Dry skin is uncomfortable and marked by itching, scaling, and cracking. Although dry skin primarily affects arms and legs, it can affect any part of the body, including the face. Putting together a prolonged dry skincare regime can be overwhelming and range from cleaning agents to moisturizers to serums and sunscreens – there are tons of prospective products that may go into your skin.
According to a report published in the Journal of Dermatological Treatment, a consistent and effective skincare routine can help in bringing measurable improvements to the skin. But before you choose anything, it’s important to understand your skin type, the ingredients that will work on your skin, and most importantly, your individual skin goals.
Understanding the causes behind dry skin
In order to better understand the right skincare routine, it’s imperative to understand the cause of the dryness. Although the causes can be classed as external and internal causes, it’s easier to address the external factors first. Experts say that flakiness on the skin and cracked lips can stem from vitamin B deficiency. And this could also make a person more sensitive to certain products and even sunlight.
Best skincare routine for dry skin
Regardless of the cause behind your dry skin, it is always beneficial to practice a healthy routine for your dry skin. When there is dryness in the skin, it leads to shrinking and cracking of the skin which can get painful over time and may even bleed when left untreated. With cracks, bacteria and germs find an easy passage into the interior layers and can potentially cause skin infection.
Here is a skincare routine that anyone with dry skin can follow consistently to get effective results:
Cleansing:
The first step is to select a hydrating cleanser. This will allow you to remove excess oil and dirt while preventing any disruption in the outer skin layer. It’s suggested that you go for a product containing hyaluronic acid, and other natural hydrating ingredients like honey, glycerine, fennel seed extract, jojoba oil, and blackcurrant oil. A good rule of thumb is to go for cleansers that do not contain strong fragrances. It should rather be lightweight as well as comfortable for use all through the year.
Toning:
Most toners available in the market today come with alcohol and this could further dry out the skin. So you should choose toners devoid of alcohol and contain active ingredients that can restore the ideal pH levels of the skin. With regular use of toners, you can remove excess oil and bring optimum balance to the skin and help other active ingredients to absorb completely into your skin.
By choosing the right formulation, facial toners can help your dry and sensitive skin supple and prepare the skin to absorb active ingredients used while targeting the specific issues of your skin. When you are choosing your facial toner, select ingredients like ceramide, aloe vera, glycerine, rose water, and hyaluronic acid that can help in boosting the moisture in the skin.
Targeting Area:
This specific step is used to target particular issues and concerns with your skin. Your focus should be fixed on hydration with a pure hyaluronic acid-based serum while using products that can mitigate acne, hyperpigmentation, fine lines, wrinkles, or other problems.
Moisturizing:
The function of an effective moisturizer is to lock the goodness of the active ingredients. If you have sensitive and acne-prone skin, you should choose a moisturizer dedicated to these issues. Avoid using body moisturizer on your face.
According to dermatologists, facial moisturizers should nourish as well as hydrate skin, but you must ensure that the product is not clogging the pores. It’s better to opt for skincare products that label as non-comedogenic. Natural ingredients work by rehydrating the skin and rejuvenating the lipid barrier of the skin so that you have a soft and supple complexion.
Sun Protection:
With regular use of sunscreens, you can rule out the harmful effects of UVA and UVB rays. Regardless of your skin type, you must use SPF and the same goes for people with dry skin. After all, pollution and UV rays can lead to free radical damage which further paves the way for premature aging.
Individuals with dry skin should opt for sunscreen that can aid the skin to lock on moisture. In place of a product that works as sunscreen only, you should look for a moisturizer+ sunscreen combination. Some of the ingredients to look out for include niacinamide, vitamin B5, and hyaluronic acid. To ensure that your skin is receiving proper coverage, you must look for an SPF 30 or higher. Also, reapplying it after every 2 hours is a must.
The skin deserves a proper closure
The first step of your nighttime skincare routine is the same as that of the morning. So grab your hydrating foaming cleanser. Make sure that you have removed all the makeup and dirt build-up on your skin. Once you are done with cleansing, apply hydrating lotions and serums that can further help in locking the moisture in. If your skin is extremely dry, you must avoid using derivatives of Vitamin A such as retinoids and retinol.
It is worth mentioning here that you should boost your skin’s hydration from within. You should drink plenty of water, fruits, and other hydrating fluids all throughout the day. This is especially true when the temperature or activity levels are high. You will end up losing a lot of water through sweat and it’s crucial to replenish the optimum levels of hydration.
Final thoughts
Whether you have started or upgraded your skincare routine, it’s imperative that you stay consistent. In most cases, healthy habits take around 40 days to show results and your care regime for dry skin is no exception to this. Your skin will adapt to and also accept the new ingredients that you apply along with the changes in the environment. You may start noticing differences within 10 days, but the more consistent you are, the better the results.
