Benefits and Harm of Dry Skin
Dry skin is a common problem that can be frustrating to deal with. It can make your pores larger, making it more difficult for your skin to retain moisture.
Not only do you have dry-looking patches of skin on your face, but you may also find yourself getting blemishes or outbreaks after shaving since the lack of moisture makes it easier for bacteria to enter the skin and cause problems.
So how do you deal with dry skin on your face and body? Fortunately, there are a number of effective ways you can naturally moisturize your skin and restore its moisture balance. Here we look at some of the most beneficial methods:
Moisturizing Oils:
One way to treat dry skin is with natural oils. The most effective are those that contain Vitamin E or essential fatty acids since they help retain moisture in the skin. They also have anti-inflammatory properties so can help relieve redness and irritation. Some of the best moisturizing oils for dry skin include almond oil, jojoba oil, rosehip seed oil, borage seed oil, and evening primrose oil.
Here are some simple recipes for infusions you can prepare at home to help moisturize your skin:
Almond Oil – mix a few drops of almond oil with a tablespoon of honey and a teaspoon of glycerin to create an infusion before applying it to your skin.
mix a few drops of almond oil with a tablespoon of honey and a teaspoon of glycerin to create an infusion before applying it to your skin. Rosehip Oil – add several drops of rosehip seed oil to half a cup of sweet almond oil (or any other carrier oil) and mix in two tablespoons of Vitamin E oil for added moisturizing effects.
add several drops of rosehip seed oil to half a cup of sweet almond oil (or any other carrier oil) and mix in two tablespoons of Vitamin E oil for added moisturizing effects. Avocado Oil uses this fantastic nourishing infusion by mixing it with honey, olive oil, and glycerin.
use this fantastic nourishing infusion by mixing it with honey, olive oil, and glycerin. Jojoba Oil – combine jojoba oil with cider vinegar for an effective remedy that will also help get rid of acne-causing bacteria.
combine jojoba oil with cider vinegar for an effective remedy that will also help get rid of acne-causing bacteria. Coconut Oil – mix coconut oil with almond, flaxseed, or pine nut oil for a simple infusion that will help stimulate the production of collagen and elastin fibers to aid skin rejuvenation
You can also include natural oils in your diet to boost your body’s ability to moisturize itself. Eating avocados, sweet potatoes, nuts, and seeds will increase your intake of the essential fatty acids that are so good for your skin.
How to Moisturize Your Skin:
Once you have made an infusion with any combination of carrier oil and natural moisturizing oils, follow these simple steps when applying it on your face or body:
Wash and dry your skin first before applying the infusion. Warm the solution to body temperature by placing it in a bowl of hot water. Apply it directly to your skin using clean hands or a clean cloth, then allow five minutes for the oils to be absorbed and penetrate your pores and hair follicles. Follow this up with a gentle massage using circular strokes and a soft hand to reduce the irritation of rough skin brushing up against dry skin.
Moisturizing Face Masks:
Avocado, honey, and oatmeal masks are ideal for moisturizing your face since they help stimulate collagen production. To make an avocado mask, simply mix one mashed avocado with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, then apply it to your face and neck using gentle circular strokes. Leave for 15 minutes before washing off with warm water.
A honey mask can be prepared by mixing two tablespoons of raw honey with one teaspoon of lemon juice, applying the mixture to your face, and leaving it on for 20 minutes before rinsing off with lukewarm water. For a simple oatmeal and honey mask, simply mix 1 teaspoon of oatmeal with two teaspoons of natural honey.
Dry skin symptoms:
Dryness is extremely common as we age, but it is certainly not a normal part of aging. In fact, many factors contribute to dry skin symptoms. These factors can be internal or external and include things such as medication, weather conditions, water quality, and the foods we eat. There are many options for dry skin treatment available that can be adapted to work best with your unique situation.
Dry skin symptoms often include itching, flaking, redness, tightness, or irritation. Most commonly known as “winter itch”, these problems arise when your skin is lacking moisture to protect it. As the seasons change, so do the humidity levels in the air and your skin begins to dry out.
Since lack of moisture is one of the main causes of dry skin symptoms, taking care of your skin through proper hydration is important both inside and outside. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to rehydrate your body and keep your skin radiant.
Apply moisturizer to the outer layer of your skin daily, especially after bathing or showering. Be sure to choose a product that absorbs well into the skin; this may take some trial and error as everyone’s skin is different. It is also best not to apply moisturizers right before you go outside as they can trap heat and actually make your symptoms worse.
The first step to take when dealing with dry skin symptoms is to see a dermatologist, as many other factors may be triggering these conditions such as allergies or an underlying medical condition. If there isn’t an external factor at play, the dermatologist will help you determine which internal (or external) factor is causing your symptoms.
Once you’ve identified the cause of dry skin, it’s time to get on track with some effective treatments! Your doctor may prescribe medications that can help provide relief, or they might just recommend some lifestyle changes.
How to treat dry skin on the face:
Some lifestyle changes that you can make to help alleviate your dry skin symptoms include staying away from hot water when showering, avoiding harsh soaps and cleansers, changing the way you wash your face to avoid exfoliating (which can also irritate) your face while it’s dry and using humidifiers in the home or at work. It may also be beneficial to switch up your skincare routine to include lighter moisturizers that are more suitable for those with dry skin.
Washing your face with a gentle cleanser at most twice a day is important for everyone, but even more so if you have dry skin. Rinse away any dirt or makeup first and then apply the cleanser to your face, avoiding the sensitive areas around your eyes. Gently massage it into your skin and rinse thoroughly.
Moisturizing is key to moisturizing dry skin symptoms and the best time to do this is after you’ve washed and rinsed your face so that you can lock in all of the moisture. Using a moisturizer with SPF can also reduce the risk of hyperpigmentation.
Another way to treat dry skin symptoms is to change what you eat. Start by adding more high-quality oils into your diet, such as fish oil or olive oil, which are great for moisturizing skin from the inside out! Drinking lots of water will also help your skin stay hydrated.
How to cure dry skin on the face overnight:
There are some ways to soothe dry skin, such as taking warm baths and keeping the water on your face for a few minutes. This will soften the outer layer of your skin and provide instant relief.
Another effective method is by using home remedies such as applying petroleum jelly to rough areas of the skin or mixing olive oil with sugar to create a scrub. This will exfoliate the skin and help tighten the surface while adding moisture.
If you do not want to go through all of these different treatments or if they are not effective, there are some quick fixes that you can make yourself at home using regular household items! Applying toothpaste to your face for 10 minutes can act as a mask and pull out impurities from your skin. You can also use a cotton swab to apply some ice to just the areas that are flaky or dry, which will help reduce inflammation.