Dry and scaly skin can be a nuisance, not to mention uncomfortable. Fortunately, there are many ways to treat dryness and scaley skin. From using moisturizers to changing up your diet, you can find the right solution that works for you. Different treatments may need to be used in combination with one another to achieve optimal results.
Understanding what causes dry and scaly skin is essential to ensure you're taking the best approach when it comes time to treat it. With proper care and attention, dry and scaly skin can become healthier and more comfortable.
Update your skincare routine.
Here are some tips on how you can update your skincare routine if you have dry and scaly skin:
Exfoliate regularly
Proper exfoliation is vital to achieving healthy and vibrant skin. A physical exfoliant such as a scrub or brush can manually buff away dead skin cells and encourage a brighter complexion. As a bonus, a relaxing salt scrub treatment can also be used with glycolic acid to relieve tightness while further improving circulation.
For those dealing with dry and scaly skin, an even more thorough exfoliation session can be accomplished using chemical treatments such as glycolic acid, which gently yet effectively breaks down the bonds that hold onto dead skin cells and helps to prevent clogged pores.
Use a gentle cleanser.
When dealing with dry and scaly skin, it is essential to be mindful of the type of cleanser used. An ideal gentle cleanser for dry and scaly skin should not contain alcohol, sulfates, or fragrances.
Alcohol-based cleansers are known to strip away the skin's natural oils, leading to further excessive dryness and irritation, making this type completely unsuitable for individuals suffering from these types of skin problems. On the other hand, sulfates are strong detergents that create a foamy lather but often cause skin irritation and should also be avoided when selecting a suitable cleanser for people with dry or scaly skin.
A gentle cleanser should also not include synthetic fragrances, which can trigger allergies. Instead, look for one with natural ingredients that provide cleaning without harsh scrubbing and stripping away vital moisture-lock components like hyaluronic acid and ceramides found in many moisturizers.
Moisturize the skin
Moisturizing is an essential part of any skin care regimen because it acts as a barrier against environmental elements, helps to protect the skin, and helps to keep it hydrated. When dealing with dry and scaly skin, oil- and cream-based moisturizers should be used generously after washing and throughout the day when needed.
The moisturizing process starts with cleansing and removing excess water from the skin with a soft towel. Then, apply a thin layer of a moisturizer using gentle circular motions and wait five minutes for the product to absorb into the skin before getting dressed. Oil or cream-based moisturizers can help keep skin looking moist, healthy, and wrinkle-free by locking in hydration underneath the surface layers of your skin.
Additionally, it can strengthen the outer layer of your skin, making it better protect itself from harsh weather conditions. It's important to remember that there are many different types of facial moisturizing products available on the market, so if you're not sure which type would be best suited for your particular needs, do some research or consult a dermatologist before investing in a product that won't work well for your needs.
Avoid long showers and baths.
Dry and scaly skin can be stressful to deal with, but proper care of your skin can help decrease the symptoms. It is important to avoid long showers and baths, hot water, and harsh soaps that can strip natural oils.
Hot water heats up and breaks down these oils faster than lukewarm or cold water. In place of harsh soaps, it is best to opt for hydrating shower gels or creamy cleansers which will help restore moisture back into the skin. Doing this will reduce your dry skin risk and protect it from external irritants.
Apply sunblock
When suffering from dry and scaly skin, taking all the necessary precautions to protect one's skin from direct sunlight is vital. To prevent skin irritation, sunblock must be applied before exposure to the sun – at least SPF 15 sunscreen with broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection.
Once outside, individuals should limit their exposure time in direct sunlight as much as is possible. Especially if at risk of intense UV ray exposure on prolonged levels, protective clothing (such as wide-brimmed hats or tightly weaving fabric) can greatly reduce the chances of sun-induced irritation.
Drink plenty of water
Drinking plenty of water is essential to maintaining hydration levels in your body and keeping dry and scaly skin at bay. Dehydration can occur when the body is not consuming enough fluids – a quick indicator that this may happen is when the skin begins to feel uncomfortable, tight or looks crackly.
The solution is ensuring you drink sufficient water each day and use a humidifier to boost moisture levels in the air surrounding you, especially if there has been significant dryness. Humidifiers create a cooler environment by cooling down moisture particles; these increase the humidity level in your home or workspace which helps maintain healthy, hydrated skin.
These are just a few ways to treat dry and scaly skin. By understanding what causes this condition and taking proactive steps in your skincare routine, you can take control of your skin's health and achieve healthier-looking and more comfortable skin over time.
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