*Collaborative post.
Just how should you deal with dry skin? This guide offers a few dos and don’ts that could be worth following.
Don’t use a water-based moisturiser
Moisturiser is the best way to treat dry skin – but do you know which moisturiser you should be using? If your skin is dry as a result of harsh weather or heat, a water-based moisturiser could be a good option. However, if you’re looking for a product for naturally dry skin, this type of moisturiser may not have much of an impact.
Do use an oil-based moisturiser
Skin that is naturally dry is often the result of a lack of oil. Our skin produces an oil called sebum – however, some people produce less sebum than others. An oil-based moisturiser can make up for the lack of oils in the skin. Choose this if your skin is naturally dry.
Don’t take overly hot baths/showers
Hot water can damage the outer layer of our skin. This can result in it becoming harder and dryer. For this reason, you may want to limit hot baths and hot showers if you have dry skin as they could irritate your skin and make it worse.
Do practice good skin hygiene
While you may want to reduce hot showers and hot baths, you shouldn’t reduce showers and baths altogether. You still need to clean your skin to get rid of dirt and dead skin cells. Simply use warm water instead of hot water. Be careful when using soap as some soaps can irritate dry skin – look out for soaps that are made for dry skin.
Don’t pick at dry skin
As much as it may bother you, you should avoid picking at areas of dry skin. This may lead to infection. It could also prevent dry skin from healing and may even lead to long-term scarring.
Do consider seeking professional advice for serious cases
If large areas of your skin are becoming severely dry and flaky, you may want to consider consulting a dermatologist. Skin conditions like dermatitis and psoriasis can be uncomfortable and debilitating – they typically require more advanced treatment than simply using a moisturiser. There may be prescription medication or treatment procedures available to you. It could be worth looking into these if your dry skin problem is getting serious.
Don’t smoke
Smoking is very bad for our skin and can make dry skin worse. It can even be a cause of dry skin conditions. This is partly because smoking impairs blood flow, which prevents as much blood and nutrients from getting to the skin. The heat from a cigarette can also dry out the skin on the face. By quitting smoking, you could reduce dryness.
Do try to avoid stress
Stress can make the skin more reactive and sensitive. This typically increases the risk of skin conditions – those with very oily skin are more likely to develop acne, while those with dry skin may be more likely to develop eczema or psoriasis. If you live a stressful life, try to make time to destress each day to save your skin.