There’s no doubt about the fact that dry skin can be a cause of immense irritation, often manifesting as rough, red, and itchy patches in different bodily areas including the hands, legs, ankles, soles of the feet, and even the abdomen. It might occur due to your genes, or as a part of the natural aging process, when the oils present on the skin lessen over time. However, most dry skin issues occur due to external causes, and can be thus counted on to respond to external skincare treatment. All it takes to make your skin smooth and bouncy are a few tweaks to your skincare routine!
Before commencing your skincare routine, it’s important to note that the same products may not work for you all year round. For instance, a water-based moisturiser might be great for summer, but fails to keep skin sufficiently hydrated during the harsh winters. Therefore, it’s best to choose different formulations wisely, keeping in mind your unique skin type. The following tips are recommended by dermatologists to aid in the healing of dry skin, and prevent it from recurring:
Avoid Taking Hot Baths & Showers
It’s best to use warm rather than hot water for bathing, and restrict your time to 5 or 10 minutes. A gentle, unscented cleanser is your best option to get rid of accumulated dirt and oils, but make sure you don’t use too much. After showering, blot your skin dry gently with a towel and apply lotion immediately to seal in the moisture. This prevents your skin from drying out and helps it remain soft and supple.
Opt for an Ointment/Cream
You might want to consider using a rich cream or ointment containing oils such as olive or jojoba, as these are not only more effective than lotions, but also less irritating to dry skin. Other ingredients with soothing properties include lactic acid, hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and lanolin.
Select Mild, Fragrance-free Skincare Products
Certain types of skincare products are way too harsh for those with dry and sensitive skin. Hence, it’s imperative to avoid using scented cleansers and skincare containing alcohol, fragrance, retinoid, or alpha-hydroxy acid, as they have a tendency to strip the skin of its natural oils.
Select Non-irritating Clothes & Detergent
Everything from clothes to laundry detergent can irritate dry skin, and such situations can be avoided by opting for cotton or silk innerwear, and being particular about using only hypoallergenic laundry detergent.
Add Moisture to the Air
Simply plug in a humidifier to add much-needed moisture to the air. It is also not advisable to sit directly in front of other heat sources such as fireplaces and heaters, as these can dry out your skin further. Layer up to keep warm!
All the aforementioned changes will bring you immense relief from dry skin woes. If these options don’t work for you, you’ll probably need to see a dermatologist, as extremely dry skin might require prescription treatment. A dermatologist can examine your skin, and help tackle your skincare concerns with suitable remedies.
Apart from making adjustments to your daily skincare routine, you can choose to go in for personalised facial therapy to hydrate and nourish your dry skin. At Healing Touch Spa, we provide classical and signature treatments for those seeking safe and remarkable results. Learn more about them here.