How to Treat Dry Skin

Dry skin is a common problem, which can be caused by several factors. The winter weather can often cause dryness, flakiness, and itchiness. Other causes could include pollution, harsh soaps, or a lack of moisturizer. Or it could just be that you switch face washes and your new one is too harsh. It is useful to try and identify the underlying cause of your dry skin.

Sometimes, however, you don’t as much control over your dry skin and it’ll just get drier and drier and drier if you don’t take immediate action. So what type of  skin care will keep your skin soft and hydrated?

There are two steps that you need to take to treat dry skin. First, treat the skin that is already dry. And second, take preventative steps to make sure that you keep your skin hydrated and soft.

So, let’s talk about treatment and skin care. Start by exfoliating your skin once a week. This is a process which small beads removes all the dry, dead skin cells, which is important if you want to reach the newer, softer cells underneath. You can buy a range of exfoliation washes – be sure to pick one that is specifically for your face if that is where you are suffering from dry skin. Next, moisturize. Do this after exfoliating, or after getting out of the shower when your skin can best absorb the moisturizer. Again, find a face-specific moisturizer if that is where the dry skin is.

Once you have got your skin feeling soft and hydrated again, the next step is prevention. Caffeine, smoking, and alcohol are all diuretics and will dry your skin out, so cut the caffeine, quit smoking and cut down on the drinking. Drink as much water as possible – try the eight glasses a day rule, or more if you can handle running back and forth from the bathroom all day. This will keep your body and your skin hydrated and will help flush out damaging toxins.

Remember that the outdoor elements really do affect your skin. In the winter, try moisturizing your skin before you go out which will help protect it from the wind and rain. Be sure to wear gloves to protect your hands. In the sun, wear plenty of sunscreen, and reapply as the day goes on. Eat plenty of foods that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as fish and walnuts, which will help replace moisture in dry hair and skin. And find a face wash that is right for your skin type and that doesn’t have too much alcohol in it

If you are careful, you should be able to hydrate your skin and keep it that way, so that you look fresh and glowing all year round!