What Is a Dry Skin?
Dry skin is skin that doesn’t have enough moisture in it (doesn’t produce enough sebum) to keep it feeling soft and supple.
Dry skin is a common condition that affects people of all ages. People who live in dry climates, work outside or wash their hands frequently get dry skin It also can be related to some health issues, like allergies, hormones, and diabetes.
Here’s what damages the skin’s protective barrier:
- Central air conditioning or heating
- Cold and humid weather
- Genes
- Harsh and irritating skincare products
- Unprotected sun exposure
Older people are more prone to dry skin for many reasons:
- Moisture-producing oil and sweat glands dry up
- Skin becomes thinner
- Fat and collagen, substances that gives skin its elasticity, decrease
How can you know that you have a dry skin?
Here are the symptoms of dry skin:
- Skin flakes
- When you wash your face, it feels so tight and uncomfortable afterwards
- Your skin is dull
- You have itchiness and redness
- You develop wrinkles, and deeper ones
- Your pores are very small
How many types of dry skin exist?
Dry skin is often made worse during the winter because of low humidity. However, it can occur year-round. If it’s severe, dry skin can cause itching and rashes called dermatitis (inflammation of skin). There are several different types of dermatitis, including:
- Contact dermatitis: This occurs when something comes into contact with your skin, which causes an irritant or allergic reaction. Your skin may be dry, itchy and red, and you may also have a skin rash. Some examples include jewelry metals (nickel), cosmetics, detergents or medications.
- Eczema (atopic dermatitis): This group of skin conditions causes red, dry, bumpy and itchy patches of skin. Severe forms can cause cracking of the skin, which makes you more prone to infection. This common skin disorder often affects children and can be inherited. Irritants, allergens and stress can make eczema worse.
- Seborrheic dermatitis: Dry skin on the scalp causes a condition known as dandruff in adults or cradle cap in infants. Seborrheic dermatitis can also cause dry, flaky skin patches on the face, navel (belly button) and inside creases of the arms, legs or groin. This type of dermatitis is actually caused when your body reacts to a normal yeast that grows on your skin.
- Athlete’s foot: This can mimic dry skin on the feet, but it is actually caused by a fungus. When this fungus grows on the body, it’s called “ringworm”. People who have athlete’s foot may have dry, flaky skin on the soles of their feet.
How to take care of my dry skin?
Applying moisturizers every day can help soften dry skin. You can also try these methods:
- Cleanse with a mild, fragrance-free, moisturizing soap.
- Limit showers or baths to no longer than 10 minutes, and use warm (not hot) water.
- Manage stress
- Minimize sun exposure
- Moisturize as soon as you finish bathing
- Pat skin dry with a soft towel.
- Prevent dehydration and keep skin hydrated by drinking water
- Stop smoking
- Get a humidifier
You should also avoid irritating ingredients such as:
- Alcohol Denat
- Citrus oils
- Lavender
- Menthol
- Peppermint
- Sodium lauryl sulfate
- Witch Hazel
Ingredients you should use:
- Hyaluronic Acid.
- Glycerin
- Shea Butter
- Vitamin E
- Jojoba Oil
- Ceramides
Products I can use for my dry skin:
- Missha 3 step Hydrating mask
- Klairs Rich Moist Foaming Cleanser
- COSRX Ultimate Moisturizing Honey Overnight Mask
- Klairs Rich Moist Soothing Cream
- Klairs Rich Moist Soothing Serum
- Klairs Rich Moist Soothing Tencel Sheet Mask
- Klairs Rich Moist Soothing Set
- More products here…
You can see the description of each product by clicking on their name.
