How can you combat dry skin using natural ingredients at home. What are the most effective home remedies for moisturizing and nourishing dry skin. Which foods can help improve skin hydration from the inside out. How do environmental factors contribute to skin dryness and what can you do about it.

Understanding Dry Skin: Causes and Symptoms

Dry skin, medically known as xerosis, is a common condition that affects many people. It occurs when the skin loses moisture and natural oils, leading to a variety of uncomfortable symptoms. Understanding the causes and symptoms of dry skin is crucial for effective treatment.

Common Causes of Dry Skin

• Environmental factors (low humidity, cold weather)
• Hot showers or baths
• Harsh soaps and detergents
• Excessive washing
• Certain medical conditions (eczema, psoriasis)
• Aging
• Dehydration

Recognizing Dry Skin Symptoms

Dry skin can manifest in various ways. The most common symptoms include:

• Rough or flaky texture
• Itching or irritation
• Tightness, especially after bathing
• Visible fine lines or cracks
• Redness or inflammation
• Scaling or peeling

Can dry skin be a sign of a more serious condition? While dry skin is often a benign issue, persistent or severe cases may indicate an underlying medical condition. If your dry skin doesn’t improve with home remedies or is accompanied by other symptoms, it’s advisable to consult a dermatologist.

The Power of Coconut Oil for Dry Skin

Coconut oil has gained popularity as a natural remedy for various skin concerns, including dry skin. Its unique properties make it an excellent choice for those seeking a natural moisturizer.

Why Coconut Oil Works

Coconut oil is rich in medium-chain fatty acids, particularly lauric acid, which have emollient properties. These fatty acids help fill the spaces between skin cells, creating a smooth and hydrated surface. Additionally, coconut oil has been shown to have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, which can benefit overall skin health.

How to Use Coconut Oil for Dry Skin

1. Choose unrefined, virgin coconut oil for best results
2. Apply a small amount to clean, damp skin
3. Gently massage the oil into the skin until absorbed
4. Use daily, especially after bathing or showering
5. For extra dry areas, apply before bed and leave on overnight

Is coconut oil suitable for all skin types? While coconut oil is generally safe for most people, those with oily or acne-prone skin should use it cautiously. It’s always best to perform a patch test before applying any new product to your face or body.

Harnessing the Healing Properties of Petroleum Jelly

Petroleum jelly, also known as mineral oil or petrolatum, has been a staple in skincare for over a century. Its occlusive properties make it an effective barrier against moisture loss, helping to heal and protect dry, irritated skin.

Benefits of Petroleum Jelly for Dry Skin

• Creates a protective barrier on the skin
• Locks in moisture
• Helps heal dry, cracked skin
• Reduces inflammation and irritation
• Can be used on sensitive areas, including lips and eyelids

Incorporating Petroleum Jelly into Your Skincare Routine

To maximize the benefits of petroleum jelly for dry skin:

1. Apply a thin layer to damp skin after bathing
2. Use on problem areas like elbows, knees, and heels
3. Apply to lips before bed to prevent chapping
4. Use as a barrier cream in harsh weather conditions
5. Mix with your favorite lotion for added moisture

Are there any drawbacks to using petroleum jelly? While generally safe, petroleum jelly can feel greasy and may not be suitable for those with acne-prone skin. It’s also important to use a high-quality, purified product to avoid potential contaminants.

The Soothing Power of Colloidal Oatmeal Baths

Oatmeal has been used for centuries as a natural remedy for various skin conditions, including dry and irritated skin. Colloidal oatmeal, in particular, has gained recognition for its skin-soothing properties.

Understanding Colloidal Oatmeal

Colloidal oatmeal is made by finely grinding oats and boiling them to extract their colloidal properties. This process creates a substance that, when mixed with water, forms a protective, moisturizing barrier on the skin.

Benefits of Colloidal Oatmeal for Dry Skin

• Anti-inflammatory properties reduce redness and irritation
• Natural emollients help moisturize the skin
• Contains antioxidants that protect the skin from environmental damage
• Helps balance skin pH
• Relieves itching associated with dry skin

How to Prepare an Oatmeal Bath

1. Grind 1 cup of plain, unflavored oats in a food processor until fine
2. Fill your bathtub with warm (not hot) water
3. Add the ground oats to the water, stirring to distribute evenly
4. Soak in the bath for 15-20 minutes
5. Gently pat your skin dry and apply a moisturizer

How often should you take an oatmeal bath? For dry skin relief, you can safely take an oatmeal bath 2-3 times a week. If you have a skin condition like eczema, consult your dermatologist for personalized advice on frequency.

Nourishing Your Skin from Within: Diet and Hydration

While topical treatments are essential for managing dry skin, nourishing your body from the inside out can significantly impact your skin’s health and hydration levels. A balanced diet rich in certain nutrients can help improve skin texture and appearance.

Key Nutrients for Healthy Skin

• Omega-3 fatty acids (found in fatty fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts)
• Vitamin C (citrus fruits, berries, leafy greens)
• Vitamin E (nuts, seeds, avocados)
• Vitamin A (sweet potatoes, carrots, spinach)
• Zinc (lean meats, legumes, nuts)
• Antioxidants (berries, dark chocolate, green tea)

Hydration for Skin Health

Proper hydration is crucial for maintaining healthy, moisturized skin. Aim to drink at least 8 glasses of water per day, and consider incorporating hydrating foods into your diet, such as:

• Cucumber
• Watermelon
• Zucchini
• Tomatoes
• Celery

Can dietary changes alone cure dry skin? While a healthy diet can significantly improve skin health, it’s most effective when combined with proper skincare and lifestyle habits. For persistent dry skin issues, a multi-faceted approach is often necessary.

Protecting Your Hands: Tips for Preventing Dry Skin

Our hands are often the first area to show signs of dryness due to frequent washing and exposure to environmental irritants. Taking extra care to protect your hands can help prevent and alleviate dry skin symptoms.

Common Causes of Dry Hands

• Frequent hand washing
• Use of harsh soaps and sanitizers
• Exposure to cold weather
• Contact with household cleaning products
• Hot water

Strategies for Protecting Your Hands

1. Wear gloves when washing dishes or cleaning
2. Use lukewarm water instead of hot when washing hands
3. Choose a gentle, fragrance-free hand soap
4. Apply hand cream immediately after washing
5. Wear warm gloves in cold weather
6. Consider using a humidifier in dry environments

How can you repair severely dry, cracked hands? For intense hydration, apply a thick layer of petroleum jelly or hand cream before bed and wear cotton gloves overnight. This “hand mask” treatment can help repair even the driest skin.

Natural Oils and Butters for Dry Skin Relief

In addition to coconut oil, several other natural oils and butters can provide excellent relief for dry skin. These plant-based ingredients are rich in fatty acids, vitamins, and antioxidants that nourish and protect the skin.

Effective Natural Oils for Dry Skin

• Jojoba oil
• Argan oil
• Almond oil
• Avocado oil
• Rosehip oil

Nourishing Butters for Intense Hydration

• Shea butter
• Cocoa butter
• Mango butter

How to Use Natural Oils and Butters

1. Choose an oil or butter suitable for your skin type
2. Apply to clean, damp skin
3. Gently massage into the skin until absorbed
4. Use daily or as needed for dry skin relief
5. For extra hydration, apply before bedtime

Are natural oils and butters suitable for all skin types? While generally beneficial, some oils may be too heavy for oily or acne-prone skin. It’s important to choose products that match your skin type and to perform a patch test before full application.

Creating a Dry Skin-Friendly Skincare Routine

Developing a consistent skincare routine tailored to dry skin can help maintain hydration and prevent further moisture loss. By incorporating the right products and techniques, you can effectively manage dry skin symptoms and promote overall skin health.

Essential Steps for a Dry Skin Routine

1. Gentle cleansing with a non-foaming, fragrance-free cleanser
2. Toning with an alcohol-free, hydrating toner (optional)
3. Applying a hydrating serum containing hyaluronic acid or glycerin
4. Moisturizing with a rich, emollient cream
5. Sun protection during the day with a broad-spectrum SPF
6. Weekly exfoliation with a gentle, chemical exfoliant (avoid harsh scrubs)

Additional Tips for Dry Skin Care

• Avoid hot showers and limit bathing time to 5-10 minutes
• Pat skin dry gently instead of rubbing
• Apply moisturizer immediately after bathing while skin is still damp
• Use a humidifier in dry environments
• Avoid products containing alcohol, fragrances, or other potential irritants

How often should you moisturize dry skin? For best results, moisturize at least twice daily – once in the morning and once before bed. However, you can apply moisturizer more frequently if your skin feels dry throughout the day.

By implementing these home remedies and skincare strategies, you can effectively manage dry skin and achieve a healthier, more hydrated complexion. Remember that consistency is key, and it may take some time to see significant improvements. If dry skin persists or is accompanied by other concerning symptoms, consult a dermatologist for personalized advice and treatment options.

Home Remedies for Dry Skin: 8 Home Remedies

Home Remedies for Dry Skin: 8 Home Remedies

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Medically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, Ph. D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT — By Sarah Taylor, M.D., FAAD — Updated on April 18, 2023

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You may be able to relieve dry skin by using moisturizing ingredients that support a healthy skin barrier. Including certain foods in your diet and protecting your skin from irritants may also help.

Dry skin (xerosis) is a common condition with many causes. Dry skin can be a symptom that indicates a more serious diagnosis. But in most cases, dry skin is caused by environmental factors that remove moisture from the skin.

Heat, hot showers, arid climates, and harsh soaps can all trigger dry skin. Fortunately, you can use home remedies to address dry skin symptoms and restore moisture. Read on to learn more.

Coconut oil has emollient properties. Emollients fill the spaces between skin cells, creating a smooth surface. That’s why the saturated fatty acids that occur naturally in coconut oil can hydrate and smooth the skin.

You can use coconut oil daily on even the most sensitive parts of your body. These include the area underneath your eyes and around your mouth. Another advantage of coconut oil is that you don’t need to mix it with anything. Coconut is gentle enough for substantial everyday use.

According to a study, petroleum jelly products can heal skin in older adults. Petroleum jelly, also known as mineral oil, covers the skin in a protective layer. It traps moisture underneath. This helps heal dry, irritated skin patches.

Oatmeal is common folk remedy for irritated skin. A 2015 study showed why grandmothers and great-grandmothers have been recommending this home remedy for centuries: It works.

Colloidal oatmeal has antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties that soothe irritation. This remedy is especially effective if you’re seeking to relieve itching. After you’ve taken an oatmeal bath, make sure you moisturize your skin to lock in the barrier.

You can make an oatmeal bath at home. Use a food processor to chop oatmeal into a fine powder, then stir it into warm water. You can also try one of the many commercial products available to make an oatmeal soak.

When your skin is dry, it means you’re exposing it to elements that are damaging skin cells faster than your body can repair them. There are some foods that can help your skin appear healthier, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Foods rich in antioxidants can minimize damage from toxins and help your body make healthy cells. Some of the foods that contribute to skin health include:

• blueberries
• tomatoes
• carrots
• beans
• peas
• lentils

Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids like salmon, may also contribute to a glowing-skin diet.

Hands tend to experience the most direct contact with environmental irritants. These include dish soap and laundry detergent.

Get in the habit of wearing gloves when your hands are in water. Your hands also take a lot of abuse when temperatures drop and you’re working outside in the cold.

Wearing insulated gloves while doing household chores, or when you’re outside in extreme temperatures can cut down on dry, irritated skin.

The American Academy of Dermatology notes that relieving dry skin is sometimes as simple as changing your shower routine. While most people tend to take hot showers, these can scald the skin and cause damage.

And some soaps that claim to moisturize and repair the skin can cause the opposite effect. They can trigger allergic reactions and make the skin thinner with harsh chemicals.

Take short showers with water that’s warm, not hot. And look for soaps that are fragrance-free and gentler on skin than traditional soaps.

Keeping a humidifier in your home can help minimize the dryness caused by home heating systems. Though gas and electric heat strip moisture from the air, a humidifier set to 60 percent is enough to offset this effect, according to the Harvard Medical School.

A sudden occurrence of dry skin might be connected to the clothes you’re wearing or what you’ve exposed your skin to.

Sitting by the fireplace, spending time in chlorinated or chemically-treated water, or even wearing wool clothing can all irritate your skin and make it feel dry. Check what you’re putting your skin through, and try to treat it gently.

It’s important to preserve healthy skin. Your skin is the first line of defense against bacteria and viruses. When your skin is compromised by itching, an infection can occur. You may want to incorporate a good moisturizer into your daily routine, even when your skin isn’t bothering you.

In fact, maintaining a healthy skin barrier daily is one of the best ways to prevent outbreaks of dry skin. Another essential skincare tip is to use a moisturizing sunscreen every day to prevent skin damage and dryness.

Make sure to wear loose-fitting, cotton clothing that draws sweat away from the skin when you’re exposed to high temperatures or skin-irritating conditions.

Remember that extremely dry skin can be an indication of a more serious condition. If home remedies aren’t helping, you may need to see a doctor to get a prescription treatment to relieve your dry skin.

Last medically reviewed on September 14, 2018

How we reviewed this article:

Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

• Brooks J, et al. (2017). Skin cleansing and emolliating for older people: A quasi-experimental pilot study. DOI:
  10.1111/opn.12145
• Dermatologist’ top tips for relieving dry skin. (n.d.).
  aad.org/public/skin-hair-nails/skin-care/dry-skin
• Dry skin: Overview. (n.d.).
  aad.org/public/diseases/dry-sweaty-skin/dry-skin#overview
• Gibson LE. (2018). What are the best foods for healthy skin?
  mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/expert-answers/healthy-skin/faq-20058184
• Mayo Clinic Staff. (2018). Dry skin.
  mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dry-skin/home/ovc-20248889
• Mori HM, et al. (2016). Wound healing potential of lavender oil by acceleration of granulation and wound contraction through induction of TGF-β in a rat model. DOI:
  10.1186/s12906-016-1128-7
• Nine ways to banish dry skin. (n.d).
  health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/9-ways-to-banish-dry-skin
• Reynertson KA, et al. (2015). Anti-inflammatory activities of colloidal oatmeal (Avena sativa) contribute to the effectiveness of oats in treatment of itch associated with dry, irritated skin.
  jddonline.com/articles/dermatology/S1545961615P0043X
• Sethi A, et al. (2016). Moisturizers: The slippery road. DOI:
  10.4103/0019-5154.182427

Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.

Current Version

Apr 18, 2023

Written By

Sarah Taylor, M.D., FAAD

Edited By

Elizabeth Donovan

Sep 14, 2018

Medically Reviewed By

Debra Rose Wilson, PhD, MSN, RN, IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT

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Medically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, Ph. D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT — By Sarah Taylor, M.D., FAAD — Updated on April 18, 2023

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Dry Face: Remedies, Causes & More

To keep facial skin hydrated, use a gentle cleanser, wear sunscreen daily, and always apply the right moisturizing lotion and other skin care products for your skin. If these practices don’t work, it may be a sign of a medical condition.

Dry skin is a common skin issue, especially during the cold and windy months.

If your facial skin is rough, flaky, or thirsty, there are ways you can help rehydrate and prevent dry skin from taking over.

Read on to learn the top tips for keeping the skin on your face soft, supple, and dewy all year round.

Dryness occurs when your skin doesn’t have enough water or oil.

Dry skin is known in the medical world as xerosis or xeroderma. It usually comes from a loss of fats that keep the skin moist. It can also occur due to a lack of natural moisturizing factors, like lactic acid, sugars, and urea.

Dry skin can affect anyone at any time, and it doesn’t usually just affect the face. You may have dry skin year-round or just during cold weather months, when the temperatures drop and the humidity lowers.

You may also notice dry skin when you:

• are residing in a dry climate or using dry indoor heat
• are traveling, for instance going to a low humidity area or experiencing dry air on an airplane
• come into contact with chlorine in a swimming pool
• experience excessive sun exposure
• are exposed to wind or cold
• use harsh alkaline soaps
• take frequent long, hot showers
• come into contact with an irritant or allergen
• experience dehydration

Medical reasons for dry skin can include:

• skin conditions
• thyroid or endocrine disorders
• vitamin or mineral deficiencies
• certain medications

Severely dry skin can lead to superficial cracks in the skin. This increases the risk of getting an infection on the skin. If you suspect you have an infection, you should consult a doctor.

Symptoms of infection include:

• skin tenderness
• skin that’s warm to the touch
• redness
• cracked skin that may ooze pus
• fever (rarely)

If the skin on your face is dry, it may flake or itch. Sometimes, it can feel tight to touch or even hurt.

Other symptoms of dry skin include:

• scaling
• peeling
• redness
• feeling flushed
• warm cheeks
• an ashy look for those with a darker complexion
• rough or sandpaper-like skin
• bleeding (rarely)

Dry skin can generally be treated by tweaking your skin care routine or changing some environmental factors.

Sometimes dry skin is a sign of an underlying medical condition that should be treated by your doctor.

If your dry skin won’t go away with some tweaks to your skin care routine, you may want to speak with a dermatologist.

As mentioned above, dry skin can be a symptom of many things, including:

• environment
• aging
• medications
• skin conditions
• dehydration
• metabolic or endocrine disorders
• vitamin or mineral deficiencies

Aging

Dry skin can be a symptom of advancing in age.

As you age, your skin naturally produces less oil, which can result in your skin becoming drier.

Medications

If your skin is unexplainably dry, the answer could be lurking in your medicine cabinet.

Medications that may cause skin dryness include:

• statins
• isotretinoin, also called Accutane
• retinoids
• prolonged use of topical steroids
• diuretics
• cholesterol-lowering drugs
• calcium channel blockers
• beta blockers
• anti-rheumatic drugs
• birth control
• cytostatic agents
• radiation from cancer treatment
• anti-androgens
• immune modulators
• antihistamines

Skin conditions

Sometimes, dry skin is symptomatic of a skin condition, including:

• seborrheic dermatitis
• irritant dermatitis or skin allergy
• contact dermatitis
• genodermatoses
• eczema
• psoriasis
• keratosis pilaris (can sometimes show up on the cheeks, especially in teens)
• rosacea

These conditions may present as dry, itchy, scaly, red, or bumpy patches of skin.

Dehydration

Have you been drinking plenty of water?

If you’re dehydrated, it can have an effect on your skin, presenting as skin that’s itchy and dull.

Endocrine or metabolic disorders

Thyroid disorders or endocrine disorders can disrupt the skin’s natural function by changing the levels of thyroid hormone in the blood. These disorders include:

• hyperthyroidism
• hypothyroidism
• hyperparathyroidism
• diabetes
• renal failure
• primary biliary cholangitis
• cholestasis

If you suspect something more is behind your dry skin, talk to a doctor right away.

Vitamin or mineral deficiencies

If you’re not getting enough of certain vitamins or minerals, that may be causing your dry skin. Make sure you get plenty:

• vitamin A
• vitamin D
• zinc
• iron

If you suspect you’re not getting enough, you may want to take a supplement for dry skin. However, always talk with a doctor before adding supplements to your diet.

Trying basic first-line treatments for dry skin on the face should relieve your symptoms.

Contact your doctor if you:

• experience dry skin after regular skin care
• suspect that you have an infection from cracked skin
• believe you may have another, more serious skin condition

Conditions that appear to be mild dry skin at first but require more in-depth medical treatment include:

• atopic dermatitis
• eczema
• seborrheic dermatitis
• psoriasis
• genetic disorders
• endocrine, internal, or systemic issues
• deficiency, excess, or imbalance of nutrients

Your doctor may recommend a prescription treatment for your dry skin. These treatments may include:

• topical creams that contain urea, lactic acid, or pyrrolidine carboxylic acid (PCA)
• topical oils
• corticosteroids
• oral medications

Your doctor will likely recommend these medications in combination with routine skin care.

To prevent future dryness, implement a healthy skin care routine.

General tips

• Wash your face daily with a mild cleanser and lukewarm water.
• Choose skin care products suited to your skin type.
• Protect your skin by wearing a broad spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30.
• Apply lotion to your skin after you shower or bathe to lock in moisture.
• Use petroleum jelly to moisturize dry skin.

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If you experience dry skin at a particular time of year, such as during cold months, make sure you adjust your skin care routine.

It may be necessary to switch products or shower routines during certain times of the year to avoid a dry face.

Switching up your shower routine or otherwise tweaking your skin care regimen should help ease symptoms of dry skin within a week or so.

In order to see a permanent change, be consistent with your lifestyle changes. Stick to a regular routine to ensure lasting results.

If your symptoms persist or worsen, consult your doctor. In some cases, dryness may be a sign of an underlying skin condition. Your doctor or dermatologist can work with you to find the cause of any dryness and recommend a treatment plan.

Homemade masks for dry skin: the best recipes

Dry skin requires special care, because it is dryness that provokes the early appearance of wrinkles. Your task is to provide nutrition and hydration to relieve discomfort and prolong youth. And, by the way, it is not necessary to use store-bought cosmetics. A good mask for dry skin can also be made at home. We picked up simple but effective recipes – you can prepare these masks from the simplest ingredients!

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Procedures

Dry skin, prone to flaking and irritation, often becomes a problem for wearers. In order to keep it in a healthy and radiant state, you need to make a lot of efforts – moisturize, cleanse, relieve irritation and soothe. One of the easiest ways that helps solve many problems is homemade masks for dry skin.

Do not self-medicate! In our articles, we collect the latest scientific data and the opinions of authoritative health experts. But remember: only a doctor can diagnose and prescribe treatment.

Dry skin of the face: how to properly care for it and what home masks are suitable for it

Dry skin can be caused by heredity, improper care and improperly selected cosmetics, as well as the action of external factors, such as cold and strong wind. It is important to figure out exactly what causes peeling and other unpleasant sensations – depending on this, it will be possible to choose suitable moisturizing homemade masks for dry skin. They will contain not only moisturizing ingredients, but also ingredients that nourish the skin, prevent premature aging, increase elasticity and slow down the appearance of wrinkles.

By the way, keep in mind that even the most effective homemade masks for dry skin can be useless if dryness is provoked by diseases, such as vitamin deficiency or anemia. In this case, cosmetics may not be enough: it will be important to diagnose the very disease that causes dryness and direct efforts to treat it.

The best masks for dry skin

Homemade banana mask for dry skin

This homemade mask is suitable for very dry skin. You will need a very ripe banana – surely at least one was lying around on the shelf and you were thinking of throwing it away. But everything is in business. Take this ripe banana and mash it to a puree state (you can use a blender or just a fork). Mix banana puree with 1 tsp. olive oil and 1 fresh egg yolk. Apply the mixture on your face, hold for 15 minutes and rinse with cool water. Then apply a nourishing cream. It is best to do this procedure before bedtime to further moisturize the skin with a night cream. The same mask is useful for dry skin of the hands – a homemade nutrient mixture based on banana, olive oil and egg yolk will be a salvation in winter when the skin dries out badly.

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Natural Citrus Mask for Dry Skin

If dry skin is your problem, homemade natural fruit masks can be your lifesaver. To prepare a citrus nourishing mask for dry skin, you will need the juice of one orange or grapefruit. Mix it with egg yolk, add 1 tsp. liquid honey and the same amount of olive oil. Apply to face and neck, wash off after 20 minutes.

Homemade cottage cheese mask – anti-flaking

Homemade cottage cheese mask suitable for very dry skin. In addition to cottage cheese, it includes milk and honey. Mix 2 tablespoons of soft cottage cheese, 1 tablespoon of milk and liquid honey, apply the nourishing mixture on the skin for 25 minutes, and then rinse with warm water. You can repeat the procedure 2 times a week. This method is especially good for those who suffer from flaking.

Whitening & Purifying Sour Cream Mask with Parsley

This mask for dry skin, which contains sour cream and parsley juice, is very easy to prepare at home. Mix fat sour cream with parsley juice (or just finely chop the greens). To enhance the effect, you can add a little cream. You need to keep the composition on your face for about half an hour.

This is not just a mask, but also a whitening home care for dry skin – sour cream and parsley, acting in a complex, will help to make the complexion more even.

Homemade oatmeal mask – effective for scalp

Dry skin often occurs not only on the face and hands, but also on the head. Peeling on the scalp does not look very nice and causes discomfort. And, if you have dry scalp, then homemade masks can also be the solution. We recommend trying a multifunctional homemade mask based on oatmeal.

Oatmeal is recommended for problem skin, but a dry, light cleanse never hurts either. To prepare it, add a spoonful of olive oil and linden infusion to crushed oatmeal (linden flowers can be found in any pharmacy). A drop of vitamin A will further enhance the effect. Apply to cleansed face, neck and scalp, leave for 20 minutes, and then rinse. Enjoy the result – it will definitely please you!

Do not forget that even the most effective homemade cleansing and moisturizing mask for dry skin is not a substitute for comprehensive regular care. Owners of dry skin should not forget about daily moisturizing with day and night creams. In addition, cosmetologists advise adding the use of oils to traditional care. They saturate and nourish especially well, smoothing fine wrinkles and smoothing the structure.

Photo: Shutterstock

main rules and 3 daily steps overview 9

Contents

• Features of dry skin
• Proper dry skin care steps at home
• Review of the best cosmetic products for dry skin
• How to choose a dry skin care product
• What can a beautician offer?
• Seasonal Skincare Features
• What else you need to know about dry skin

Dry skin features

Feeling of tightness, peeling – there are many reasons for the discomfort of dry skin. Alexander Prokofiev, dermatovenereologist, medical expert of the La Roche-Posay brand, talks about the features of caring for thin and dry facial skin.

“If the marks do not disappear when you press the skin with your finger, then you most likely have dry skin.”

Here are the main signs of dry skin:

• thin and delicate;

• pores are small or not visible at all;

• sebum secretion is reduced;

• no oily sheen;

• often troubled by tightness;

• peeling appears.

Without proper care, the appearance of the skin deteriorates rapidly and leads to premature wrinkling and sagging.

Why the skin is prone to dryness

Reasons for dry skin are enough to write an entire scientific work. But we will focus only on the main triggers.

“Dry skin requires the most gentle care. It should be aimed primarily at nutrition and hydration. All forces must be devoted to the restoration of the hydrolipid mantle and the creation of a barrier that protects against aggressive factors.”

• Wrong care: forgot to wash off makeup at night and apply moisturizer in the morning, and the skin responds with dryness or peeling.

• Use of unsuitable cosmetics: cosmetics addressed to a different skin type can be one of the causes of dryness.

• Lifestyle: late lights, early rises, lack of sleep, alcohol abuse, nicotine abuse, fatty and spicy foods, and especially fast food – all this affects the condition of the skin.

• Genetic predisposition: if your mother or grandmother has a tendency to dryness, alas, you are unlikely to avoid this fate. There is only one way out – to constantly care for the skin.

• Skin reaction to food and drugs: Some foods, drugs, and drinks may not be “yours” and cause dryness. It is worth getting to the bottom of the truth and excluding a potential provocateur from your life.

• Constant stress: it is difficult to imagine our everyday life without them, but it is stress that often becomes the catalyst for dryness (hyaluronic acid decomposes faster against the background of stress).

• Non-compliance with the drinking regime: at any time of the year it is important to drink enough plain, non-carbonated water. The norm is different for everyone. Approximately 1.5 liters of water per day.

Home Here is a routine for dry skin.

Wash

It is recommended to wash your face no more than twice a day, and in case of severe dryness, even one at all – in the evening. Then in the morning the fat produced by the sebaceous glands during the night will remain on the skin – without it, the skin is more vulnerable to external influences. Gels and foams with moisturizing ingredients designed for dry skin are suitable as cleansers. In the morning it makes sense to confine yourself to waterless cleansing.

Toning

The role of tonic can hardly be overestimated. It restores the pH balance of the skin and prepares it for hydration and more intense exposure to the active ingredients of the cream.

Nourishing dry skin

When choosing a cream for dry skin, pay attention to texture and composition. So, for example, fluids and milk may not be suitable for dry skin, but creams with oils and a thick texture are what you need. In the composition, look for humectants – substances that ensure the retention of moisture in the skin.

“To nourish dry skin, it is advisable to use moisturizing masks. They are used 1-2 times a week.

They are:

1. 1

   Film-forming agents (glycerin, linoleic and linolenic acids, etc.) – help retain water in the skin, forming a waterproof film on the surface.

2. 2

   Moisturizers (urea, hyaluronic acid, etc. ) – maintain moisture balance in the upper layers of the skin.

The cream is applied to the skin in a thin layer, the excess is removed with a tissue after 20 minutes.

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Review of the best cosmetics for dry skin

Rose Water Botanical Moisturizing Face Cream for Dry and Sensitive Skin, Garnier

Made from 96% ingredients of natural origin, intensively moisturizes the skin with rose water and glycerin.

Nutritic Intense Riche, La Roche-Posay Nourishing Cream for Intense Skin Restoration

MP-Lipids, Vitamin E, Shea Butter contribute to intensive restoration of the skin’s protective barrier. The cream is suitable for skin prone to flaking and reduces the feeling of discomfort, leaving the skin smooth and soft.

Aquafluid for normal to dry skin, Hydration Genius, L’Oréal Paris

The lightest fluid in texture is 82% purified water. Absorbs instantly. Aloe vera juice and hyaluronic acid are responsible for moisturizing.

Highly effective antioxidant face, neck and décolleté serum for normal to dry skin C E Ferulic, SkinCeuticals

Antioxidants in high concentration help to neutralize the effects of oxidative stress, set the skin to fight against aggressive external environment. Ascorbic Acid improves skin’s radiance, firmness and fights wrinkles, while Ferulic Acid is a powerful antioxidant known for its ability to strengthen the skin’s protective barrier.

Aquasource Dry Skin Moisturizer, Biotherm

Restores water balance and helps retain moisture. Immediately after application, the skin appears firmer and smoother.

Moisturizing Facial Tonique Tonique Confort, Lancôme

A honey and sweet almond based product is applied after cleansing the skin with a gel, lotion or milk. Refreshes and moisturizes.

Hydrating B5 Masque, SkinCeuticals

Hyaluronic acid is known for its moisturizing properties, vitamin B5 helps to restore the skin and soften it. The result is smoother, hydrated and younger-looking skin.

Firming cream for normal and dry skin against signs of aging at different stages of formation Slow Age, Vichy

Corrects signs of aging at different stages, fights pigmentation, loss of skin density.

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How to choose a dry skin care product

Find out what ingredients to look for in a dry skin cream and how they work.

Cosmetic ingredients for dry skin

Ingredient name	Action
Hyaluronic acid	One of the main components of the extracellular matrix. One acid molecule attracts up to 1000 water molecules.
Ceramides	They act on the principle of cement: they hold bonds between cells and prevent the evaporation of interstitial fluid.
Vitamin B Complex	Without exaggeration, this is one of the most powerful vitamins for the skin. Their task is to smooth, relieve irritation, activate collagen production and lighten dark spots.
glycerin	This common ingredient is often added to creams for dry skin. It is classified as a natural moisturizer that smoothes the skin and makes it softer.
Antioxidants (green tea and grape seed extracts, vitamin E and licorice root)	Protect skin from free radicals and reduce oxidative stress.
Shea, coconut, sunflower and mango butters	Prevent moisture evaporation and visually smooth the skin, making it softer.

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What can a beautician offer?

Dry skin care always raises many questions and doubts. To deal with them, it is best to seek the advice of a specialist. The doctor will not only give care recommendations based on skin diagnostics, but also offer a number of cosmetic procedures. Which of them are worth paying attention to?

1. 1

   Peelings: milk, acetic, almond or glycolic peels with a low percentage concentration. It is advisable to take a course of 5-6 procedures at least once a year to help the cells exfoliate properly.

2. 2

   Oxygen machine peeling — this procedure oxygenates the skin. It should be borne in mind that today this is one of the most atraumatic methods of deep cleaning, which is very important for dry skin. Accompanied by a facial massage.

3. 3

   Laser biorevitalization: the meaning of the procedure is that hyaluronic acid is introduced through laser radiation, and not through injections. Usually, a course of three procedures is required at intervals of a week, and then, for prevention, once a month.

4. 4

   Mesotherapy is a widely used method of injecting natural products that have a rejuvenating effect.

Find out which cosmetic procedure you need with our test.

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Take the test

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Seasonal skin care features

Depending on the season, dry skin can become even drier or remain in a stable condition. So care will have to be adjusted according to the season.

Autumn, winter and early spring

In the cold season, even oily and combination skin can suffer from dryness. The fault is the wind, dry air in rooms with central heating and a sharp temperature drop.

• In winter, cosmetologists recommend paying attention to intensely moisturizing creams with a denser texture. In the morning, you can add a couple of drops of moisturizing or regenerating serum to the cream to protect thin skin from irritation.

• Don’t forget to use your night cream or concentrate. During the night, the skin needs to restore the resources spent during the day.

• Twice a week, replace your night cream with a leave-in moisturizing or nourishing mask. In the morning, the skin will become soft and supple. If there is no special equipment at hand, apply a regular mask, after 15 minutes carefully remove the excess with a cotton pad, and let the residue soak in.

• Do not abuse scrubs and peels. In the cold season, you can arrange home cleansing rituals no more than once a week. Choose soft products without harsh abrasive particles.

• Take care of the delicate skin of the lips – do not be too lazy to apply a nourishing balm with jojoba oil, shea butter, olive oil before going to bed.

Late spring, summer and early autumn

• In the warm season, dry skin lives a little easier. She does not need to seek additional resources to fight the cold. But that doesn’t change good care.

• Toner and moisturizer with SPF are your best summer friends.

• Of the masks you will need: a) cleansing, b) moisturizing. The first will help with the removal of dead cells, getting rid of particles of toxic urban dust that inevitably settle on the skin during the day. The second will maintain the level of moisture.

• Stock up on a cooling and soothing gel in case you suddenly failed to protect your face from the sun’s rays and earned a burn or irritation.

Dry skin care requires nourishment and hydration. © iStock

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What else you need to know about dry skin

There are some things to consider.

Do not confuse dry skin with combination skin

Very often, cosmetologists hear from patients: “Actually, I have dry skin, but the oily sheen on my forehead is very disturbing.” This means that their skin is combination.

“There is no oily sheen on dry skin. If on the T-zone (forehead, nose, chin) during the day there is excessive shine, and on the periphery of the face the skin is dry, then your skin is of a combination type.

It must be properly cared for.

• Cleanse your face morning and evening with a mild gel or lotion. It is advisable to include the Clarisonic apparatus in the cleansing ritual, using the brush attachment only on the T-zone. This will help get rid of excess sebum and unclog pores.

• Master the multi-mask technique. On dry areas of the face, apply a moisturizing mask, and on those that sin with oily sheen and inflammation, a cleansing mask (for example, with clay). The procedure can be repeated up to three times a week.

The skin is not just dry, but very dry

Feeling of tightness does not leave your skin even in the shower? You most likely have very dry skin. What does it mean?

• Cleansing tonics and gels containing alcohol or acids, even mild ones like fruit and glycolic, are contraindicated for you.

• Creams should contain as many nutrients and oils as possible, which will retain moisture in the dermis throughout the day.

• Neglecting a night cream is a real beauty crime.