If you have dry, flaky skin, chances are you’ve tried countless skincare products to treat it and nothing has worked. If this sounds like you, you’re not alone – dry skin is one of the most common skin problems in the world and many people struggle with it daily. This can lead to the uncomfortable condition known as dermatitis, which can be very painful and unpleasant.
Avoid frequent washing
Keeping your skin clean is important to healthy skin but frequent washing can leave it feeling dry and irritated. Instead of using soap or a cleanser on the affected area, rinse the skin with water first then pat dry with a towel before applying a moisturiser. If you do wash your face with soap, make sure to use a gentle formula that will not strip the natural oils from your skin like Neutrogena Facial Cleansing Bar or Cetaphil Gentle Cleansing Bar.
Moisturise Often
Moisturizing helps your skin hold onto water and prevents it from drying out. So if you’re having trouble with dryness or flakiness on your skin, it might be time to incorporate a moisturiser into your routine. Moisturisers also prevent fungal infections that come from moisture loss in the skin like dermatitis (which causes red and irritated patches) and eczema (thick dry patches). You’ll need to find a moisturiser that is just right for you though.
Use Oils Before Applying Creams
Best way to moisturise dry skin is by using oils before applying any creams. This will allow the product to be more effective and won’t cause any build-up or clogging of pores. Try starting with an oil like coconut oil and use it on damp skin after you’ve washed your face. Massage the product onto your face for about a minute before applying the cream on top of it.
Exfoliate Once a Week
Exfoliating is key to removing dry skin, as it removes dead skin cells and debris that can clog pores. Exfoliates can be made at home with ingredients like oatmeal or avocado. If you’d rather use an over-the-counter product, try scrubbing away dry skin with an exfoliating pad or chemical peels in your local beauty store. AHA (alpha hydroxy acid) or BHA (beta hydroxy acid) treatments are excellent options for those looking to remove dead skin cells and reduce the appearance of flakiness. Another way to combat dryness on your face is by using a moisturiser with natural oils such as coconut oil or jojoba oil daily.
Add Sleeping Masks to Your Routine
Sleeping masks are perfect for at-home treatments. If you have dry or flaky skin and want to see an improvement in the look and feel of your skin this winter, then try adding a sleeping mask to your routine.
Hydrate With Water Instead of Coffee or Tea
Coffee and tea are high in caffeine and can make your skin drier. Avoid these drinks in the morning when you’re struggling with dry skin. Instead, drink water which will hydrate your skin.
To be even more beneficial to your complexion, drink it cold. The cold temperature chills the body and increases blood flow near the surface of the skin, making moisture go to your skin as well. You can also put ice cubes in a glass or bottle to get it colder faster!
Eat Less Sugar (or at least healthier sugar options)
We all know that sugar is one of the worst things we can put in our bodies. One of the first steps to reducing your risk of diabetes or obesity is to reduce your intake of sugar. Sugar causes a hormonal imbalance which leads to weight gain, fatty skin and wrinkles. Studies have shown that when we decrease our sugar intake by about 25%, the level of flaking skin reduces significantly. In addition, eating more omega-3s also helps keep skin moisturised. Omega-3s are found in fish like salmon and tuna as well as nuts like walnuts and almonds.
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