When winter rolls around, so does dry skin — a phenomenon that leaves us feeling oily, greasy and gross. There’s nothing more uncomfortable than feeling like you’re wearing a mask 24/7. But, unfortunately, this is what we experience when our skin gets too little moisture and oil to keep it healthy and hydrated all year round. What’s worse is that for many people, the dryness of their skin seems to get worse as they age — a factor that can be attributed to stress, genetics and natural aging processes. Dryness can also result from other underlying causes such as eczema or sensitive skin; which further compounds the difficulty of finding an effective solution. Fortunately, there are steps we as individuals can take to help keep our skin hydrated throughout the year without having to resort to harsh commercial creams or lotions every time it starts feeling dehydrated.
## What is dry skin?
When your skin is dry, it appears as if it has lost its natural oil. This can make your skin look dull, uneven and possibly even wrinkly. Dry skin can also become irritated and scaly, which can cause discomfort and even infection.
There are many factors that can lead to dry skin, most notably stress, a lack of water in the diet, or genetics. But, for many people, dry skin gets worse as they age. This can be attributed to the naturally-occurring changes that take place in the skin as you get older, such as a decrease in sebum production as you get older. In addition, dry skin can be a symptom of other underlying conditions such as eczema and sensitive skin.
## Steps to take for healthy, hydrated skin
– Use a moisturizer or oil cleanser – Even if your skin is oily, it’s important to use a moisturizer or oil cleanser to prevent the layers of your skin from getting too dry.
– Use an SPF – When the sun is out, it’s important to wear sunscreen to prevent damage to your skin and potentially even skin cancer. If you don’t wear sunscreen, you risk the possibility of dry skin, wrinkles and even skin cancer.
– Apply a rich, moisturizing mask at least once per week – Masks can provide your skin with the moisture it may be missing. You can easily make your own at home with natural ingredients like clay or honey.
– Use a humidifier – Without moisture, your skin cells are likely to become damaged and even scaly. Keeping your skin hydrated prevents this from happening.
– Avoid harsh alcohols – Alcohols can dry out your skin even more because they have a higher concentration of alcohol than water. Keep your alcohol intake to once per week or less.
– Drink more water – It may sound simple, but it’s important to drink more water to keep your skin hydrated.
– Exfoliate your skin once per month – Scaly skin is also likely to be dry. It’s important to exfoliate your skin once per month to remove old, dead cells, thus boosting your skin’s hydration.
## The 5-Day Skin Care Routine For Dry Skin
Here are 5 easy steps to follow to make your skin more radiant and hydrated. Follow this regimen daily and your dry skin will be gone for good!
– Exfoliate – Apply a gentle, chemical-free scrub using a natural ingredient like oats or almonds, or use a mixture of sugar and water.
– Tone your skin – While you’re scrubbing, swiping, and rinsing the dirt, oil, and impurities off your skin, you should also be toning it too.
– Hydrate your skin – Drink plenty of water, and use a moisturizing face mask, once per week.
– Protect your skin – Wear sunscreen daily, and always shield your skin when it’s hot outside.
– Follow it up with a nourishing serum and/or cream.
## The 3-Week Routine For Dry Skin
If you’re in need of a serious overhaul to your skincare routine, this regimen will be helpful in getting your skin back on track. Also, if you’re trying to fight dry skin from a genetic or stress-induced angle, this routine can help you get your skin back on track to a healthy and radiant state.
– Cleanse your skin – After you’ve toned your skin, it’s important to cleanse your face to remove any excess impurities that may be clogging up your pores and causing your dry skin.
– Use a face mask once per week – A face mask can be your skin’s new best friend, as it can provide your skin with long-lasting hydration.
– Use an SPF sunscreen – Spending time under the sun can damage your skin and potentially even cause wrinkles. It’s important to use sunscreen to prevent this.
– Use a moisturizer every day – As your skin type may vary, you may need to layer different skincare products on your face depending on what you need the most.
## Tips For Fighting Dry Skin
– Drink more water – It may sound simple, but it’s important to drink more water to keep your skin hydrated.
– Use an SPF – Lose the sun screen.
– Follow it up with a nourishing serum and/or cream.
## Conclusion
Dry skin can be frustrating and uncomfortable, but it doesn’t have to be. There are several steps you can take to combat dry skin, and as long as you’re careful, you shouldn’t experience any problems. By using a moisturizer, drinking more water, and protecting your skin from the sun, you can keep your skin happy and healthy.
