Dry skin is indeed one of the most uncomfortable skin tones one could ever wish for. The dry skin tone often shows on your body in form of itchy, red and sometimes scaly patches on your face, arms, lower part of the legs, and ankles. In extreme conditions, people with dry skin tone may also experience acute dryness on the thighs and abdomen as well.
In case of extreme dryness, simple moisturizing and toning would do no good to help your skin retain the essential moisture. You need to take some extra measures to keep your dry skin well hydrated and nourished even during freezing winters.
Causes of dry skin
Before simply jumping on the treatment of dry skin, it is essential that we pay some heed to the most probable causes of the emergence of this skin tone.
Genetic condition
Many of us are born with dry skin owing to our genetic dispositions passed on through our parents. People with genetic dispositions for dry skin may find a hard time combating the problem of dryness.
Improper functioning of oil glands
Sometimes, the oil secreting glands, better known as the sebaceous glands, under the skin surface do not produce enough moisture to lubricate the skin. As a result of this condition, the skin becomes prone to become frequently dry.
Poor diet
Lack of essential nutrients in the food, especially Vitamin A and Vitamin B, may result into the robbing of the requisite oil from the oil glands. This consequently results into extreme dryness which manifests in form of scales, patches and redness on the skin.
Environmental factors
Further, environmental factors like chemicals ridden air, extreme exposure to sun and wind may also contribute towards making the skin dry and scaly.
Use of harsh cosmetics
Use of chemicals laden cosmetics on the face on a regular basis is liable to steal the precious oil from your oil glands. This results into extreme dryness and sometimes enlarged pores.
Other than the above factors, dry skin is also a result of progression of medical conditions like dermatitis, psoriasis and eczema.
Dry skin care
The key to an effective dry skin care is the follow-up of the four basic steps as your regular beauty regimen.
Cleansing
The first step towards proper skin cleansing for the dry skin care is getting rid of all the harsh soap bars and face washes that tends to make your skin extra dry. Moreover, be cautious to never over-cleanse the face, nevertheless the cleanser you choose. Once to twice a day is the right frequency to keep your face clean and moisturized. Finally, needless to say, the cleanser must render moisturizing effect to the skin.
Exfoliate
Exfoliation is one of the most important yet ignored part your dry skin care regime. Exfoliation of the skin deeply cleanses the skin, removes the layer of dead skin and rejuvenates the skin. It is a must to use the exfoliator that leaves a moisturizing effect on the skin.
Scrubbing
This action is yet another essential part of your dry skin care regime as it helps remove the dead and worn-out surface layer of the skin. Scrubbing essentially rids the skin off the deposits of dirt and unwanted oil that cause acne.
Moisturizing
It may surprise many that moisturizing is an essential part of the regimen even for people with dry skin tone. It is important to know that adequate nutrition and moisture content is essential to keep the skin soft and supple. Therefore, mild moisturizing must form an eminent part of the dry skin care regime.
Apart from the above mentioned steps, application of a moisturizing sunscreen must also form an important part of the regimen for dry skin care. Sunscreen acts as an effective shield against the drying effect of the sun and hence keeps the skin well nourished.
Beauty masks for dry skin care
Juice mask
For the preparation of this natural mask, mix one egg yolk, 1 teaspoon of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of orange juice, few drops of lime and few drops of pure rose water. Once the mixture is prepared apply on the face as well as other region of dry skin and leave it on for 15 minutes. Wash the face when dry.
Honey mask
Use honey for skin enhancement. Mix one portion of egg yolk, one teaspoon of natural honey, few drops of rose water and half teaspoon of olive oil. Apply the mixture on the face and other regions of dryness and wash when dry.
Milk bath
Taking bath with milk, at least once a week keeps the skin well hydrated and nourished. In a bucket of water, simply add 250 grams of powdered milk, few drops of almond oil and a few drops of your perfume, if required. This natural treatment for dry skin care is most effective for the treatment of scaly skin, cracks, rashes and itchy skin.
Tips for dry skin care
- Avoid smoking if you want combat the problem of dry skin effectively.
- Never take bath in hot water as it robs your skin off its natural moisturizer.
- Never expose your skin to sun without wearing an effective sunscreen lotion.
- Herbs like lavender, Aloe Vera, comfrey and peppermint have natural moisturizing effect on the skin. Therefore, you may opt to choose creams with either of the above herbs as the main ingredients for moisturizing your skin.
- Never use too much of cosmetics on your face as its chemicals may leave your skin dry.
Diet for dry skin care
- Balanced food comprising of green vegetables, fresh fruits, seeds and nuts are essential to combat dry skin naturally.
- Foods rich in sulfur such as garlic, eggs, asparagus and onions have the property to render moisture to the skin. Therefore, you must include most of these food items in your diet for the dry skin care.
- Unrefined oil which is sprinkled over salads also bear great moisturizing effects for your skin.
- Intake of eight ounces of water also keeps the skin well hydrated.
- Soft drinks, junk foods, sugar and chocolate are likely to rob your off its natural moisture.
The follow up of the above mentioned steps do provide effect solution for dry skin care the natural way.
Image: Shutterstock