Introduction
There are mainly four skin types: dry, oily, normal and combination, but dry skin is the primary skin type that is susceptible to premature aging and wrinkles. Dry skin is caused when the body is unable to hold enough water and oil to keep the skin moist at all times. During the winter it is even worse seeing as people have to use heat to warm their houses which has a drying effect on the skin. Everyone may at one time or another suffer from dry skin which can sometimes cause the skin to be rough, scaly, flaky or chapped and generally unpleasant to touch or to look at.
Step 1
The main cause of dry skin is any environment or practice that causes your skin to not produce enough oil in their oil glands, hence, there is less oil supply to the skin. The good news is that whether the dry skin problem is seasonal due to environmental change or a long-term problem, it can be managed by proper extra care. There is absolutely no reason to let dry skin ruin your life by making you self-conscious all the time.
Step 2
Dry skin in some people is caused by chemicals that can be found in the environment. For this reason, always wear sunscreen when outside to protect the skin from direct sunshine and chemicals caused by pollution. Avoid over-using make-up and the use of harsh skin products such as soaps and lotions which rob the skin off its natural oils, causing the skin to chap or irritate already sensitive skin.
Step 3
Always wash your hands thoroughly after handling harsh chemicals such as detergents, household cleaners or soaps. These cause the skin to loose its natural oils. Alternatively, you can wear protective hand gloves when touching water for long periods of time like when washing dishes.
Step 4
Avoid staying in hot water such as hot showers, baths or tubs for long periods of time. This can cause the skin to loose its natural oils. Exfoliate the skin two or three times a week with a gentle scrub to get rid of the dead skin which makes the skin look flaky and rough.
Step 5
Always pat dry your skin after coming in contact with water as opposed to roughly drying the skin to remove traces of water. Make sure to moisturize the skin at least twice using cocoa butter which, unlike most oils, is able to deeply penetrate into the skin layers and contains vitamin E oil which is good for the skin to stay healthy. Alternatively, one can use any brand of moisturizers just as long as they contain saclicylic or alpha hydroxyl. These cause the skin to have an extra smoothness. Regularly massage the moisturizer into your skin to encourage proper blood circulation.
Tips
In terms of diet, people with dry skin should always eat a proper, balanced diet rich in vegetables and fruits, especially those rich in vitamins A and B. Regular exercise is also good in that it encourages blood circulation which helps the skin to get nourishment.
Tips
Avoid alcoholic or caffeinated beverages and instead drink lots of water which is good for helping the skin to hydrate.
