The Recipe for Dry Skin Care
Not only does dry skin lead to cracking of the upper layer of skin, it leaves a rough texture and unsightly, dull appearance. When dry skin cracks, the barrier between the body and the external environment that the skin usually provides is breached, allowing the entry of bacteria.
This breaking of the skin occurs because the skin loses elasticity when it lacks moisture and the skin splits more easily when stretched or put under pressure. Dry skin is therefore more prone to the formation of stretch marks.
Other causes of dry skin include dry climate, hormonal changes, excess exfoliation and treatment of other skin disorders. Dry skin could also be the nature of one’s skin. Whatever the cause may be, you’re in luck because we have a dry skin recipe that kisses your dry skin goodbye.
Recipe for Dry Skin Care
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- Dry skin care starts with proper moisturizers—the most effective remedy for dry skin. Generally, moisturizers are classified under 2 categories based on the way they work.
- The first category includes moisturizers that provide dry skin care by preserving the moisture within the skin (e.g. Vaseline). These moisturizers are relatively inexpensive and are readily available (even at grocery shops).
- The second category includes moisturizers that work by drawing moisture from the environment and supplying it to the skin. This is a very effective way of dry skin care in humid conditions. The moisturizers that provide dry skin care in this way are also called humectants. For proper dry skin care, you must use a non-greasy type of moisturizer as much as possible. Humectants fall in this category. The ingredients of humectants include propylene glycol, urea, glycerin, hyaluronic acid, etc.
- The best dry skin care procedure is to cleanse the skin before the application of moisturizer. You wouldn’t want to put moisturizers on top of oil and dirt. Cleansing beforehand allows for better absorption.
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Apply moisturizer while the skin is still damp immediately after cleansing to help lock in hydration.
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Use soap-free products (especially on your face, neck and arms).
- Exfoliation does help in dry skin care by removing the top layer of dead skin cells. However, make sure to not exfoliate too hard as this can cause irritation and abrasions in the skin.
- Your dry skin care procedures/products should also take care of sun protection. Use a good sunscreen before going out.
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Avoid too much and too direct exposure to sun (simply by using an umbrella/hat etc).
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Use natural products for dry skin care, i.e. products that provide dry skin care without the use of synthetic chemicals. These dry skin care products supply lipid enhancements to the skin, hence enabling moisture retention within the skin.
- Be mindful of the temperature of water you use for showering or for washing your face. Use warm water; too hot or too cold water can cause dryness too.
- Dry skin care is also about being gentle with your skin. You should avoid harsh detergents and alcohol-based cleansers. Also, after a face wash, do not rub your towel on your face, just pat gently to soak the water off.
As you can see, skin care for dry skin is equal parts using great moisturizers and using them properly. Once you get a routine going that works for your skin, skincare for dry skin is relatively simple. The key is following the recipe and staying consistent!
Add our moisturizing Vanilla Buttercream Crunch - Whipped Body Butter to your dry skincare routine!