Maybe you’re born with it, maybe it’s your environment. Maybe, it’s both. Genetic and environmental factors play significant roles in determining the condition of your skin. Managing environmental factors and adopting a suitable skincare routine can help mitigate the effects of genetic predispositions. If your skin naturally produces less oil, you’re more prone to dryness. Conditions like eczema and psoriasis, which have a genetic component, can also lead to dry, flaky skin. As we age, our skin tends to produce less oil which can exacerbate dryness. Environmental conditions and lifestyle factors such as dry climates, indoor heating and cooling systems, frequent hot showers or baths, harsh soaps and detergents that strip the skin of protective oils, and prolonged exposure to the sun that can damage the skin barrier leading to moisture loss, are major contributors to the effects of dry skin. 

No matter the cause, dry skin can be a persistent nuisance, making your skin feel tight, rough and itchy. Dry skin happens when it doesn’t have enough moisture and oils to preserve its natural protective barrier. Understanding the causes can aid in effectively managing and addressing dryness. Dry skin needs dedicated care to restore moisture, enhance texture and maintain a healthy barrier. This guide will delve into effective skincare routines, key products and dietary advice to help you achieve hydrated and glowing skin.

• Moisturize Regularly: Cleansing is essential to remove dirt, oil and impurities without stripping away essential moisture. Opt for a hydrating cleanser that maintains the skin’s natural barrier. Look for sulfate-free and fragrance-free cleansers with moisturizing ingredients like glycerin, hyaluronic acid or ceramides. Oil facial cleansers have gained popularity for their unique benefits compared to other types of cleansers such as gel or foaming cleansers, that may be too harsh for those with dry skin. Oil facial cleansers dissolve makeup and sunscreen, penetrate for a deeper clean, are less abrasive for sensitive skin and soothe while retaining moisture. Use lukewarm water and gently massage the cleanser into damp skin. Rinse thoroughly and pat dry with a soft towel.

• Hydrate From the Inside Out: Aim for at least 8 glasses of water a day to keep your skin hydrated from within. Water helps maintain the skin’s elasticity and suppleness. Include foods rich in essential fatty acids, such as salmon, avocados, almonds, walnuts and seeds like flax and chia, which help maintain your skin’s natural moisture barrier. Upping your water, protein and omega-3 fatty acids intake will do wonders for the appearance of your skin. 

• Use a Humidifier: Keeping moisture in the air will ensure the dryness of your environment does not deplete your skin of essential moisture, especially in winter months. 

• Protect Your Skin: Sunscreen shields against harmful UV rays that weaken the skin’s barrier and cause dryness, wrinkles and hyperpigmentation. Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, formulated for dry or sensitive skin types. Apply sunscreen generously every morning, reapplying every 2 hours when outdoors or after swimming/sweating. Speaking of sweat, if you workout regularly, be sure to wash your skin after a sweat session. While sweat can hydrate the face, it can also do more harm than good. Clean your face to combat clogged pores and breakouts. Dry skin is already irritated skin and risking acne can make it worse. 

• Exfoliate Gently: While this step may seem counterproductive, using a gentle exfoliator once or twice a week to remove dead skin cells that can make your skin look dull and flaky aids in the skin’s ability to absorb hydration. By removing the dead skin cells, serums and moisturizers can sink deeper into the sink to do their best work. 

• Overnight Treatments: The expression “ugly overnight, pretty in the morning” humorously captures the transformative power of nighttime skincare, particularly serums, in revitalizing your skin while you sleep. The idea is that although you might apply a variety of serums and treatments at night, leading to a less-than-glamorous appearance before bed, the results are worth it when you wake up to refreshed, glowing skin. This phrase underscores the effectiveness of overnight skincare routines in achieving a radiant complexion. While determining the right products for you may take some trial and error, the basic process is simple. The most effective treatment for your a.m. and p.m. skincare routines should include cleansing, toning and moisturizing. Cleansing removes impurities while maintaining skin hydration, toning helps balance pH levels, enhances hydration and prepares the skin to absorb serums and moisturizers. Applying moisturizer to slightly damp skin after cleansing and toning delivers concentrated ingredients to deeply hydrate, soothe irritation and improve skin elasticity. 

Allow our experts to customize a skincare routine for you, complete with dry skin remedies of hydration tips and moisturizer recommendations, that will restore your skin’s natural radiance and resilience. To learn more, contact THE CENTER for Advanced Dermatology at 602-867-7546 or WEBSITE.