Everything You Should Know About Dry Skin

There are four or five basic skin types, among them dry skin. At first, you may think that it’s similar to sensitive skin, but the truth is actually quite different. When creating your skincare routine it’s essential you know what skin type you have. This way you can properly craft each step and choose the right products. So what are the best ways to take care of your skin if it’s dry? We’ve got the answers you were looking for!

Why is dry skin dry?

Dry skin has issues with having an insufficient amount of natural fats being created by the sebaceous glands. This can easily lead to the dehydration of your skin. It can become irritated and peel off locally if you don’t provide it with additional nourishment. Also, with age, this makes wrinkles visible more quickly. And as skin becomes more and more dry with age, it’s important to start properly taking care of it early on.

Characteristics of dry skin

• It’s thin
• Tends to be matte
• Has a tendency to crack
• Can have reduced firmness
• Doesn’t have visible pores
• May be locally very dry with a tendency to peel off
• Usually has a reduced resistance to external factors, like wind, frost, or sun
• Can have visible discolorations and redness
• Poorly tolerates water and soap
• Is prone to quicker aging–the first wrinkles can start to appear around the eyes, neck, and mouth after reaching twenty

How to properly take care of dry skin?

The first step in your evening skincare routine will of course be makeup removal. Remove it with a mild lotion or gel that doesn’t contain sulfates. Next you’ll want to tone your skin with an alcohol-free product. And this is very important when caring for dry skin–avoid alcohol in your cosmetics. It will only further dry it out.

Use a light moisturizing cream every morning, it can contain, for example, hyaluronic acid or collagen, necessarily with a UV filter. Don’t forget about moisturizing the skin under your eyes. When time comes, start using anti-wrinkle creams. Once a week opt for an enzyme peel or other exfoliating product. You should also consider applying moisturizing masks twice a week. Always keep a lip balm close and re-apply it during the day. Before going to bed, you can also use Vaseline.

When washing your face, choose lukewarm and never reach for soap. Soap, like alcohol, will additionally dry out your skin. Another thing you should be careful with is strong cosmetics, like those rich in fruit acids or vitamin A and C. 

For body care, use products with moisturizing ingredients. Here you should also stick to water that’s not too hot, as it can dry your skin. And try not to stay overly long in the bathtub or under the shower. No matter the time of year, be sure to protect your skin against UV rays, wind, frost. If you have dry air at home, consider investing in a humidifier.

With your dietary habits, drink plenty of water, as this way you’ll hydrate your skin from the inside. Deliver essential fatty acids to your body, by eating fish, walnuts, cold-pressed rapeseed oil, soybean, flax, corn, or sesame. Improving the hydration and nourishment of your skin will lead to smoothing, softening, and reducing the symptoms typical of dry skin.

Finally, make friends with your beautician. Come in for additionally hydrating treatments and try to make it your habit. If you live in a climate where you have strong winters, do this especially frequently during those cold months. The same if you live in a warm climate with long, hot summers and excess air conditioning.

What ingredients should you seek out in products?

When buying products for your skincare routine, you’ll notice that they tend to have special versions, one for dry skin, one for oily skin, and so on. You should opt for those, but always check the labels. As mentioned above, try to avoid alcohol. Ingredients you should seek out include:

• Lactic acid
• Hyaluronic acid
• Shea butter
• Aloe vera
• Ceramides
• Glycerin

Remember, if you ever need to visit a beauty salon for a hydrating treatment, or any other beauty treatment for that matter, Booksy is always there for you!