Having dry skin or any kind of visible skin change comes with challenges far greater than just physical. Recent studies have shown that over time, people with skin diseases/problems can become prone to anxiety, lowered self-confidence, and depression. So, finding the right skin care routine, not just for dry skin but other dermal issues as well, can be of utmost importance.
Here we’ll be focusing specifically on the problems related to excessively dry skin. We’ll also share with you some basic, easy-to-follow recommended routine steps for proper skin care.
What Are the Signs of Dry Skin?
Since it’s the largest human organ and covers the entire body, the skin is highly exposed to the changes in our environment. Having dry skin every now and then isn’t a strange occurrence. However, if it lasts a longer period of time, or if you notice one or more of the following symptoms, you probably need to see a dermatologist for treatment.
- Itching
- Visible lack of hydration
- Roughness
- Flaking
- Cracks (sometimes accompanied by bleeding)
- Pain.
You should also consider getting skin care products for dry skin if you notice these changes.
Excessively dry skin can often be a result of an underlying medical condition or improper care. Some of these symptoms may seem less serious than others, but none of them should be left untreated since they’re just an early sign that others will appear soon.
Once your skin becomes dry, it will start losing its smoothness, become painful to touch, overly sensitive to heat and cold, and prone to infections. It will swell, flake, form crusts and wounds, and probably develop into more serious problems if left untreated.
Skin Care Routine for Dry Skin – Basic Steps
Consistency, discipline, persistence, and patience are crucial for the success of the healing process. There are no shortcuts to healed, healthy skin; you can just further complicate the issue. Here are some basic self-care steps.
Get a Humidifier for Your Home
It sounds a bit unexpected, but it’s actually a very basic part of a dry skin routine that provides good results. It plays a major role in the prevention of dry skin patches.
While some heating systems do have a humidifier, try getting a portable one too. It will provide your skin with a healthier environment as it heals.
Moisturize Multiple Times a Day
Every skin care routine for dry skin must include this step and it’s crucial not to skip it. Apply your moisturizer no longer than five minutes after showering because that will give the best effects, but also make sure to pick the best moisturizer for your skin type.
Soft creams are a must for dry skin, while combination skin can thrive with different lotions that give it the right amount of moisture. Extremely dry and inflamed skin demands balms or prescription creams to heal and retain moisture at the same time.
Use Gentle Face Cleansers
Our face is constantly in contact with all sorts of airborne pollutants, sunshine, or dirt, so it’s important to clean it properly twice a day.
Face routine for dry skin should therefore always start with cleaning. Just make sure to first choose the right cleanser for your skin type.
Dry skin demands gentle cleansers, preferably ones that also moisturize it at the same time. Try to stay away from products with glycolic acid and salicylic acid.
If you’re unsure whether you’ve chosen the right cleanser, just pay attention to how your skin feels after you’ve applied it. Irritation, itchiness, or tightness are definitely signs that you should look for a different product. Your skin should be softer after cleansing, remember that.
Use Toner
If you want to do your face care for dry skin right, never skip this step. It’s crucial to do it after cleaning, before exposing your face to anything else (not even moisturizer!). Usually, just a few drops of toner are enough to prepare your skin for what follows.
A lot of skin toners contain alpha/beta hydroxy acids, but if you have dry skin, make sure to avoid them as they will further irritate your skin. Read the labels carefully. What you’re looking for are hyaluronic acid, green tea extracts, vitamins E or C, and rose water. These ingredients help hydration and reduce inflammation and redness.
Introduce Sun Protection to Your Everyday Routine
Every dermatologist recommended skin care routine will mention this element. SPF 30 should be used every day, all year-round—not just during summer. If you don’t already have this habit, the quickest way to build one is to get a moisturizer that has a built-in SPF factor.
As with other products, make sure to read the label. Avoid products with chemical ingredients, as they will almost certainly irritate your skin and cause different reactions. If you have sensitive skin of any kind, look for titanium dioxide or zinc oxide. Despite sounding dangerous, these are physical ingredients that don’t penetrate your skin and pose no danger for starting processes.
Note: Since skin products for dry skin are a significant part of your routine, you should be fully equipped with everything necessary to maintain your glow. Consider signing up for high-quality subscription boxes to make sure you can always give your skin what it needs to remain healthy. This way, you never have to worry about running out of moisturizer or cleanser, you get products of consistent quality, and save time and money.
Makeup Routine for Dry Skin
If you like wearing makeup or simply struggle to do it properly when your skin is dry, you have to follow some ground rules. First of all, you need to go through your products and check their ingredients. Throw out any product that contains alcohol or artificial scents, since they’ll do more damage than good.
Now that we agreed about that, here is what a basic makeup routine for dry skin should look like:
- Don’t skip any of the steps we discussed earlier. In other words: cleanse, tone, moisturize, and protect against the sun.
- Buy and use applicators. Fingers may be an easier, cheaper, and faster option at some point, but it is not very hygienic. Instead of rubbing your face, invest in at least one blender and some basic brushes for a more effective application and coverage.
- Using a primer is a must. Another item you should add to your shopping list of skin products for dry skin is certainly a primer. It’ll make sure rough patches are covered and smooth for the foundation. Otherwise, your foundation will look rough no matter how much you try to blend it.
- Use foundation made specifically for dry skin. Read the labels and pick a product that will suit you best. Keep in mind that dry skin foundations are usually liquid, as powders tend to make dry patches more prominent.
- Skip powder setting. For reasons just stated above, it’s best to replace this step with some highlighter and blush/bronzer. Needless to say, use liquid or creamy ones, not powder.
Things to Avoid if You Have Dry Skin
Firstly, remember that skin care for dry skin needs to be adapted all year-round, depending on the season. Weather changes and dry air have a big impact on fine lines and wrinkles. Furthermore, without proper care, low humidity can affect the moisture in your skin, and make it crack and bleed in a very short time.
To prevent this from happening, try to avoid the following things.
Long Hot Showers and Baths
While exposing your skin to more water is a common instinct and seems logical, it’s not recommended that your routine relies on it. The American Academy of Dermatology advises showering for 5–10 minutes with warm water, not hot.
Exfoliating and Rubbing Your Skin With Towels
Despite what you may read online, your skin won’t regenerate by itself if you remove the top layer of healing/flaking/cracked skin. You will put yourself through pain while doing so, and damage your skin to the point of scarring or developing infections.
In case you’re here because you’ve done exactly that, there’s no quick fix. You need a dermatologist recommended skin care routine to allow your skin to fully heal.
Moreover, after you finish showering, washing your face/hands, or bathing, resist the urge to try and remove the flakes and roughness. Instead, gently tap a soft towel on your skin to remove water.
Products Containing Alcohol and Fragrances
While it may seem tiring to always check the labels, it’s a necessary part of any proper skin routine for dry skin. If you have this type of skin problem, avoid products that contain alcohol, fragrances, retinoids, or alpha-hydroxy acid. They irritate the skin and prevent it from retaining the natural oils or any other moisturizers you may be using.
Uncertified Beauticians and Cosmeticians
The beauty industry is filled with people who are highly unqualified to diagnose and treat skin conditions. Avoid turning to them for help.
Instead, consult a medical professional. If the lack of moisture in your skin persists in spite of your efforts to treat it, there could be a medical reason behind the issue.
Conclusion
We’re aware that everyone’s skin is different, so try to see which of these steps you can work into your own skin care routine for dry skin suitable for your own needs. Of course, it’s always a good idea to talk to a professional who will be able to tell you exactly what it is your skin needs the most.
