One of the biggest issues that prevail regardless of the current season is dry skin. It comes in many variations and for different reasons. Some may experience dry skin in the form of red, blotchy coloring, while others may see itchy, flaky patches. Causes can include cold weather, dry air, direct sunlight and the list goes on. If you are within the population of individuals who is plagued by this pesky condition, there is still hope for better skin days ahead. Check out this list of 9 simple tips to relieve dry skin fast, and you will be one step closer to healthier, more hydrated skin.
Try a gentler cleanser.
Harmful additives in your soap can harm and dry out your skin. Try to avoid cleansers than contain fragrances, artificial coloring, plastics and alcohol.
Exfoliate regularly.
Exfoliation can help remove dead skin, and greatly reduce dry, patchy areas on the skin. Effective exfoliants can include brushes, facial scrubs, and chemical exfoliators like alpha-hydroxy acids.
Purchase a humidifier.
Although it may be comfortable to do so, keeping your air conditioning or central heating on at all times can remove most of the natural moisture from the air in your home. A humidifier helps to replace that moisture indoors.
Moisturize daily.
As obvious as it sounds, many people do not moisturize daily, and it can have a huge effect on their skin. Use a moisturizer or hydrating cream to help your skin maintain its natural barrier function.
Try advanced moisturization at night.
For those with exceptionally dry skin, a great method to add to your regimen is moisturizing at night. You can simply apply a hydrating cream or ointment to your face before bed and wash it off in the morning.
Take more bathes.
Taking an actual bath allows the opportunity to infuse your bathing experience with various natural moisturizers and skin lubricants, which you simply cannot recreate with a shower. You can literally add anything to a bath. For a heightened, luxuriously moisturizing effect, try adding essential oils, oatmeal, and aromatic salts to your bath.
Wear gloves.
Our hands can be some of the roughest parts of our bodies, because they are constantly in use and the most frequent body part to experience adverse weather. Wearing gloves outside or while performing cleaning and household tasks can reduce the risk of dry, damaged skin.
Utilize Aloe Vera.
Aloe Vera can be a life saver during colder months as it can aid considerably in sunburn relief, redness and even decrease signs of aging. It is essential to test a small area of the skin first as aloe can be an allergen for some people.
Find a natural laundry detergent.
Our skin can react to the smallest variables in our everyday life, including laundry detergent. Chemicals in most laundry detergents can cause our skin to respond adversely, or even have more severe reactions. Also, the type of clothing you wear can affect the skin as well, so this can help to test out different clothing materials as well.