Having dry skin is no joke. It can be frustrating, irritating, and discouraging. Many individuals with dry skin feel like they are in a constant battle with their skin to make it more hydrated. The truth is that there are a few simple steps to improving your dry skin and making it very manageable. With just a few lifestyle modifications and an improvement of your dry skin care you will be set up for success. The keys to moisturized and hydrated skin are hydration, water temperature, moisturizer, and a hydrating wash.
Hydration is Key
Staying hydrated is the number one remedy for dry skin. It is even more important than having the most expensive skin care products on the market. You should make it a goal to drink at least 8 full glasses of water a day. Another easy way to stay hydrated is to eat foods with a high water concentration. Some great examples are watermelon, grapes, apples, and celery. Truly any fruit or vegetable will do the trick. It can even make it more fun to infuse these fruits and vegetables into your water to get extra hydration and flavor. Increasing your water intake is the simplest and oldest remedy for dry skin.
Water Temperature
While taking a scalding hot shower feels amazing and relaxing, it is secretly removing many of the natural oils from your skin that keep it hydrated. Having the water too hot in your shower or bath could be one of the culprits to your dry skin. You do not have to start taking cold showers, but putting the water on a warm setting instead of hot can begin to retain your skin’s natural oils and moisture. A good rule of thumb is if you wouldn’t put a baby in it it is probably too hot for you and your precious skin.
Moisturizer
Moisturizer is one of the most obvious ways to improve your dry skin, but the ingredients and application can greatly affect its success. Always keep in mind the ingredients of your skin care and how it can affect your overall health. Keep an eye out for natural ingredients such as natural oils and natural scents and avoid overly synthetic ingredients that can alter your body’s function. Some great oils to look out for are jojoba oil, vitamin E oil or tocopherol, beeswax, and scented oils such as lavender oil and peppermint oil. As for application, make sure you apply it all over your body right after a shower or bath to lock in the moisture and make the most of your moisturizer.
Hydrating Wash
From the time you were little you have probably been using a body or face wash that “cleans” you and gives you that nice squeaky clean feeling. That feeling is actually what happens when a soap strips your skin of its natural oils. You want to choose a soap that will get rid of the dirt and grime and leave the good oils behind. This is often known as a hydrating wash, and while this may seem counterintuitive it is vital to use a hydrating wash, especially for those with dry skin. Look for a Best Bar Soap for men that is a mild cleanser, cleansing cream, clarifying cream, body gel, and those with added oils.
Using these tricks of the trade will help your skin glow and look and feel healthy. Remember to increase your daily hydration through foods and drinks high in water, use warm water when bathing, and choose hydrating moisturizers and wash. Remedies for dry skin do not have to be complicated and can even be fun to see your skin transform before your eyes. If you are still struggling with your dry skin consider seeing your dermatologist or health care provider to seek medical advice to improve your quality of life.
