skincare1.jpgYou will know that you have dry skin if you feel that your face is taut, it’s as if the size of your face is bigger than the skin you are in. Itchiness, redness, flaking and even scales on your eyebrows are all indications that your skin is dehydrated or simply dry. This condition, which also contributes to the development of premature wrinkles, needs special attention. Merely cleansing with ordinary soap and water will not improve your complexion and get rid of the nasty signs of dryness.

Dryness can sometimes be genetic. If your parents and siblings have dry skin, you may also have this problem. However, there are also other factors that make a person’s skin dry - certain illnesses or conditions, dehydration, nutritional deficiencies, and even the environment. If you think that you are already predisposed to dryness, then it would be wise to make sure that you are not exposed to the above mentioned factors so as not to make your condition much worse that it is now.

Here are some steps that you need to follow in taking care of your dry skin:

Step 1. Moisturize From Within

Water and oil are two things that a person with dry skin is lacking. The first thing you need to do in order to improve your complexion is to drink plenty of water. You see, the body uses water not only for purposes of digestion, but also for helping in cell restoration. So for better skin, make sure that you drink more than 64 ounces of water daily. And if the weather is hot or you are sweating a lot because of exercise or other activities, you need to drink a couple of glasses more.

Step 2. Protect Yourself From Extreme Weather Conditions

Of all the skin types, yours is the one that suffers the most during extreme weather changes. Exposure to the sun, winter chill and even central heating or air conditioning systems can actually make your skin more dehydrated and irritated. Always remember to wear protective covering, such as a hat, sunglasses and visors when you are going out; also applying sunscreen, even when its winter, is a wise idea.

Step 3. Don’t Be Harsh

Cleaning with detergents, toners and harsh soaps can strip your face of moisture. It is important that you use gentle fragrance-free cleansers that are specifically created for your specific skin type. It may be wise to stay away from products with cleansing beads or harsh ingredients because they can irritate your skin even more.

You should also pay attention to the type of makeup removers you use. Look for products that have oils and moisturizers and no alcohol or its derivatives. A cream cleanser that melts away dirt or makeup and can be removed by patting tissue on the face is more appropriate for you because it helps lock in the moisture.

Step 4. Don’t Ever Forget To Moisturize

People with parched skin, like yours, absolutely have no reason to skip applying moisturizer. In fact, you need to apply this product on your face and neck not only once but several times a day, depending on the weather.

Choose a moisturizer that is thick or creamy, rather than the liquid or lotion type, because it contains more oil and water. Moreover, choose a product that has humectant, an ingredient that seals in moisture more effectively.

Step 5. Mist Away

Many people with dry skin are advised to stop washing their face with water. In fact, cleansers that can be wiped off with tissue are the best option for ensuring that you are not stripping away moisture unnecessarily. If you miss the feel of water on your face, you can also spray your face with a fine mist of plain water, flower water or water with a few drops of essential oils anytime you like.

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