Hydrating Tips for Dry Skin

Dry Skin

If you feel like itchiness is inescapable during the dry winter months, you need not despair – there are actually plenty of steps you can take to reduce or eliminate your dry skin. Try incorporating these hydration tips into your everyday life to keep your skin silky smooth all winter long.

What Causes Dry Skin?

Dealing with dry, itchy skin can be a nightmare if you have no way to alleviate the discomfort. However, knowing what caused your dry skin in the first place and preventing it is often more helpful than applying lotion after-the-fact.

If you’re experiencing dryness on your hands, arms, face, legs, and feet, you may be exposing these areas to harmful dehydrators in your everyday routine. Dry skin can be caused by:

  • Heavily scented products like scented lotion, deodorant or perfume
  • Abrasive or harsh detergents or soaps (especially bar soap)
  • Hard water minerals
  • Exfoliating cleansers, masks or scrubs
  • Hot showers
  • Beauty or health products that contain retinol
  • Dry air indoors and outdoors
  • Aggressive hand or body washing
  • Harsh skin treatments
  • Dehydration
  • Cold air and wind

How Can I Retain My Skin’s Moisture?

Your skin is the largest organ in your body and also one of the most sensitive, so it’s important you find a moisturizing routine that works for you. Luckily, small changes to your lifestyle can make all the difference.

1. Drink plenty of water

Your skin cannot rehydrate itself if you don’t replenish your body’s water supply. On average, men require at least 15.5 cups of water per day while women can get by with 11.5 cups, though this may vary depending on your lifestyle.¹

2. Exfoliate less often

Your skin naturally produces a protective barrier to retain moisture, but over-exfoliation tears the skin on a microscopic level, harming healthy cells and allowing moisture to evaporate past the barrier. Follow package instructions and exfoliate once or twice a week at most.

3. Use gentler detergent or soap or reduce the amount used

Chemical detergents and soaps sap the moisture from your skin and cause irritation. Swap your laundry detergent for a gentler formula and consider a high-efficiency cycle that requires less detergent overall.

4. Invest in a humidifier

Winter is the driest part of the year. Combat “winter skin” by using a humidifier to rehydrate your home’s air.

5. Find the right moisturizer for you

All lotions are not created equal. Scented lotions can even do more harm than good. Skip heavily-scented and water-based lotions that don’t absorb into the skin and choose cream- or oil-based moisturizers.

Jumpstart Your Career in Esthetics at Houston Training Schools

Ready to help others achieve hydrated, glowing skin? It may be time to consider a career in esthetics! As an esthetician, you can break into dozens of unique and exciting industries including makeup artistry, medical esthetics, salon management and more!

The undergraduate certificate of esthetics from Houston Training Schools will offer you the opportunity to experience hands-on learning and consistent practice in skin care. To learn more about our degree programs, contact us online or call 877-640-4747 today!

Sources:
1. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/water/art-20044256

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