Preventing Very Dry Skin: Proactive Tips and Daily Habits
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Very Dry Skin Eczema Prone Skin Daily UseVery dry skin can be an ongoing issue, particularly during the winter months or in specific climates. It leads to discomfort, itching, and even cracking if it’s not managed properly. With proactive care and consistent daily habits, you can keep your skin hydrated and healthy. Here’s a look at how to avoid very dry skin to maintain your soft and radiant skin all year round.
What is Very Dry Skin?
Xerosis, or very dry skin, occurs when your skin has lost too much water and natural oils. There are several causes for this:
- Environmental Conditions: Cold weather, low humidity, and wind can strip moisture from the skin.
- Hot Showers and Baths: Long, hot showers might remove the skin’s natural oils.
- Harsh Soaps and Detergents: May dry the skin of its moisture.
- Ageing: Just as everything else about us ages with us, the skin naturally gets drier.
- Medical Conditions: Certain medical conditions can cause very dry skin because of eczema and psoriasis.
Preventing Very Dry Skin
Stay Hydrated
Drink enough water to ensure your skin retains moisture. You can also hydrate by eating foods like fruits and vegetables.
Regularly Moisturise with a Lotion
Make sure you use a good lotion for dry skin at least daily. Specially formulated lotions offer ultra-hydration with light, non-greasy formulas that will be quickly absorbed, helping to hydrate and soften dry and cracked skin and repairing a 24-hour moisture lock.
Limit Hot Showers
Use warm water rather than hot showers and try to keep showers short. Dry your skin by patting it with a towel rather than rubbing it harshly.
Choose Gentle, Hydrating Cleansers
Use soap-free cleansers that are gentle on the skin and do not have harsh chemicals. Look for products that have soap-free formulas designed to support a healthy skin barrier.
Protect Your Skin
Keep areas of exposed skin covered. Use clothing or wear some other protection to keep out the cold wind. At home, use a humidifier to add moisture to the air.
Exfoliate Gently
This is essential in the routine, as the regular removal of dead cells from the skin’s upper layers can help with better penetration of the moisturiser. But be gentle to avoid irritating your skin.
Daily Habits for Healthy Skin
Morning Dry Skin Routine
After a shower, apply a specialised skin lotion to help lock in skin moisture. Some formulas can help by gently sloughing off dead skin cells and leaving your skin well-moisturised throughout the day.
Night Time
Use Flexitol’s Very Dry Skin Cream as a treatment moisturiser before bed. It’s thick and rich, with 12.5% urea and 1% dimethicone in the formula to add moisture deep into the skin, where it’s most needed.
Hands and Feet
Our hands and feet often bear the brunt of skin dryness. Apply a liberal amount of Flexitol’s Hand Balm or Heel Balm to these areas before bedtime and consider wearing cotton gloves or socks over them overnight to further improve absorption.
Treating Very Dry Skin Conditions
Very dry skin can often be more than just a seasonal issue; it can be a symptom of chronic skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis. Understanding and managing these conditions is crucial for maintaining skin health.
- Eczema: Also known as atopic dermatitis, eczema is a chronic condition characterised by inflamed, itchy, and red skin. It often flares up due to environmental triggers, stress, or allergens. Managing eczema involves keeping the skin hydrated, avoiding known irritants, and using gentle, fragrance-free products.
- Psoriasis: This is an autoimmune condition that speeds up the lifecycle of skin cells, causing them to build up rapidly on the surface. The extra skin cells form scales and red patches that are often itchy and sometimes painful. Treatment of psoriasis focuses on slowing the growth of skin cells and reducing inflammation.
Hydrate with Flexitol
Preventing very dry skin requires a proactive approach and a consistent daily routine. Make sure to hydrate your skin from within, using gentle cleansers, and applying high-quality moisturisers to keep your skin healthy and comfortable. Flexitol is your partner in achieving good skincare habits. With our range of effective, dermatologist-recommended products, you can embrace each day with confidence, knowing your skin is well cared for.
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