Hydrate Your Skin the Right Way
Many people struggle with dry, dehydrated skin, but there are several things you can do to alleviate this condition.
While dry skin conditions are more common in colder climates, some of us suffer from dry skin all year round. To moisturize dry skin, it’s important to lock in our body’s natural moisture. Here are a few effective ways to help your skin look fresh and youthful.
Choose the Right Cleansers
As a rule, the more gentle the cleanser, the less harsh it is on the skin. Look for facial cleansers that are formulated to target dry skin. They are usually richer, creamier and more lotion-like in texture. Look for ingredients like soothing aloe vera, which can be useful for its excellent skin hydrating properties. Avoid harsh bar soaps that contain strong detergents and deodorizers. Don’t use these on your face, and also be selective when it comes to using them on your body.
Top Tip: Only cleanse using warm water. Water that is too hot can cause your skin to become even dryer. And limit your baths and showers to just a few minutes. The longer you bathe, the greater the chances of your skin drying out. Prolonged exposure to water, especially hot water, can strip the skin of its natural oils. So keep your bathing short and sweet. Use only warm water, pat your skin dry; don’t rub, as rubbing your skin with a towel can also remove oils. Apply your body and face moisturizers right after drying off while your skin is still damp. This will help to seal in water as well as your body’s natural oils.
Moisturize Your Skin From Head to Toe
For the face, consider adding a moisturizing serum containing antioxidant vitamins to your skincare regime. Follow your day lotion with SPF during the day and a night cream of your choice in the evening. These products can help hydrate your skin and minimise the appearance of fine lines. For the body, slather on a good body lotion immediately after your shower. Focus on your elbows, knees and feet, as these areas really showcase skin dryness. Remember to apply and reapply as necessary.
Give Yourself a Good Scrub From Head to Toe
A good exfoliation from your face to your toes can really help your skin retain moisture, as it helps to remove dead skin cells from the surface, revealing new healthy skin cells underneath. When your skin is exfoliated, it allows your skincare products, especially serums and moisturisers, to be absorbed more quickly and effectively. So, to combat dry skin, scrub away!
Hydrate From the Inside
This is the most obvious tip of all. Stay hydrated by drinking good old H2O. Coffee, soda and juice…they don’t count. Drink water to stay hydrated from the inside out.
When choosing skincare products to target your dry skin, look for ingredients like aloe vera, soy, oatmeal and essential fatty acids that can help seal in moisture. If your skin isn’t sensitive, try products with shea butter, olive oil, almond, coconut and avocado oil. They are all useful natural ingredients that can provide some wonderful benefits to the skin.
It’s really that simple. Little changes to your daily routine can help alleviate the signs of dry skin. Keep your skin hydrated and protected 24/7. And remember, the healthiest skin is the most beautiful skin.
Written by Susan Bowerman, M.S., RD, CSSD, CSOWM, FAND – Senior Director, Worldwide Nutrition Education and Training https://discovergoodnutrition.com/2019/02/hydrate-your-skin-the-right-way/
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