Having dry skin means that you’re most likely used to your skin feeling tight, rough and parched. Follow our guidelines to help soothe, nourish and nurture your skin.
DO
- Cleanse your face with a soap-free cleanser. Harsh chemicals in soap can strip away the natural moisturizing oils in your skin, which in turn cause dryness, irritation, and inflammation. (1)
- Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize! Moisturizers rehydrate the top layer of skin (the epidermis) and seal in the moisture. You can use any of the three types of moisturizers (2):
- Emollients – These are oil-based moisturizers that rebuild the lost lipids in your skin. They hydrate, protect and smooth your dry skin. Look for products that include: Jojoba oil and mineral oil
- Humectants – These extract moisture (water) from the environment and seal it inside your skin. These include: glycerin and Hyaluronic acid
- Occlusives – These moisturizers act as a physical barrier to prevent water loss. These are either wax, silicone, or oil-based, with a very thick consistency. These include: lanolin, petrolatum and Dimethicone.
- Use an ointment or cream rather than a lotion. Creams are thicker than lotions and therefore provide a better barrier, keeping skin more hydrated. (3)
- Use only fragrance-free skincare products. Dermatologists recommend using products specifically labeled “fragrance-free” and not “unfragranced”.
- Add moisture to your air by using a humidifier. (4)
DON’T
- Don’t use skincare products that contain any of the following (5):
- Alcohol
- Alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA)
- Fragrance, including deodorant soaps
- Retinoids
Avoiding these products altogether will help your skin retain its natural oils.
- Don’t use hot water – it removes the natural oils from your face faster than warm or lukewarm water. (6)
- Don’t rub your face dry after cleansing. Rubbing can cause abrasion to your skin, which can lead to irritation and inflammation. (7) Rather pat or blot to dry the skin.
- Don’t use antibacterial cleansers, which can be drying. (8)
- Don’t use skincare products that contain salicylic or glycolic acid, as these are known to reduce oily skin and could be too harsh for skin already lacking oil. (9)
References:
1: https://www.webmd.com/beauty/ss/slideshow-cleaning-dry-skin
2: https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/9-ways-to-banish-dry-skin
3: https://www.webmd.com/beauty/ss/slideshow-cleaning-dry-skin
4: https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-basics/dry/dermatologists-tips-relieve-dry-skin
5: https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-basics/dry/dermatologists-tips-relieve-dry-skin
6: https://www.webmd.com/beauty/ss/slideshow-skincare-routine
7: https://www.webmd.com/beauty/ss/slideshow-cleaning-dry-skin
8: https://www.webmd.com/beauty/features/expert-answers-on-dry-skin
9: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321090
