5 Reasons Your Skin is Dry and How to Fix it
If you have experienced that itchy, flaky, tight feeling that is beyond comfortable, you are quite familiar with dry skin. Next to acne, dry skin is one of the most common skin struggles to deal with.
While slathering on a moisturizer throughout the day may seem like a viable solution, it might not be the best strategy to heal your dry skin. Moisturizers are designed to prevent moisture loss, but it's always best to target the root of the issue first to bring some moisture to the skin.
Keep reading if you are ready to get rid of flaky skin and keep your face hydrated and happy.
What is Dry Skin?
With dry skin, you have feelings of tightness and looks of flakiness - especially after cleansing. Often, the texture of your skin is rough and appears dull. This happens when the skin barrier's naturally-occurring lipids (fats) are compromised. This depletion is less effective at keeping water locked in.
According to researchers, an estimate of 10 percent of the population, suffer drier skin and have a greater chance of developing eczema. The remaining of us often experience dry skin due to a direct reflection of routines. With that, you can rest easy that although you are combating dry skin symptoms, that doesn't mean you will have to deal with it forever.
What Causes Dry Skin | How to Fix It
When you know what causes your skin to feel dry, it makes it easier to correct the issue. Let's explore what could be causing your dry skin.
1 | Using the Wrong Products
One of the most essential steps in your skincare routine is cleansing. The problem is you may be using the wrong type of cleanser that strips away the skin's natural oils, leaving you with a tight feeling afterward. One of the biggest no-no's on the ingredient list for dry skin is sulfates. Sulfates are a type of cleansing agent known as surfactants. Surfactants are what make cleansers lather and foam while helping to remove dirt and oil from the face.
Sulfates are harsh and disrupt the outer layer of your skin. The outer layer of your skin plays the role of keeping water locked in and stopping it from evaporating out. This is why sulfates are not ideal for dry skin, much less any skin type.
How to fix it:
Opt for cleansers that are less harsh to the skin and are non-drying. Look for cleansers that are labeled "sulfate-free" or that don't contain ingredients of sodium lauryl sulfate and sodium laureth sulfate. One of the most common misconceptions about cleansers is that the more lather the better for the skin. Which couldn't be further from the truth. Instead, seek out cleansers that are gentle and hydrating to the skin. Oil cleansers are ideal as they don't contain detergents and require the use of warm water and a soft cloth.
2 | Too Hot Water
As tempting and enjoyable as steaming-hot water feels, it can lead to dry skin. Hot water removes the fatty substances that help retain moisture in the skin. Leading to dehydration of the skin.
How to fix it:
Limit showers to no more than five minutes with a warm water temperature. Follow with applying a moisturizer on damp skin for optimal results.
3 | Not Exfoliating or Exfoliating Too Much
It's often believed that dry skin should avoid exfoliation. But regular exfoliations assist in removing dead skin cells to allow hydrators to reach the cells underneath. On the other hand, if you are exfoliating too frequently or aggressively you are susceptible to creating cracks in the skin barrier. This leads to irritation, inflammation, and loss of hydration.
How to fix it:
If you aren't exfoliating, start a weekly routine and follow with a moisturizer to hydrate the new skin cells. If you are exfoliating every day, limit it to one to three times a week or what you find your skin can tolerate. In general, a mild exfoliant that is used weekly is best suited.
4 | Moisturizing Too Often
It may be a knee-jerk reaction to moisturize as often as possible to soothe dry skin. But moisturizing too often can weaken the skin barrier, making it susceptible to becoming sensitive and dry. It slows down the skin's ability to renew naturally.
How to fix it:
Use a combination of humectants, water-attracting ingredients, that draw moisture into the skin. Follow with occlusives, an oil-based product, to form a protective barrier on the surface of the skin.
5 | Lack of Vitamin A
Vitamin A is a key nutrient in regulating skin cell turnover. If you are lacking vitamin A, it could cause the skin to shed at a faster rate resulting in dry skin. Adding vitamin A to your diet assists in slowing down the shedding process to allow the skin cells to function longer before shedding.
How to fix it:
Incorporate foods that have a high content of vitamin A, such as milk, eggs, or beef liver. You can also use a supplement if you find it difficult to obtain from foods.
Wrap Up
Now you have learned what are the most common issues that lead to dry skin and how you can correct them. Avoid the vigorous approach, instead tackle dry skin with the mindset of "less is more". Ultimately, look at dry skin as more of a skin concern rather than a skin type. You will most often not be destined with this issue for a lifetime.
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