What is a dry skin?
Dry skin is a very common condition that causes small fine flakes, cracking, and dry patches. It is characterized by a lack of the appropriate amount of water in the most superficial layer of the skin, the epidermis. While dry skin tends to affect males and females equally, older individuals are typically much more prone to dry skin.
“As skin dries, it shrinks and causes cracks, which can get deep, painful, and even start to bleed. Cracks allow germs and bacteria to enter the body, which can potentially lead to a skin infection,” says Melanie Speed, RN, BSN, CAN
The characteristics of dry skin are very clear. Its biggest problem is the lack of hydration and loss of water, which manifests itself in chapped and rough skin as well as being dull and without glow.
Below are some skin care tips that are best suitable for the dry skin:
1. Always moisturize the skin
Moisturising at the right time with the best moisturizer is the key to improve your skin’s suppleness. For best results, one should apply the cream or moisturizer within 5 mins of exiting the shower and just before going to bed.
2. Hydration
Drinking 8 glasses of water daily is the best home remedy for dry skin. Applying coconut oil on your dry skin also helps in keeping your skin hydrated.
3. Avoid long showers with hot water
Long showers with hot water strip away the skin’s natural oil, sebum and leave the skin flaky and dry. Go for quick 10 mins shower using lukewarm water to reduce the risk of a dull and dry skin.
4. Avoid harsh soaps
The high pH level and artificial fragrances in soaps can lead to skin inflammation and dryness.
5. Exercise regularly
A daily exercise improves skin elasticity and boosts the moisture delivery to your face which helps in alleviating the ill effects of dry skin.
6. Add Oils To Your Bath
HOME REMEDIES FOR DRY SKIN
The good news is that you don’t necessarily need to visit a dermatologist to heal your dry skin. Instead, consider adding a natural remedy to your skin-care routine at home. In fact, the ingredients for these dry-skin remedies might already be in your kitchen.
How can natural remedies help soothen dry and irritated skin?
The skin naturally produces oil, called sebum, which helps protect the skin from moisture loss, but everyday actions, such as, forgetting to put on moisturizer or washing your hands with a drying soap — can strip natural oils from your skin.
1. ROSE WATER
In case your skin gets dry and itching dabbing a bit of rose water will gently soothe the area, minimising irritation and moisturising skin. Rose water soothes and moisturises skin while balancing ph levels making it a perfect choice for dry skin.
Tip: Add plain rose water to a spray bottle and use it on your skin throughout the day by spritzing it on the affected area.
2. COCONUT OIL
Coconut oil nourishes the skin and also deeply moisturises, improving your skin’s overall health. It can be applied pre or post-shower to moisturise your skin. It is a natural emollient and that makes it the perfect companion for dry dehydrated skin.
3. HONEY
Honey is a natural humectant and deeply moisturises skin. Apart from moisturising, it also has anti-inflammatory properties which help in calming irritation and redness or any other skin inflammation. It also helps effectively brighten skin and lend a radiant glow.
4. ALOE VERA
Aloe Vera hydrates skin and prevents breakouts. It also contains essential vitamins and minerals that improve skin health.
5. SHEA BUTTER
Famous for its deeply nourishing properties, shea butter is a sure shot solution to all your dry skin concerns. It is extremely nourishing and does not disturb your skin in any way.
Do you have any questions or suggestions? Let us know in the comment section below.
