How to deal with dry skin, what needs attention?

The problem of dry skin is sometimes underestimated compared to oily skin, which is prone to breakouts. This assumption is wrong because dry skin is easier to look dull, has the risk of infection, and the impact of other skin problems. You need a way to deal with dry skin.

The good news is, you can treat dry skin in a number of ways. What are the treatment options that you can take?

How to deal with dry skin with lifestyle changes

Usually, dry skin is not a dangerous problem. This condition can be treated with some lifestyle changes and the use of natural ingredients. If it does not work or there is a disease that causes dry skin, then medical treatment can be considered.

Habits, diet, and other factors that are included in lifestyle have a big influence on skin care. Therefore, a lifestyle change is usually the first step before other methods.

Here are various things you need to do to restore moisture to dry skin.

1. Avoid taking a long shower with hot water

Many people enjoy taking a hot shower or bath because it relaxes the body after a busy day. However, bathing for too long with accustomed hot water is not good for the skin.

Hot water can strip your skin of its natural oils faster than warm water. In fact, natural oils are supposed to protect the skin to keep it moisturised. As a result, the skin becomes dry and scaly easily.

According to experts, the ideal bath time is 5 - 10 minutes, depending on the temperature of the water. This duration does not include shampooing and is certainly shorter if you use warm water. As an alternative, you can take a shower in lukewarm water.

2. Gently cleanses the skin

Another way to deal with dry skin is to pay attention to the type of cleaning products you use. The reason is, certain facial soap and cleanser products can be too harsh for more sensitive facial skin.

Instead of cleaning the body from germs and dirt, cleansing products that are too strong will actually remove natural oils and strip the skin's protective layer. The skin also loses its natural moisture, making it easier to dry out.

If your skin feels tight and dry after using a product, it could be that the product contains ingredients that are too harsh on your skin. Usually, products that should be avoided are those containing alcohol, fragrances, and sodium lauryl sulfate because it erodes skin moisture.

3. Use a moisturizer regularly

Moisturizer is a product that you can't miss in your dry skin care regimen. The use of moisturizer has an important function in locking the skin in moisture so that the protective layer of the skin is always protected from damage.

Moisturizers for dry skin should have high moisturizing ability. Leslie Baumann, MD, director of Cosmetic Medicine at the University of Miami, USA, suggests products contain shea butter, ceramide, stearic acid, or glycerin.

You can also treat dry skin by using a moisturizer containing lactic acid. These compounds help shed the top layer of dry, scaly skin and penetrate the underlying layers to fill in the spaces between the skin cells.

The best time to use a moisturizing product is after you shower. The reason is, the skin is still half moist so it is easy to absorb the contents of the care products. Apply a generous amount at least twice a day to keep the skin well hydrated.

If your skin still looks dry after regular use, you may need to apply moisturizer several times a day. Also avoid products skin care alcohol-based, which can draw moisture out of the skin.

4. Apply petroleum jelly

Petroleum jelly is one of the mainstay moisturizers for dry skin. This product works by locking in moisture so that the skin is no longer too dry. That way, the skin returns to its natural protection.

Petroleum jelly also acts as a humectant, a substance that draws moisture into the skin. Even though the texture looks thick and sticky like it clogs a pore, the molecules are actually big enough so that they won't get too deep into the skin.

5. Water therapy

Nearly 75 percent of the body is water. Any reduced water content in the body affects your organs, including the skin. If you don't get enough water, your skin will be more prone to dry out, scaly, or show lines and wrinkles.

The skin is supported by a special protein called collagen, and this protein requires water to work effectively. When the skin is hydrated, dense, and elastic, it will reduce the entry of foreign substances that are the cause of dark spots and irritation.

In addition, it is also important to maintain skin moisture and provide nutrients for skin cells. Water supplies the skin's tissue needs and increases flexibility so it can delay signs of skin aging, wrinkles and fine lines.

You can treat dry skin by drinking more water. One of the tips is through water therapy. Here are the steps you need to do.

Drink at least 4 - 6 glasses of water after waking up in the morning on an empty stomach. Drink water that is room temperature or lukewarm.
Brush your teeth after you drink water and don't eat anything for the next 45 minutes.
After that, continue with your daily routine. During these 45 minutes, you can do light physical activity, such as jogging or yoga.
For two hours after eating, avoid drinking and eating anything. For example, after breakfast, don't eat or drink for the next two hours.
If you can't drink four to six glasses at a time, rest for a few minutes between each glass of water.

6. Using sunscreen

Sun exposure is one of the most common causes of dry skin. Skin that is frequently exposed to direct ultraviolet rays without protection is even more at risk of burning, damage, and cancer.

You can prevent skin damage by applying sunscreen (sunscreen). Choose a sunscreen with a description broad spectrum and at least 30 SPF. The longer you are in the sun, the higher the SPF of the sunscreen you should choose.

Since sunscreen doesn't completely protect your skin, you should also wear clothes to cover your skin. Wear long sleeves, trousers, and a hat if necessary. Adjust the type of material to the weather when you leave the house.

7. Eating foods that are healthy for the skin

Who would have thought, you could deal with dry skin by eating certain foods. This is because healthy skin requires not only fluids, but also a variety of vitamins, minerals and other nutrients.

Important skin vitamins are vitamins A, C, E, and K which can be obtained from fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Vitamins are able to rejuvenate the skin so that the skin remains healthy. The skin's collagen tissue is also preserved so that the skin looks strong and dense.

The skin also needs minerals, especially zinc. Zinc helps to regrow skin tissue and keeps it strong from the threat of damage. These minerals can be obtained from nuts, seafood, and lean meats.

One more nutrient that is no less important is unsaturated fat. Unsaturated fats keep skin moist and repair damaged skin cells. This benefit can be obtained by eating fatty fish, avocado, and nuts.

How to deal with dry skin with natural ingredients

There are so many natural ingredients in the environment that are actually useful for the skin. They may work by hydrating the skin, supporting collagen tissue, or helping repair damaged skin cells.

Natural ingredients are usually used in the form of masks, moisturizers that are applied directly, scrub, or even a bath additive. Here are a variety of natural ingredients that you can use.

1. Olive oil

Another great natural ingredient to use to moisturize dry skin is olive oil. Olive oil acts as a natural cleanser and moisturizer. This product also contains antioxidants and fatty acids that are good for the skin.

To treat dry facial skin, just apply a little olive oil before using the moisturizer you normally use. For other areas of the body, apply olive oil to the dry area about half an hour before bathing.

Rub olive oil on your hands and feet and other dry skin areas then massage gently. Massage the skin in gentle circular motions so that the oil is absorbed perfectly. After that, you can take a shower and put it on again body lotion the light one.

2. Aloe vera

Apart from being a natural remedy for soothing sunburned skin, Aloe vera gel also helps treat dry skin. Not only that, the ingredients in it also help soften and improve the texture of your skin.

How to use aloe vera to treat dry skin is quite easy. Cut the fresh aloe vera in half, then scrape out the gel. Apply aloe vera gel on the dry skin and leave it for some time. After that, rinse with warm water.

Before using it, you can also store the aloe vera gel in the refrigerator for a few hours to get a soothing cool sensation. However, stop using it if the skin feels itchy or uncomfortable.

3. Coconut oil

Coconut oil can also be used as a natural ingredient to treat dry skin. Referring to previous studies, the content of saturated fatty acids in coconut oil has been shown to soften the skin by increasing the water and fat content in its layers.

Simply add virgin coconut oil to dry body parts before going to bed and wash it off in the morning. Also use coconut oil after bathing when the skin is still warm and supple. Do this every day to make your skin smooth and soft.

4. Honey

This natural sweetener that replaces sugar is also effective in moisturizing dry skin. Apart from being shown to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial effects, a number of studies have found that honey also has moisturizing and healing properties.

Plus, honey contains a lot of vitamins and minerals which can help improve the overall health of your skin. No wonder many people deal with dry skin by applying this natural ingredient.

Before bathing, apply honey all over your body or face and leave it on for 5 - 10 minutes. Repeat this step every day on a regular basis to get a moisturized skin.

5. Goat milk

Milk contains anti-inflammatory properties and provides a soothing sensation to the skin. Plus, the lactic acid in milk also rejuvenates skin cells, increases moisture, and makes them appear brighter.

The fatty acids and triglycerides found in milk also help moisturize the skin and keep it soft. In addition, vitamin A is high enough to help the skin fight acne-causing bacteria and maintain skin health in general.

Simply dip a clean cloth in cold milk and rub it on your dry skin for 5 - 7 minutes. You can also add a few drops of rose water and lemon juice to four tablespoons of milk. Then, rinse the skin with water until clean.

6. Probiotics

Probiotics or good bacteria are not only beneficial for digestion. The presence of good bacteria can reduce bad bacteria in the body so that it helps reduce inflammation in the body.

The less inflammation in the body, the less skin and body problems may occur. In other words, skin problems related to inflammation such as acne, skin irritation, and redness of the facial skin can be reduced.

To get this benefit, you can eat foods that contain natural probiotics such as yogurt and kefir, as well as fermented vegetables such as pickles or kimchi.

The key to dealing with dry skin is to keep the skin as moisturized as possible. You can do this by avoiding habits that erode the protective layer of the skin and using natural, naturally moisturizing ingredients.

If lifestyle changes and the use of natural ingredients do not work, you can discuss with your doctor to find out the cause. In certain conditions, dry skin may indicate other skin diseases that need medical attention.