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Want to know how to get those dry skin patches out of your life? Keep reading, this post is for you.
Sometimes dealing with dry skin isn’t the easiest, especially now that we are approaching the colder months. But don’t worry dry skin isn’t a curse, by knowing your skin type you can give your skin what it needs in order to be happy.
More often than not people with dry skin can get their skin healthy in the comfort of their own homes. So, by learning a few tips and tricks, you can solve at least most of your problems.
In this article, you are going to learn what dry skin treatment can help you heal your skin.
Causes of dry skin
Dry skin appears dull and/or rough, it also can be set apart by itchiness, discolored patches, and a flaky and bumpy look. This condition may be seasonal or long-term.
Our skin naturally produces an oil called sebum. Sebum is crucial to keep the skin hydrated, so when our skin doesn’t produce enough of it the result is dry skin.
This means dry skin is the effect of a lack of sebum production. So, what typically causes lower sebum production and therefore dehydrated skin?
Here are the most common causes of dry skin:
- Cold weather
- Spending too much time in the sun
- Smoking
- Harsh chemical exposure (from soaps for example)
- Dry air
Naturally, there are also some medical conditions that lead to dry skin. For example dermatitis and psoriasis.
Some of the best dry skin treatments
You can do a lot on your own to improve your dry skin. Try different skincare routine approaches to find what works best for you.
Of course, the dry skin treatment option should depend on what caused your dry skin in the first place.
1. Use the right moisturizer for your skin
Getting your skin to retain moisture must be your top goal. Obviously using the correct moisturizer properly will soothe and hydrate your skin.
If you’re interested in buying a new moisturizer, I have an entire article where I go in-depth about the best moisturizers for dry skin you could ever find. I have found some that are amazing and also budget-friendly!
In particular, there are some ingredients you should look for, according to the dermatologist I spoke to are:
- Occlusives like petrolatum and silicones.
- Humectants such as hyaluronic acid.
- Emollients like ceramides.
It should be noted though that even some of the most famous moisturizers contain ingredients you should definitely avoid as they will dry your skin out. Alcohol and artificial fragrances are the most common.
If you prefer to go the natural route here are some ingredients you may actually like:
- Aloe vera gel
- Shea butter
- Almond oil
- Coconut oil
- Rosehip oil
If you want to use these ingredients alone you can. Please keep in mind though that some of these products can be comedogenic, I would recommend using them on your body but avoiding them on your face (except for rosehip oil and aloe vera).
2. Use the right cleanser for your skin
Cleansers are without a doubt what may be causing your skin to dry out even more. Undoubtedly choosing a gentle and hydrating cleanser is the way to go.
In particular, beware of foamy cleansers as they tend to dry your skin out. For this reason, you should watch out for cleansers that contain sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS).
I think the best pick for you would be CeraVe hydrating cleanser. This cleanser has a thick, creamy formula that will make your skin smooth and soft. Plus it is fragrance-free so it’s suitable for sensitive skin and cheap.
3. Use exfoliators correctly
Since dry skin can look flaky and scaly you want to exfoliate properly.
Our skin is composed of different layers, the outermost contains dead cells that tend to make our skin look duller. Our skin naturally goes through a process called shedding: we shed our entire outer layer every 2-4 weeks.
Exfoliation basically speeds up this process allowing us to uncover an inner layer of smooth and soft skin.
With exfoliating products, you can choose between physical and chemical exfoliators. I honestly recommend chemical ones as they are more precise and, in my opinion, will get you the best results.
A warning though, if you are a newbie don’t overdo it. These are still chemical products and if not used properly can cause chemical burns, follow your product instructions and start with a milder option.
Here are my top choices:
The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% peeling solution
It can be a little bit harsh, if you have really sensitive skin I would avoid it or at least build up a tolerance to it.
I recommend you use it no more the three times a week. It’s a strong product.
I love that I can get fast and really good results without having to use it every day since I prefer a simple skincare routine.
This one is milder compared to the first one, but if you have really sensitive skin I would still be careful with it.
I also love using it on my body. Every time I take a shower I put some in a few cotton pads and my skin is crazy smooth and soft all the time.
The Ordinary Lactic Acid 5% + HA 2%
I’ve heard great things about this one but it was very irritating for me. I got a lot of breakouts which is why I didn’t really like it. Still, it may work for you!
Paula’s Choice skin perfecting 2% BHA liquid Salicylic Acid Exfoliant
This product is definitely pricier compared to the other ones but is worth every penny!
If you have a little bit more to splurge on skincare I strongly recommend this one but if you don’t you will still be able to get great results with the others.
In fact, since I’m on a budget I don’t purchase this consistently.
If you have really dry skin stick to a mild formula, you basically want to use what is indicated for sensitive skin.
4. Use face masks and treatments consistently
There are a ton of dry skin treatments and masks out there but you really don’t need much. Find a product that works for you and stick to it.
For masks and weekly treatments, I would recommend focusing on repairing and strengthening your skin barrier, aka the stratum corneum which is the outermost layer of our skin.
Having a healthy skin barrier helps you retain moisture therefore leaving you with soft and plump skin.
The product I love most for this purpose is La Roche Posay Cicaplast Baume B5. For some people though, this product could be too heavy and break them out, in that case, La Roche Posay Cicaplast B5 Spray is a milder option. I love using it to dampen my skin before applying my hyaluronic acid serum.
5. Consider purchasing a humidifier
Humidifiers are one of the most underrated dry skin treatments. Having a humidifier in your home will improve your skin since it’s going to create a more humid environment where your skin care thrives.
I know it can be a little bit of a splurge if you want a good quality one but, if you can afford it, I promise you will feel the difference. Plus your home is going to smell great.
Popular FAQs
1. What should be avoided for dry skin?
– don’t wash your face too often
– don’t over exfoliate
– don’t wash your face without applying moisturizer
2. How long does dry skin take to heal?
Once you start taking care of your skin properly you should see improvements after 2-3 weeks.
3. How do you survive dry skin?
You need to trap moisture in your skin. Ointments, moisturizers, and lotions are your best friends.
This post was all about how to take care of your dry skin and the best dry skin treatment.
Want the best moisturizer for your dry skin?
In this article, you can find the best moisturizers in every price range.
