Skin Care For Dry Skin
Dry, Itchy Skin A Problem?
Do you suffer from rough patches on your skin?
Is your skin prone to flaking?
If your skin is dry you may be asking yourself what is the best skincare for dry skin?
First of all let’s look at the definition of dry skin.
Dry skin is usually characterized by the following traits:
- Rough, dry patches of skin
- Enhanced visibility of lines and wrinkles
- Prone to premature aging
- Peeling and flaking skin
- Skin that appears to be scaly
- Sensations of tightness and discomfort particularly after washing
- Prone to itchiness and irritation
Dry skin is lacking in oil rather than water or moisture. It often feels tight, stretched and uncomfortable. In severe cases dry skin may peel, flake and even crack.If dry skin is a problem for you, your main aim is to replenish the lost oil your skin is lacking and to keep the surface looking and feeling supple and smooth.
A diet that is high in oily fish, nuts and cold pressed oils such as olive oil can help you to combat the problem of dry skin from within.
It is also a good idea to make sure you are drinking enough water as this can help your skin from becoming too dehydrated.
What Makes Dry Skin Worse?
Dry skin is made worse by several factors including the weather, central heating and air conditioning, diet and exposure to the harsh chemicals found in many shop bought skin care products.
Basically anything that robs the skin of oil will result in skin that is over dry, rough and tight feeling.
Top Skin Care Tips For Dry Skin
• Avoid using soap
• Avoid skin care and beauty products that contain harsh chemicals, especially alcohol
• Choose skin care products that have been formulated for dry skin
• Protect your skin against harsh weather conditions by always using a sunscreen formulated for dry skin
• Avoid sunbathing as this will dry your skin out further
• Avoid having your central heating or air conditioning systems turned up too high
• Consider using a room humidifier if you need to use central heating for prolonged periods of time
• Eat foods such as oily fish and nuts that lubricate dry skin from within
The Best Skin Care For Dry Skin
When selecting skin care products for dry skin make sure that you carefully check the ingredients they contain.
Are they right for dry skin or could they be making your problem worse, drying your skin further and not supplying enough moisture?
A skin care routine for dry skin does not have to exclude the use of water as water itself will not dry out your skin, it is the inadequate rinsing of products from your face that can leave it feeling dry and tight.
A good splash of water to your face after cleansing will help to improve circulation to the facial skin and this in turn encourages any moisturizer you apply after cleansing to be absorbed more efficiently.
Winter skin care for dry skin may differ from your summer skin care routine.
This is because skin can become even drier than normal during the colder months. It may be necessary to use a richer cleanser and moisturizer during the winter.
Many people consider natural skin care for dry skin as the best solution to this problem. This involves using homemade skin care products created from the many skin-friendly natural ingredients to be found at home.
Making your own skin care products is the best way to ensure that anything you put onto your face is 100% natural and will not irritate your skin.
1. Cleanser For Dry Skin
Cleanse dry skin using a rich and creamy cleanser as opposed to a facial wash as these can be very drying. Your cleanser should remove all traces of makeup and clean away any skin impurities.
Try out the following recipe for a soothing and nourishing dry skin cleanser that is packed full of all-natural skin-friendly ingredients.
a) Boil 6 tablespoons of natural, unsalted almonds in water, cool and then remove the skins.
b) Mix together in a blender the almonds, 3 teaspoons of honey and 150 ml of pure mineral water. Leave the mixture to stand over night in a refrigerator.
c) The next day strain the mixture through a clean muslin cloth to gain as much ‘juice’ extract as possible. Squeeze the mixture over a bowl to strain.
d) Discard all the pulp and then add 4 tablespoons of rose water to the extracted liquid.
e) Apply to the face as a cleanser using a cotton wool ball and rinse away with tepid water.
f) This dry skin cleanser can be stored for up to 2 weeks in a refrigerator.
2. Toner For Dry Skin
If your skin is very dry you may choose to avoid toner altogether.
If you do use one make sure it does not contain alcohol and is specially formulated for dry skin. Orange flower water and rose water make good natural toners for dry skin.
3. Moisturizer For Dry Skin
Dry skin needs moisturizing more often than other skin types and richer creams may be more beneficial.
However you need to choose a moisturizer that is easily absorbed by your skin and doesn’t leave a greasy looking film on your face.
Aromatherapy essential oils can be used to help moisturize and hydrate dry skin.
You can make your own moisturizer by adding 2 drops of geranium, lavender or sandalwood oils to 10 ml of a base oil such as sweet almond, jojoba, wheat germ or avocado oil, applying both morning and night.
These essential oils combined with the rich base oils help to balance the skin’s sebum production encouraging dry skin to hold more of the skin’s natural oils.
4. Exfoliator For Dry Skin
Dry skin needs to be exfoliated gently, one to three times per week should be enough for this skin type.
However exfoliating is an important part of any dry skin care routine as it helps to rub off the top layer of dead skin cells and encourages the growth of healthy new skin cells.
Many shop bought exfoliators contain harsh ingredients that can aggravate dry skin, so it is better to make your own using natural ingredients if at all possible.
You can make your own by combining 12 teaspoons of granulated sugar, 1 tsp honey, 1 tablespoon of ground oatmeal and 2 tablespoons of rosewater.
Gently massage the grainy paste into your face concentrating on any dry patches, taking care not to rub too vigorously.
Finally rinse away thoroughly with tepid water.
5. Facemask For Dry Skin
If you want to give your dry skin an extra boost of moisture consider using a facemask that has been formulated for dry skin. Or better still make your own.
Mix together ½ a teaspoon of honey with an egg, 1 teaspoon of sesame oil and 1 teaspoon of plain natural yoghurt in a blender.
Apply to the face and relax for 10 – 15 minutes before rinsing away with tepid water.