Having dry, flaky skin isn’t necessarily a bad thing — it’s just part of life — but it can sometimes be uncomfortable and unsightly and make us feel less than confident in our skin. Fortunately, with the right knowledge and a few simple steps, we can help our dry, flaky skin to be soothed, nourished and moisturized.
For dry, flaky skin, it’s essential to keep your skin hydrated, both from the inside and outside. Drink plenty of water throughout the day, and opt for an oil-based moisturizer with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and glycerin.
For dry, flaky skin, it’s essential to keep your skin hydrated, both from the inside and outside.
Using a gentle cleansing routine will help to start. Try to find a mild cleanser that contains moisturizing ingredients like aloe vera, honey and vitamins, or use an oil-based cleanser if you have particularly dry skin. Make sure to avoid harsh or fragrance-based cleansers as these can strip away natural oils from the skin and further dehydrate it.
Exfoliating your skin can also help to get rid of the dead skin cells that can contribute to dryness. The key is to make sure you’re using the right product. AHA or BHA products are best for getting rid of dry, flaky patches, while physical exfoliants, like facial brushes and loofahs, are too abrasive and can be damaging to your skin.
Exfoliating your skin can also help to get rid of the dead skin cells that can contribute to dryness.
It’s also important to make sure that you maintain a good diet, as what you equip your body with will be reflected in your skin’s health. Choose plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables and healthy fats which are found in nuts, seeds, fish, and avocados. Avoid too much caffeine or processed foods as these can cause inflammation in the skin and accentuate dryness.
Choose plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables and healthy fats which are found in nuts, seeds, fish, and avocados.
You should also consider using a range of products to make the most out of caring for your skin. Humectants, like hyaluronic acid, are great for extremely dry skin, as they help to draw moisture from the environment and into the skin’s barrier. You can also opt for skin oils, like argan or marula, as these are rich in antioxidants that can protect the skin, increase elasticity and help to retain moisture.
For those with sensitive skin, it’s best to go for natural, organic products free of fragrances, dyes and petroleum, as these can aggravate skin further. Plant-based extracts, such as chamomile, aloe vera and jojoba, are also highly beneficial, as they help to reduce inflammation, soothe and restore the skin’s natural oils.
It’s also important to remember to protect your skin from the sun — use a minimum of SPF 30 and make sure you re-apply it regularly during your day. Sun exposure can leave the skin parched, strip away the natural oils it needs to be healthy, and even result in premature aging.
Use a minimum of SPF 30 and make sure you re-apply it regularly during your day.
Overall, managing dry, flaky skin comes down to a few key steps: remain hydrated, use a gentle cleansing product, exfoliate carefully with the right product, and provide your skin with plenty of nutrients and moisture through a good diet and product choice. By getting these basics in place, your skin can be healthy, hydrated, and look its best.
