According to a Study 2020A consistent, consistent skin care regimen can result in measurable changes in dry skin.

Dry skin can be uncomfortable and is usually marked with peeling, itching, and cracking. While dry skin typically affects the hands, arms, and legs, it can affect any part of the body.

According to Shawnda Dorantes, RN, BSN and co-owner of Beauty salon medical spaThere are several causes of dry skin. These include:

• environment
• hard water
• genetic
• excessive washing
• exposure to irritants
• medical conditions, such as hypothyroidism or diabetes

These factors can be mainly classified into two categories, according to a medical esthetician Olivia sparks.

“The causes of dry skin can be categorized as internal or external, and the easiest to treat are the external factors,” says Sparks.

These include factors such as:

• humidity
• bathing habits
• use of harsh soaps

According to Sparks, dry skin, flaking, and chapped lips may be due to vitamin B deficiency.

A deficiency in B vitamins “will also make you more sensitive to certain skin care products and to sunlight,” she says.

Talk to your healthcare professional about taking a vitamin B complex supplement.

While the causes may differ, anyone can practice a dry skin routine that will be to their benefit.

“As the skin dries, it shrinks and causes cracks, which can get deep, painful, and even start to bleed. The cracks allow germs and bacteria to enter the body, which can potentially lead to skin infection, ”says Melanie Speed, RN, BSN, CAN and owner of Impeccable aesthetics.

When it comes to a skincare routine for dry skin, keep the five steps below in mind:

1. Purify with a hydrating cleanser that does not disturb the outer layer of the skin.
2. Your with alcohol-free toner to restore skin pH.
3. Target specific skin problems with a serum.
4. Hydrate with a nourishing, non-comedogenic moisturizer to lock in hydration.
5. Protect harmful UV rays to prevent sun damage.

Purify

Your first step is to choose a hydrating cleanser. You want a cleanser to remove dirt and oil without disturbing the outer layer of the skin.

A good ingredient to look for is hyaluronic acid, as in Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser or CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser.

Your

Many toners use alcohol as the main ingredient, which dries out the skin. Look for an alcohol-free toner with active ingredients that restore your skin’s pH levels.

A great option is Alaffia Everyday Coconut Facial Toner.

Target

This step helps target specific skin problems. Focus on hydration with a pure hyaluronic acid serum such as Ordinary hylauronic acid 2% + B5.

Hydrate

A good moisturizer will lock in the benefits of a serum. Use a moisturizer specially designed for the face daily.

According to Sparks, “Face moisturizer should be really nourishing and hydrating, but avoid products that might clog your pores.” It’s a safe bet to look for “non-comedogenic” on the label.

Kavita Mariwalla, FAAD certified dermatologist and board of directors, recommends SkinFix Barrier + Triple Lipid-Peptide Face Cream.

Protect

Daily use of sunscreen prevents harmful UV rays from damaging the skin.

“I recommend wearing sunscreen to protect your skin from harsh UV rays regardless of your skin type. For sunscreen, I like ISDIN Eryfotona and La Roche-Posay Anthelios”, Says Mariwalla.

Lower cost options include Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Lotion Sunscreen or Aveeno Protect + Hydrate Hydrating Sunscreen.

A skin care routine for your body will be similar to your facial routine. The main difference is in the products you will use for each.

The first step is cleaning. Choose a product that includes moisturizing ingredients like Sebamed Gentle Hydrating Cleanser or CeraVe Hydrating Cleansing Bar.

Then move on to hydration, ideally by applying while the skin is still damp.

Look for creams and ointments that contain one or more of the following:

You may find that you benefit from ointment or cream over lotion because they contain more oil and less water.

“AmLactin Rapid Relief Repair Lotion is my favorite body [moisturizer] because it contains 15% lactic acid, ”explains Mariwalla. You can also try Ceramedx ultra hydrating cream.

Surprise! It is the same.

A dry skin routine for men is the same as for anyone else. While some men may have different fragrance and packaging preferences, all skin types need the same type of care.

There are a few things to keep in mind when you have dry skin that you may not have thought of.

Don’t overdo caffeine

“Try not to consume too much caffeine. Too much caffeine and not enough water will dry you out in the blink of an eye, ”says Sparks.

Take it easy with the hot water

Hot showers or baths can strip the skin of natural oils. This can cause irritation, dryness and sometimes even damage the skin.

Instead of a steamy shower or bath, keep it just warm enough to soothe and relax without drying out your skin.

Research shows that an optimal bath temperature for healthy adults is between 40 and 43 ° C (104 to 109 ° F). If you are pregnant, elderly, or have a health problem, lower temperatures are recommended. Talk to your doctor.

Avoid aggressive products

Some products can make dry skin worse, such as:

Don’t skip the sunscreen

“Protect your skin from sunburn and skin damage, which will make it tight, dry and aged,” says Dorantes.

Don’t underhydrate

Lotion collectors, rejoice! It would take very hard work to overdo it with the moisturizer.

Twice a day hydration is ideal, according to Mariwalla.

“Don’t apply moisturizer just once a day. Make sure you apply it twice, and one of those times should be on damp skin, ”she says.

Although dry skin is usually harmless, there is still the possibility that it is caused by a disease like eczema or psoriasis. Talk to your doctor if you suspect an underlying skin condition.

Additionally, Mariwalla explains that a broken skin barrier can lead to infection. It is important to protect the health of your skin to avoid this.

Speed ​​warns you to wear gloves to protect your hands when working with chemicals or a lot of water.

If you have dry skin, following a daily skin care routine is the best way to find relief. By cleansing, toning, conditioning and hydrating your skin, you are taking steps towards a healthy and happy dermis.

Consult a dermatologist for the ideal routine for you.

Ashley Hubbard is a Nashville, Tennessee-based freelance writer specializing in sustainability, travel, veganism, mental health, social justice, and more. Passionate about animal rights, sustainable travel and social impact, she seeks ethical experiences whether at home or on the road. To visit him website.