You wash your face scrupulously every single day, and you use a number of products that are supposed to be good for your skin. As a result, you are not quite sure why you are seeing such dry and dull skin when you look in a mirror.
While you are to be commended for taking such good care of your skin, unfortunately, some skin care products may actually be making your skin drier than ever. In addition, other lifestyle factors can make your beautiful face dull and flaky instead of dewy and fresh.
To successfully combat dry skin and help it to glow and be as healthy as possible, let’s start with the “whys” of dull skin and then look at the “hows” of improving it:
Avoid these Ingredients if You Can
If you use any skincare products that contain benzoyl peroxide, or have alcohol as a main ingredient, you may have already solved the mystery of your dry skin.
Although the former can be a solid way to treat acne and blemishes, it can also cause redness, irritation and dry skin. Many skin gels and lotions contain alcohol to help them absorb into the skin; the flip side of this is that they can be really drying.
Read the ingredients and if alcohol is near the top of the list, consider tossing the product in the trash.
Love a Hot Shower? Your Skin Probably Does Not
It is extremely relaxing to take a long, hot shower, especially on crisp fall and cold winter days. But the hotter the H2O, the more oil and moisture will be removed from your skin. The longer you are under the hot water, the more your skin will dry out. Ideally, go for a shorter shower with warm water.
Use a Multi-Tiered Approach to Skin Products
Now that you know how to avoid dry skin, it’s time to embrace ways to help improve it. One great way to bring back your skin’s youthful glow is through a multi-tiered product kit.
For instance, try a dermatologist anti-aging skin routine that offers an easy and effective way to care for your skin. Rodan + Fields’ Redefine Regimen involves using a gentle face mask morning and night, a toner, and two types of moisturizers: one for the morning with added sunscreen and one at night that may help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
The ingredients in these products will not dry out the skin, but rather can help it to look more hydrated and healthy.
Make a Homemade Skin Scrub
It can also be fun to put together some homemade skin care products that will gently cleanse the dry skin and welcome in new and healthy skin cells.
For instance, Tree Hugger suggests using an overripe banana and mixing it with 1/4 teaspoon of your favorite essential oil, or alcohol-free vanilla. Use a fork to whip the ingredients into a chunky mixture and apply it to your face; if you are also experiencing dry skin on your arms or legs, you can add in 3 tablespoons of sugar to this mixture.
To minimize the mess, wash your face with the banana/oil concoction in the shower and massage it into your skin before rinsing it off with lukewarm water.
Bid Farewell to Dry Skin, Once and For All
Dry skin is more than unsightly—it is also itchy and can be very uncomfortable. It is definitely worth doing some detective work to figure out what is causing your dry skin, and then using the correct skin care products along with some homemade remedies to bring back your healthy and glowing skin for good.
