Does your skin feel rough and flaky all year round? Everyone’s skin goes through occasional bouts of dryness, but a more persistent struggle may be a symptom of your skin type. Read on to learn more about dry skin and find our recommendations for reducing and relieving dryness.
What causes dry skin? | Dry skin: 7 signs and symptoms | Why do I have dry skin? | How to fight dry skin on the body
What causes dry skin?
Like all skin types, dry skin is genetic. It is characterized by an insufficient supply of sebum, which lubricates the skin, and lipids, which maintain the skin’s moisture barrier. Without these essential materials, the skin cannot produce or retain enough moisture. Superficially, this deficiency appears as dry, flaky skin and a dull complexion.
Skin also becomes thinner and drier with age. Over time, the skin’s reserves of hyaluronic acid decrease due to natural aging. This natural substance attracts and retains moisture, keeping the skin soft and supple. Without lipids or sebum, however, dry skin cannot stay lubricated and the skin barrier is compromised. Dry The skin produces less oil than other skin types. This can lead to an increase in transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and worsen if the skin barrier is compromised.
What about dehydrated skin?
Read the full guide here if you want to know more about dehydrated skin.
While dehydration can be easily treated with products like hyaluronic acid, dry skin requires more than just hydration. For long-lasting relief, a skin care routine that locks in moisture and prevents TEWL is essential. The right moisturizers will help keep your skin soft, lubricated and protected.
Dry skin: 7 signs and symptoms
A dry skin type has the following signs and symptoms:
- Tightness, especially after cleansing
- ,Rough texture
- A dull, lackluster look
- Barely visible resources
- Scaling, flaking or flaking
- Fine lines, especially around the eyes and lips
- ,A tendency to redness and itching
Why do I have dry skin?
If you are associated with most of the above symptoms, we will recommend a gentle skin care routine to provide relief from persistent dryness. Before we do, you might be wondering why exactly you have dry skin in the first place. We previously mentioned genetics, but there are environmental factors that make symptoms worse.
1. Excessively hot showers and baths
It may feel soothing at the time, but long, hot showers lead to overly dry skin. It’s hard to hear, especially if you get relief from itching by standing under hot water, but dermatologists agree that showering for a long time dries and damages the surface of the skin. Just limit showers and baths to 5-10 minutes and use warm water instead of hot.
2. Hard product ingredients
Some soaps strip away the natural oil barrier on your skin, drying you out. Beware of coming into contact with dishwashing liquids and kitchen soaps that contain irritating chemicals. When handling clothes with soap or cleaning products, wear gloves to protect your hands. This reduces the time you are in contact with water and harsh chemicals. For your skin care routine, use only mild skin care products. For example, try a mild, non-foaming cleanser for your routine, such as an oil or moisturizing cleanser, instead of a foaming cleanser as it can strip your skin of essential oils.
3. Dry Winter Air
Winter takes a toll on those prone to dry skin, and lack of moisture is a big reason. Outside, the cold air has less moisture and when you head indoors, the central heating is likely to be piped into your home or office. And heating systems strongly dry the air. Consider using a humidifier to replenish moisture in the air in your home. If you’re in the office or in an environment where you can’t control the heating, keep one moisturizer near you to reapply as often as you need.
4. Not enough fat in your diet
To keep dry skin at bay, include fatty acids in your diet. Fatty acids are omega-3s found in foods such as seafood, dairy, canola oil, eggs and grass-fed meat. These foods include; essential fatty acids and mono and polyunsaturated fats that contribute to both your skin and overall health.
5. There is not enough moisture in the skin
As mentioned earlier, dry skin is genetic. You have an insufficient supply of sebum and lipids, so the skin has a hard time keeping itself lubricated and the moisture barrier intact. To lock in moisture, apply moisturizers immediately after showering or washing your hands. For example, the Monoi Age Corrective Night Cream for Face & Neck contains the superstar ingredient monoi. Monoi is a soothing and protective oil that deeply hydrates the skin and can protect against harsh environmental stressors such as the sun or dry salt water.
Aid! How can I combat dry skin all over my body?
Daily skin care routine: Scrub with coconut sugar
Evening skincare routine: Stone Crop Body Lotion
After removing that rough layer of dead skin cells, moisturize your newly polished skin with Stone Crop Body Lotion. Formulated with stone, lemon and bioflavonoids to enrich, support and hydrate the appearance of the skin.
Nighttime Routine: Monoi Age Corrective Night Cream Body
To combat itchy skin at night, apply it Monoi Age Corrective Night Body Cream. This ultra-rich body lotion locks in moisture to reveal firm, velvety skin by morning. Lightly scented with monoi, this body cream relieves itching due to dry skin.
Ready to learn more about relieving your tight, dry skin? Read more about our recommended tips and solutions for living with dry skin.
