If you suffer from dry skin, it is imperative that you use a dry skin care product. These are specially formulated to deal with the specific issues relating to your skin condition.
Dry skin has very small pores and can be dull, itchy and flaky. Wrinkles and fine lines are more apparent on dry skin than any other type of skin. Sufferers often complain of a dragging or pulling sensation within their skin.
Causes of dry skin vary but it is more common as we age. Hot baths, low humidity, sunshine and soaps, even the gentle ones account for some dry skin conditions. If your parents had dry skin, you are more likely to have it as well.
The key to treating dry skin is to keep it nourished and protected. Avoid heat as much as possible so no more hot showers, baths or saunas. Use a moisturising liquid and not soap when bathing.
You should see your doctor, if you suddenly start suffering from dry skin and have other symptoms as well such as excessive thirst or tiredness. It can sometimes be an indicator of a more serious health problem.
Not that anyone needs to tell you but smoking is extremely bad for your skin particularly if you already have dry skin. Smoking causes the arteries to narrow which reduces the amount of oxygen and other nutrients that the blood can carry to your organs. Your skin is your largest organ so to regain beautiful skin quit smoking!
Think about your diet. Whilst we would all love to be thin, a starvation diet will cause your skin to shrivel up as it becomes dryer and more prone to wrinkles.
Look for specific dry skin care products. These will contain petrolatum, glycerine, lanolin, vegetable oils etc that will help moisturise the skin from the outside in. Drink plenty of water and green teas to help keep skin hydrated.
Dry skin can sometimes be an indicator that you are low in B vitamins. This is quite common amongst women and easily fixed via diet and/or supplements. Drinking goat’s milk may help. Other good sources of vitamin B are sunflower seeds, wholegrain and yeast.
An apricot mask is a great mask to help clean and soften dry skin. Put two apricots into a blender (take skins off first!), add 1 teaspoon of avocado oil. Blend together and put the resulting mixture on your face for about 15 minutes. Rinse and apply your normal moisturiser. Obviously this would not help those of you who have an allergy to either apricots or avocados.
Another old trick is to put your moisturiser on when your skin is still slightly wet as it will help lock in the moisture. You need to remember to change your dry skin care products every so often as our skin will change over time and may need less or more intensive care. If your skin is still dry and flaky after applying your normal products, it is time to see your dermatologist for some new ideas.