If you’re someone with dry facial skin, taking proper care of it on a daily basis may seem like an intimidating task. But once you know the right tips and tricks, it doesn’t have to be complicated or frustrating! You just have to follow a few simple do’s and don’ts of caring for dry facial skin in order to keep your face free of irritation and breakouts while still being able to enjoy fresh, moisturised skin! These tips will help you care for your dry facial skin so you can get on with enjoying life to the fullest while looking your best!
DO: Moisturise, Moisturise, Moisturise
First and foremost, make sure you moisturise often. This can include using a moisturising face wash or cream to clean your face, which is the first step in proper skin care. Applying a body lotion to dry patches on your skin after bathing will also help lock in some moisture. The best time to apply moisturiser is right before going out into the elements as it helps protect from damaging UV rays. Another good idea is to use products containing ceramides that help keep water from escaping from your skin.
DON’T: Use Harsh Cleansers
If you have dry skin, it’s best to avoid harsh cleansers. Products that are labelled ‘gentle,’ ‘sensitive,’ or ‘non-comedogenic’ are often better choices. These cleansers will not strip your skin of its natural moisture and oils, which is what can happen with harsher products. It may be a good idea to stick with cream cleansers rather than foaming ones, since they are gentler on the skin. For a deep cleanse try an exfoliator like a clay mask or sugar scrub, but don’t use them too often as they’re more irritating than cleansing.
Over Cleansing: One common mistake people make when trying to care for dry facial skin is over cleansing their face. This should be avoided.
DO: Exfoliate Gently
Exfoliating gently is a key component to caring for dry facial skin, because it removes dead skin cells and increases blood flow to your face. If you don’t exfoliate regularly, your face may appear dull and lifeless.
Don’t Exfoliate Roughly: While exfoliating can be helpful for smoothing out your facial skin, do it gently so you don’t irritate it even more. Avoid products with rough or sharp pieces that can cause irritation.
Don’t use a washcloth: Using a washcloth may seem like an easy way to remove dirt from your face, but this will only lead to more irritation. The problem with washcloths is that they’re abrasive, which can cause the skin on your face to become dryer and rougher than it was before. Instead of using a washcloth, opt for a gentle exfoliating scrub that won’t irritate the sensitive skin on your face.
DON’T: Forget the Rest of Your Body
Dry facial skin is often just a signal that you need to take better care of your body. So don’t forget to moisturise other areas like your hands, elbows, legs, and feet. It will go a long way toward improving the condition of your dry facial skin. As a bonus, you’ll have silky smooth skin from head to toe.
Similarly, if your dry facial skin is caused by an underlying condition, treating that will likely go a long way toward improving your skin’s hydration. For example, dry facial skin can be a symptom of acne or rosacea. All these conditions can be treated with medications that help to restore balance in your body. These medications usually come in cream form and are fairly easy to use.
DO: Use a Humidifier
It is important to keep the air in your home humid during the winter. If you have difficulty breathing, or suffer from allergies or asthma, a humidifier will not only help you breathe easier, it will also moisturise dry skin. The same can be said for people with psoriasis, eczema, or other skin conditions that can worsen when exposed to dry weather. Use a humidifier at night while you sleep to keep your skin hydrated throughout the day.
DON’T: Use Hot Water
In order to retain moisture in your skin, always use lukewarm water when you shower or bathe since hot water can strip your skin of its oils. Another pro-tip is to keep the water away from your face while washing because it will be more gentle than any other part of your body and less likely to remove too much oil. Cold water may not seem like a viable option, but it actually helps restore the moisture barrier on dry skin! Make sure that you’re moisturising with a light moisturiser after getting out of the shower so that all that freshly scrubbed dryness doesn’t make you extra vulnerable.
