Are you facing dry skin problems even when you moisturize it? Don’t worry because this is a common problem. Moisturizers, necessarily, do help hydrate your skin and relieve dryness but not always. This can be due to several reasons like dehydration, overcleaning, or just the weather conditions.
Reasons For Dry Skin:
1. Dehydration
Lack of water is the leading cause of dry skin. A significant part of your skin layer is composed of water. In case of water loss, skin becomes dry and loses its elasticity.
According to a 2018 research study, drinking more water may help your skin become a little more hydrated and elastic.
Hence, the best way to ensure your skin is getting all the essential hydration is to drink at least 8 ounces of water a day.
2. Harsh Cleansers
Ingredients like sulfates, benzyl alcohol, and artificial fragrances, present in over-the-counter cleansers, are very harsh on the skin. They might remove essential oils from your skin leaving it dry and irritated. Therefore, it is necessary to choose a gentle cleanser that hydrates your skin as well as cleans it. In this case, cream cleansers are a great option as they are less harsh than gel or foam cleansers.
3. Over cleansing
As much as it is important to use a gentle cleanser, not using it too often is also necessary. Washing your skin is essential to remove dirt and bacteria but over time it strips your skin of natural oils and molecules that are significant to retain moisture in the skin.
4. Using Hot Water
Overly hot showers and baths damage the outer layer of skin. The hot water damages the keratin cells and prevents them from locking moisture. So you need to steer clear of hot showers and baths.
5. Cold Harsh Climate
Naturally, cold air has less moisture than warm air. Dry and cold air can dehydrate your skin by drawing out moisture from it. In addition, prolonged exposure to sunlight can also dry out your skin.
6. You’re using the wrong moisturizer for your skin type
The first step for healthy smooth skin is to choose the right moisturizer for your skin type. Hence, it is necessary to know what moisturizer suits your skin. Ingredients like hyaluronic acid, petroleum, shea butter, and glycerin are excellent for moisturizing dry skin types. If you’re prone to dryness, you may need a moisturizer with a thicker consistency.
7. Skin Conditions
Too much dryness can be a symptom of certain skin conditions including psoriasis, eczema, or dermatitis. In such a case, you should consult your dermatologist.
How To Moisturize The Right Way
1. Moisturize right after shower
The best time to moisturize is when your skin is still wet from the shower. This may help to lock in that moisture that is present and hydrate your skin even more. In this way, the moisture will remain trapped on your skin for a long time.
2. Moisturize in the morning and night
Applying a light moisturizer in the morning and a heavier one at night before bedtime, ensures the maximum amount of time that the product stays in contact with your skin.
3. Using Sunscreen or SPF Moisturizer
The heat from the sun causes damage to your skin which causes dryness. To prevent that it is essential to use a moisturizer with SPF or just use a sunscreen.
4. Use a hydrating toner
A toner helps prepare the skin for moisturizer by balancing the pH of your skin. Applying a toner after cleansing will guarantee hydrated skin.
5. Use a serum
Serums including hyaluronic acid or Vitamin C give you healthier skin. You should apply serums before moisturizing for the best results.
6. Using creams instead of lotions
Creams are thicker in consistency and lock that moisture better than lotions. You need to opt for creams if you have a drier skin type.
Ingredients like isopropyl alcohol and sulfates present in your skincare products can dry out your skin. You should opt for ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin or go for a natural moisturizer.
Dry skin is rarely a serious concern but if it becomes a persistent problem or leads to discomfort then you may need to refer to a dermatologist for further guidance.
