Dry skin is not only dull and lifeless; it can cause itching or parched skin, leading to infection. A few simple measures can go a long way in keeping dry skin nourished and moisturized. Want to know how?
Wondering if your skin is dry or not?
Signs or Symptoms of Dry Skin
Dry skin can be easily determined if you take a closer look at your skin. For one, skin feels dry and slightly stretched. If that doesn’t clue you in, look for these signs:
Itching
Scaling
Cracks in your skin
If you rub your nail along your skin, does it leave white streaks? Then your skin is sure dry, even if you don’t feel itchy or see cracks or scaling!
Taking care of dry skin is easy. It takes a few simple but consistent measures, to keep dry skin at bay.
Shower Quickly
If you take bath or showers, make it quicker. Wondering why? Leaving your skin drenched in water for longer time will only aggravate dryness. This will be further compounded if you use hot water. If the weather is cold, use warm water instead of hot water. If the weather isn’t cold, try to use normal water.
Avoid Soaps or Harsh Cleansers
Avoid or reduce the use of soaps and swap it for gentle herbal cleaners. Soaps or cleansers can strips your skin of oil and leave it dry. Using gentle natural cleansers like oatmeal, green gram powder or other herbal cleansers is ideal. Alternatively, you can opt for cleansers that are meant for dry skin, or use baby soap instead.
Pat Dry
Do you have a habit of rubbing your skin after shower? Don’t! Pat your skin dry with your towel, gently.
Oil it Up!
Right after your get out of your shower or bath, apply Coconut Oil to your damp skin. This restores moisture and keeps dryness at bay. You can repeat this during the day, or before hitting the bed, if needed.
Stay Hydrated
Hydration is the key to avoid dry skin. If you are wondering what does drinking water have anything to do with dry skin, try reducing water in take and see your skin drying up! Keep drinking water throughout the day, to enhance skin’s moisture levels.
Healthy Diet
Healthy diet is also important to have a healthy and glowing skin. Only when your skin is adequately nourished, will it have that natural sheen. Ensure your food is balanced and all nutrients are included in adequate quantities.
Lotions & Moisturizers
Use natural moisturizers or lotions that protect your skin, to keep dry skin and related problems at bay. You can whip up your own moisturizer or lotion in your kitchen, or opt for natural products like the ones from Aya Naturals Dry Skin Kit to protect your skin.
Caffeine
If you have dry skin, avoid caffeine and other diuretics as they increase water excretion levels. Can’t forego your morning cup of coffee? Increase your water intake accordingly!
Use Protective Gear
Harsh chemicals that are found in soaps, cleansers, detergents, etc. can further aggravate dry skin. So, when you are doing cleaning or gardening around your home, use protective gloves. This keeps skin exposure to harsh chemicals, to a bare minimum.