How to best add moisture to your dry skin
No matter if winter weather is drying out your skin or you’re dealing with a peeling sunburn in the middle of summer, dry skin is a nuisance. It can also be painful! On top of its inconvenience, dry skin can also lead to oily skin because the pores overcompensate for your skin’s dehydration by producing more natural oils. In order to have soft, healthy skin, many people need to regularly use moisturizing techniques. If you find yourself in this camp, then you’ve come to the right place. Here are a handful of fast, easy, and affordable ways to keep your dry skin moisturized year-round.
Invest in a Foundation for Dry Skin
If you’re a makeup wearer, then you should pay special attention to the types of products you’re buying. Many skincare products are actually made in multiple formulas for different skin types, including dry skin. The first layer of makeup on the face is foundation, making it extra important that you’re using foundation for dry skin.
The best foundation for dry skin will help to regularly moisturize your skin even as you go about your day. By applying it as your first layer of makeup in the morning, it helps to protect your skin from any other top-layer makeup products that may be adding to your skin’s dehydration.
Use a Humidifier While You Sleep
Sometimes it’s the air inside your home that can be causing your dry skin. Purchasing a humidifier can help solve this problem. Humidifiers add moisture to the air, making it less harsh on the skin.
Because you might be on the move during the day, getting into a nightly routine is best for consistency when employing a humidifier. Just be sure to keep your humidifier clean so that bacteria doesn’t begin growing in the device.
Apply Moisturizer Several Times a Day
Moisturizer helps to hydrate the skin and lessen dryness, and it doesn’t only have to be used one time a day. Moisturize your skin frequently, especially the areas that are particularly affected by dryness.
Additionally adding moisturizer after bathing is a smart move to help combat any skin dehydration that occurred in the bathtub or shower. To keep things easy, keep a couple bottles of moisturizer around your home, car, and office so that it is easily accessible and you are reminded to keep reapplying it throughout the day as needed.
Toss Out Any Hard, Drying Soaps or Shower Gels
Soaps and shower gels can be drying, and for that reason, they can actually be working against hydrating your skin. In order to find a soap that won’t dry your skin out, look for milder ones that are fragrance-free. You’ll also want to look for soaps that have added oils and fats.
If you find that there are no store-bought soaps that are working for you, try creating your own homemade soap bar to find the perfect concoction of moisturizing elements.
Take Shorter Baths and Showers
While you might feel like baths and showers are helping your dry skin, the truth is that taking too many baths and showers or bathing for long periods of time can actually strip your skin of its natural oils, ultimately causing a lack of moisture.
Furthermore, lukewarm water is safer for those with dry skin. If the water is too hot, it can also act as an agent for stripping away your body’s natural oils.
Use Fragrance-Free Laundry Detergents
Check the type of laundry detergent that you’re using to be sure it’s fragrance-free. Because you spend hours in your clothes, detergent residue is picked up by the skin. Fragrance-free detergents are less likely to irritate the skin.
Fabric softeners can also be a problem for those suffering from dry skin. Instead of relying on chemical-heavy detergents to get your clothes clean, try swapping them out for organic and natural detergents to see if your skin has a better reaction to the ingredients.
Avoid Wearing Irritating Fabrics
You want to treat your dry skin with sensitivity, which means that you don’t want to be irritating it with the clothes you’re wearing. Avoid wearing wool, polyester, and any other fabrics that might irritate your skin.
As an alternative, cotton is one of the most breathable fabrics and will help to protect your skin from irritation. It will also allow your skin to breathe more comfortably after you apply moisturizer.
Resources— Byrdie, Mayo Clinic, Harvard Health
About The Author
