backed by experts. It contains hyaluronic acid which works on the skin’s outer layer improving hydration by up to 22% after just 2 hours of application. Hyamagic 4D penetrates the skin layers providing 24-hour moisturisation and reducing dehydration of the skin. Provitamin B5 or Dexpanthenol improves hydration and moisture retention. Finally, pentavitin binds to the skin repairing and strengthening the skin barrier.
Use mild & fragrance-free formulations: If you have dry skin, it is crucial to maintain a daily skincare routine to take care of your skin and help it heal. Since the skin barrier is already compromised, it is crucial to not irritate it any further by using harsh ingredients that can cause allergic reactions such as contact dermatitis.
Limit hot water contact and long showers: Prolonged contact with hot water can further dehydrate your skin by stripping it of its oils. If you have dry skin, only use lukewarm water while showering and apply a moisturiser evenly on your skin right after.
Adopt gentler measures for tackling itching & burning: Using a cold compress (ice pack) for 15-20 minutes can relieve intense itching and burning sensation. More importantly, do not scratch your skin and compromise it further.
Do not over-exfoliate: Because dry skin can also be flaky, you may feel the urge to exfoliate more often than necessary. Over-exfoliation can increase irritation, further drying your skin. Practice gentle skin exfoliation, once or twice a week for healthy skin cell turnover.
Use natural over synthetic fabrics: Loose, breathable cotton clothing is a better choice. Avoid polyester face coverings as much as possible. Wool and other synthetic fibres are also best avoided as they can irritate the skin.
Apply generous amounts of sunscreen: Sunscreen is a vital step in protecting your skin from further drying. Choose a broad spectrum sunscreen, at least SPF 50 and apply the recommended amount on your face and body, even the areas that may be covered by clothing. Sunscreen is also a must when you’re indoors and during winters.
Focus on adequate hydration via nutritional diet: It is essential to help your skin from the inside too. A diet rich in antioxidants, selenium, and zinc, and adequate water intake can prevent further dryness.
Limit alcohol intake: Heavy alcohol intake can dehydrate skin, and increase the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, ageing you rapidly. This is because alcohol is a diuretic. Remedial steps to improve dry skin will require one to heavily limit drinking or discontinue it.
Consult a dermatologist for specific concerns: If dry skin continues to bother you despite taking corrective measures, it may be best to consult an expert. You may require a consultation to understand if you have specific conditions like seborrheic dermatitis or psoriasis which will respond better to prescriptive measures.
While the 10 tips listed above will certainly be helpful, what can really benefit in the long run is maintaining a consistency with your skin care regimen. Be smart about the formulations you choose, pick powerful clinically proven ingredient blends and keep it simple at the same time. A 5-step skincare routine can be as or even more effective than a 12-step regimen if you have the right ingredients and formulations to help you.
