A good skincare routine ensures all the necessary steps to maintain health and hydrated skin. To maintain hydrated skin it is essential to avoid all those habits which can cause dry face. A dry face can happen due to many reasons therefore, it is necessary to understand the underlying reason and act upon it.
What can Cause you to Dry Out your Face
- Over-Washing your Face
The primary reason that people may experience dry skin can be over-cleansing. Over-washing removes the natural oils from your face and makes the skin dry which causes irritation and redness on the face. It is advised to wash your face in moderation and that too with gentle cleansers. Oil-based cleansers that are mild and prevent natural oils from stripping away are ideal for your face. Double cleansing should also be avoided and if necessary it should be done gently. You should wash your face twice in a day if necessary and not more than that.
- Using Cleansers and Lotions with Fragrance
The fragrances and preservatives used in cleansers and lotions tend to make skin dry and irritated. Synthetic fragrances can cause rashes and skin allergies. Products that contain a high content of chemicals should be avoided as they can make your skin dry and patchy. It is advisable to look for fragrance-free cleansers and lotions for your face as they are more natural and serves their purpose. Check the label to ensure that the product is preservative-free and includes natural hydrating ingredients.
- Showering and Washing your Face with Hot Water
A hot shower is liked by everyone and what’s more is that it is said to help you relax and relieve stress however, hot water is not very good for your skin especially your face. Hot water can dry out your skin and makes it more sensitive. Washing your face with it can cause inflammation and strips the essential oils. The water should be normal i.e. at room temperature to wash your face. Warm water can be used in winter as normal water may not work effectively.
- Using Hard Water
Water that includes a high volume of minerals which are considered hard such as calcium and magnesium can be harmful to your face and cause dryness. When you repeatedly wash your face with hard water it can irritate the skin as it takes longer to rinse away the cleanser and some of the minerals stays on your skin and absorbs the moisture from your face and body. This leads to dryness and irritation. It is advisable to invest in a home filtration system or a water softener which can remove such minerals and improve the water quality.
- Over exfoliating your face
Exfoliation helps to remove dead skin cells and helps the new cells to work more effectively. However, when you over-exfoliate your face it can cause sensitive and dry skin. When you remove all the dead skin cells and discover new cells it is necessary to properly moisturize your face and not exfoliate the new and fresh skin. Over exfoliation can cause overexposure which makes the skin dry and prone to acne. It is recommended to exfoliate once or twice a week only to prevent dry skin.
- Certain Medications for Skin Problems
Acne and breakouts are experienced by almost every teenager. Medicines and creams used to cure these problems contain salicylic acid which can treat acne effectively, however, it can cause your skin to dry out. Some medicines can reduce skin hydration and irritate the skin. It is preferable to reduce the application and intake of such medicines to prevent dry skin.
- Using the wrong moisturizer
Your skincare products depend upon the type of skin you have, using a light-weight moisturizer for your face when you require a thick and hydrating moisturizer can leave your skin dry. Especially in winters when there is less moisture in the air it is necessary to apply the correct type of hydrating moisturizer to avoid flaking and sensitive skin. In addition to choosing the correct lotion, it is also important to apply it at the right time. After washing your face air dry it and immediately apply the moisturizer to seal it.
6 Steps to Help you Achieve Hydrating Skin
- Keep Yourself Hydrated
Water is essential for your bodily functions and so it is for your skin. Water helps to maintain a healthy body and skin by flushing out toxins and regulating body temperature. It also helps in better absorption of nutrients and minerals. Dehydration can make the skin more prone to skin problems and premature aging. It is advisable to drink around 3 liters of healthy fluids in a day. You can monitor your fluid intake through an app to ensure you are hydrated and not overdoing it.
- Use a Hydrating Serum
Serums provide the specific ingredient your skin requires and keeps the skin hydrated to the deepest levels. They are known to work efficiently to hydrate deeply due to their gel-based composition gives a smoother skin.
There are few ingredients that make a serum ideal for hydrating. Some of these are given below:
- Hyaluronic Acid
It helps to hold the moisture present the skin to avoid drying out of the skin. It is a hydrating agent which gives a glowy look on the face and keeps the skin moisturized. It protects the skin from dehydration and prevents fine lines and wrinkles. It is generally suitable for all types of skin and doesn’t cause any breakouts.
- Vitamin E and Vitamin C
Vitamin E contains antioxidants and nutrients that help to restore the moisture as it is an oil-soluble nutrient. It is ideal for dry skin and to regain the lost moisture. It also relieves the itching caused by dry skin and prevents the skin from sunburn. Vitamin C protects the skin from UV exposure and if taken in adequate quantity it can help to heal as well as to prevent dry skin.
- Argon and Rosemary oil
Oil-based serums are also well known when it comes to dry skin. It helps hydrate the skin and brightens the complexion. Argon oil contains essential fatty acids including vitamin E due to which it can be beneficial to treat dry and flaky skin. Rosemary oil is known for its anti-inflammatory properties which help to hydrate and prevent any skin irritation.
- Use Face Masks and Sheet masks
Pamper yourself with the hydrating masks at least once a week to enjoy soothing and hydrating skin. Masks with ingredients like honey, glycerine, aloe vera and hyaluronic acid help the skin to retain its moisture for a long time. It is also necessary to keep a check on ingredients to prevent drying out your skin due to the chemicals and preservatives present in the mask. Using a mask doesn’t mean the job of moisturizer is done, it is important to moisturize after removing the mask to seal the moisture in. Sheet masks are also known for their ability to hydrate your skin. They are easy to apply and the sheet helps the skin to absorb maximum ingredients without drying out the skin.
- Do Not Forget the Eye Cream
The skin under your eyes is more sensitive and prone to sag. It is important to provide special care to the skin under your eyes as it requires more hydrating agents that are customized for that specific area. Hydro boost eye gel or something deeply hydrating is recommended for your under eyes. Using the right cream can help you fight those dry lines and helps to balance the skin tone.
- Must use a Sunscreen
Sunscreen is essential to prevent any damage from UV rays. It not only protects your skin from sunburn but also helps in reducing the appearance of dark spots and wrinkles. A sunscreen with a creamy texture that keeps your skin moisturized and protects from sun damage is ideal for dry skin. It should be able to maintain nourishment and hydration for at least a few hours. A sunscreen with SPF 15 or SPF 30 is recommended to avoid sun damage and to provide hydration.
- Use a Humidifier
A humidifier helps to increase the moisture in the air where the humidifier is installed. It can help to maintain hydration and provides relief in common cold. It helps to relieve dry skin when there is less moisture in the air especially in winter season or in places where the air conditioner is used constantly.
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