6 Simple Ways To Eliminate Dry Skin On Your Face

We all have that one foe to face and that is dry skin. It gets so dry the skin becomes laden with rough patches, tightness, flakes, and as far as the face goes, the make-up starts to peel off due to give it being devoid of smoothness.  

In the words of David Kim, MD, a board certified dermatologist from Idriss Dermatology in NYC, ‘dryness is the result of your skin barrier being compromised. It leads to a dull, inflamed, and flaky appearance.’ Lack of moisture or oil drains the skin’s vitality or flexibility. Clinically referred to as xerosis, it is an accompanied defect stemming from an absence of body moisture.  

“It can be from various factors which affect the hydration and health of skin,” remarks board certified dermatologist based in NYC Michelle Henry, MD explains. If we look at environmental factors, exposure to cold dry weather along with lifestyle choices, say, using aggressive skincare products, underlying medical conditions, and simply aging, can cause dry skin on the body and face.

Determining whether or not you are experiencing dryness is pretty straightforward. A dermatologist at New York Dermatology Group, Daniel Belkin, MD, shares that symptoms of dry skin include lackluster skin, fragile skin, tight skin, or an increase in fine lines. If this is more severe, you might be feeling the urge to scratch.

Treating it is just as straightforward as identifying it. As such, you will find below eight great easy steps to managing dryness on the face. Keep the guide close at hand as you brace yourself for the cold towards the end of the seasons.

Your face should be washed only with warm water and not in the shower;

As a rule of thumb for beauty, hot water is not a good idea for your face, hair, or body. For your skin, hot showers or baths can lead to inflammation and further dry the skin. Dr. Ross Perry explained this from Cosmedics Clinics. He expounds, “That will make your skin dry rapidly which will increase itchiness in addition to flakiness and moreover, sensitivity over time.”

Put moisturiser on while skin is wet: 

Do not wipe off your cleanser since it's better to apply moisturiser on damp skin. If you prefer, let it dry naturally or pat it dry with a prompt washcloth.

Vitamin E face oil for dry skin: 

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Skip alcohol, fragrance and other harsh ingredients: 

“Dry skin means the skin barrier is somewhat disrupted,” explains Belkin. “This means that environmental allergens and irritants can cause more damage. Known irritants should be avoided.” 

He lists ‘botanical oils’ along with tea tree oil, menthol, alcohol and acetone. Henry corroborates and lists parabens and sulfates, any form of retinoids or retinol, benzoyl peroxide, and other aggressive exfoliating substances as some of the things one ought to keep clear of.

Don't wash your face too often:  

As Kim pointed out, the cleanser used is much more important than the frequency of washing one's face. “I suggest a nightly wash with a gentle cleanser.” Well, there are still limits to going the extra mile.  

“You can wash your face too much,” notes Belkin. His advice is to stay away from strong, foaming soap cleansers which are usually more dehydrating, as well as anything with strong active ingredients like the ones mentioned above. Gentle on the skin oil, balm, and cream cleansers should do instead.

Make the change to silk:

Though a silk pillowcase seems like an emollient treat, it is crucial in helping to soothe dry skin. Silk has anti-microbial features, which means it does not harbor bacteria and allergens unlike a cotton pillowcase would. According to Dr. Perry, “They’re particularly good for those with overly dry skin, as well as eczema and psoriasis.”

In-office treatments:  

If you are looking for a more aggressive option, there are in-office solutions available. Belkin notes that skin boosters, which are hyaluronic acid products injected into the dermis to hydrate, will increase humectant levels within the dermis. These boosters will not enhance volume in the face like fillers do, although they will create a dewy effect on the skin.

But, if you follow the at-home suggestions above, you will not need it. As he reminds us, “gentle skincare habits at home are the best way to manage dry skin.”