Expert Advice on How to Combat Chronic Dry Skin This Season.
Dry skin can be a nuisance, especially during the colder months. It can cause your skin to feel tight, itchy, and even flaky. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to help relieve dry skin. Licensed Aesthetician and Skin Wellness Expert Sharon Subdhan, Founder of Skin by Sharon in New York City explains, "the most common causes of dry skin include showering with hot water, over exfoliating, using too many actives at the same time, heat from indoor heating systems and weather change". Sharon shares that it's a big no-no to use harsh exfoliants and that you really should avoid extremely hot showers when suffering from severe dry skin. Here are the best ways to beat the scale, flakes and ash this season.
Daily Moisturizing and Hydration
One of the best ways to combat dry skin is to keep your skin hydrated. This means drinking plenty of water (80-100 ounces to be exact) and using an intensive hydrating moisturizer. Sharon also recommends incorporating natural oils with your daily moisturizer. When choosing a daily moisturizer, look for one that is oil-free and non-comedogenic. This will help to prevent your pores from becoming clogged, which can lead to breakouts. Moisturizing daily can also help to replenish the skin's natural moisture levels. Sharon points out that during the winter months, using a heavier moisturizer can help to protect your skin from environmental damage, such as wind and cold weather.
Invest in a humidifier
Sharon shares that you may also want to consider using a humidifier in your home to add some extra moisture to the air. Humidifiers work by gently misting water into the air. This humidifies the air and helps hydrate the skin. The added benefits of using an air humidifier at home for your skin can help in reducing wrinkles, easing dry skin and itchiness, and helping your skin to better absorb moisture.
Exfoliate Gently
If you are experiencing dry skin, it is important to exfoliate regularly but gently. This will help to remove any dead skin cells that could be contributing to the dryness. There are a variety of ways to exfoliate, including natural scrubs, loofahs, and brushes. Just be sure not to overdo it, as this can actually irritate your skin. Gentleness is key.
Change Your Cleanser
If you find that your skin is feeling dry after cleansing, it may be time to switch up your cleanser. Sharon suggests changing your cleanser to a hydrating cream-based cleanser or a gentle gel-based cleanser. Hydrating cream based cleansers can help to lock in moisture, providing an extra layer of protection against the elements while gel-based cleansers also tend to be very effective at removing makeup, dirt, and oil without stripping the skin of its natural moisture.
Eat a Healthy Diet
Diet and moisture are two important factors when it comes to keeping your skin healthy and hydrated. While there are many moisturizers on the market that can help to keep your skin hydrated, diet also plays a role in keeping your skin moisturized. Certain foods are known to be particularly beneficial for skin health, and including these foods in your diet can help to improve your skin’s moisture levels. Foods like avocados, nuts, and seeds are all packed with healthy fats that can help to lock in moisture and keep your skin hydrated. In addition, foods like salmon and other fatty fish are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which have been shown to reduce inflammation and improve skin health. So, if you’re looking for ways to help improve your skin’s moisture levels, start by taking a closer look at your diet.
If you are still struggling with dry skin, there are a number of over-the-counter treatments that you can try. These include lotions, creams, and ointments. Be sure to read the labels carefully to find one that is right for your skin type. You may also want to talk to your dermatologist about prescription options. With a little care and attention, you can find relief from dry skin. Just be sure to take the time to find the products and treatments that work best for you. With a little patience, you will soon have the soft, healthy skin you have always wanted.
