photo credit: alaner79 Although having skin that’s a bit on the dry side may indeed be beneficial in some instances, more often than not, it can be rather bothersome condition to deal with at times.
Most people with naturally dry skin will never have to suffer from regular outbreaks of pimples, save for the occasional blemish that occurs due to underlying circumstances like hormones or even stress and tension. But, on the other side of the coin, people with dry skin will, however, have to endure flaky patches of skin or even worse, lines and wrinkles that appear to be even more noticeable because of the overall dry, dullness of the skin.
One’s age, which as we know, can’t be avoided, and their environment, which can, are the two top contributing factors as to whether or not skin will be dry. As we grow older, the skin naturally loses its ability to retain moisture and will need some extra help to stay looking and feeling as young and healthy as possible. Besides heredity, using harsh products or exposing the skin to natural elements like the wind and sun will also play a role in whether or not skin will become too dry.
How Can I Tell If I Have Chronically Dry Skin?
The first telltale sign of dry skin actually has nothing to do with your actual skin type, but rather the area in which you live. Desert-like regions with low relative humidity levels are notorious for drying out the skin, leaving it without its natural, and much needed, oils. Places that are windy or experience cold temperatures most of the year will also wreak havoc on the skin without taking extra care to reverse the ravages of mother nature.
Even if you don’t live in these types of environments, simply being indoors around the air conditioning in the summer as well as in the heat during the winter months will cause the skin to become dry and devoid of moisture. You’ll also know if your skin is getting too dry if you see flaking patches, or if the skin looks as if it’s pulled taut.
The Best Ways to Care for Dry Skin
Whether your skin is just a bit on the dry side, or sorely in need of moisture and nutrients, regular care tailored to your skin type is imperative each and every day. One of the best things you can do to protect your skin, and also keep it from drying out even more, is to avoid any kind of products that contain alcohol which will make the dryness considerably worse. Be sure to read the label on everything before you buy it, and look for products that contain ingredients such as aloe and lanolin, vitamin E, glycerin, petroleum, alpha hydroxy and lactic acids.
One of the hardest things about dealing with dry skin is that it’s often difficult to determine whether the skin is cleaned well enough as drier skin doesn’t always feel “dirty,” but should still be thoroughly cleaned both night and day, once in the morning and again before bed in order to keep it looking and feeling its best. Always use a cleanser that’s specifically intended for dry skin types, and use lukewarm water, never hot as it will strip the skin of its few remaining oils.
Be sure to gently pat the skin dry using a soft cloth or towel before applying a product that will replenish the lost moisture. For those wearing makeup, opt for a light foundation that will also increase the amount of moisture in the skin but not clog the pores.
Keep the skin fully hydrated from the inside out by drinking plenty of water each day as well as eating foods that are high in water content, such as most fruits and some vegetables. Besides the great benefit to the skin, these foods are also chock full of antioxidants as well as much needed vitamins and minerals to help the entire body look and feel its healthiest.
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