If you’ve been wondering how to help dry skin, you’re not alone. It’s a common concern many face, whether that’s season to ally or throughout the year.
But don’t worry—there are plenty of ways to support it. From causes to care, this guide could help to give your face and body some much-needed moisture.
What Causes Dry Skin
So, what causes dry skin? The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. A number of factors could play a role, including environmental conditions, age, topical products, diet, and even hot water.
What Helps Dry Skin: Our 5 Top Tips
While the causes may vary, there are some universal ways to aid dryness. Here are our five recommendations for how to care for dry skin:
Start With a Hydrating Cleanser
If you're wondering what to use for dry skin, a hydrating cleanser could be a great place to start.
Opting for a balm or cream-based formula may offer a gentler, more nourishing wash. Look for those with humectant ingredients like glycerin or hyaluronic acid, as these could help lock in moisture.
Apply Moisturizer Regularly
Moisturizing regularly is one of the best ways to help dryness as it works to smooth, hydrate, and support the skin barrier.
Research suggests that applying it at least twice a day is most effective, and using it on damp skin may also help with absorption.
We’d recommend opting for a richer formula rather than a lightweight gel, especially one packed with nourishing ingredients like shea butter, ceramides, and glycerin.
Expert Tip: If your face starts feeling a little dry throughout the day, why not keep a hyaluronic acid facial spray handy for a quick hydration boost.
Avoid Harsh Ingredients
Switching to gentler, more soothing formulas may also help dry skin.
Active ingredients have their benefits, but they’re not for everyone. Chemical exfoliants, such as salicylic acid or retinol, may be too stripping for a dryer base.
Consider swapping them out for more sensitive products, or limit their use to once a week.
Rethink Your Shower Routine
Particularly in colder months, a long, hot shower is tempting—but it could be drying out your skin.
Try keeping showers shorter and lowering the temperature. Once you’re out, lock in hydration by applying a rich body moisturizer from head to toe.
Prioritize Nutrition
Topical products are important, but your diet could also play a role in keeping your skin moisturized.
For example, vitamin A is thought to help exfoliate, potentially reducing water loss, while vitamins C and E have been studied for their protective properties and ability to support moisture retention.
To benefit from these nutrients, consider adding these foods into your meals:
Vitamin A: carrots, red peppers, leafy greens, mango, broccoli, and sweet potato.
Vitamin E: found in nuts, seeds, vegetable oils, and avocado.
Vitamin C: citrus fruits, kiwi, strawberries, and bell peppers.
Dryness can be frustrating, but a few simple changes to your daily routine could make all the difference. From using the right products to adjusting your diet, there are plenty of ways to help.
Explore our range of skincare for dry skin to give yourself some much-needed moisture.
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