Table of contents:
- Why is our skin dry?
- Various ways to treat dry skin
- 1. Care after bathing
- 2. Use the right moisturizer
- 3. Wear sunscreen
- 4. Consultation with a dermatologist
Owners of dry skin must be familiar with complaints such as scaly or cracked skin. Dry skin can indeed occur on any part of the body. However, this condition most often occurs in areas that are frequently exposed to sunlight such as the feet, hands, and face. So, how do you treat dry skin? Check out the tips in the article below.
Why is our skin dry?
The causes of dry skin vary, ranging from temperature factors, use of certain products, sun exposure, or other skin conditions. In many cases, the main enemy of dry skin is sun exposure.
Try to pay attention to some parts of your body that are rarely exposed to sunlight, such as the inner arms or buttocks. Well, that part almost never has dry skin problems, right? Yes, these areas of the body that are often covered do not suffer from the same skin problems as the rest of the body as a result of excessive sun exposure.
In dry skin, the outermost layer of the skin loses its ability to maintain the skin's natural moisture level so that the skin becomes dehydrated and causes various conditions. For example, the skin feels rough, itchy, peeling, scaly, cracked, and so on.
Various ways to treat dry skin
1. Care after bathing
It turns out that taking a shower can cause your skin to become drier. However, that doesn't mean you shouldn't take a shower. To prevent dry skin after bathing, do the steps below:
- Limit bath times to 5-10 minutes
- Use warm water, not hot water
- Avoid cleaning products that contain sodium lauryl sulfate
- Choose a cleaning product that is free of fragrances and dyes and is labeled moisturizing
- Clean your face with a special facial cleanser, but also avoid using it too often or too much
- Pat dry using a soft, clean towel, do not rub
- Apply a moisturizing lotion as soon as the new skin is dry
2. Use the right moisturizer
This method of caring for dry skin plays an important role. Yes, dry skin occurs because the skin loses its moisture. That is why, moisturizing products are something you must pay attention to.
Choose a light moisturizer that doesn't cause blackheads and allergies. Avoid using scented soaps and skin care products that contain alcohol, perfume, retinoids, or AHAs. Use a moisturizing product that contains lactic acid, urea, hyaluronic acid, dimethicone, glycerin, lanolin, mineral oil and petrolatum. However, if you like very potent moisturizers, choose products that contain them shea butter, ceramides, stearic acid, or glycerin.
Cream or ointment type moisturizers work better on dry skin than lotions, because ointments and creams are more effective at softening and preventing irritation than lotions. To maintain the natural smoothness of the skin, always use a moisturizer on the face and body a few moments after you finish showering or washing your face.
3. Wear sunscreen
As mentioned above, sunlight is the main enemy of dry skin. So, to prevent further skin damage, you can apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 every time you go out of the house. Don't forget, also choose the right clothes. You should protect your body by wearing thin, loose long-sleeved clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses that have UV protection.
Not only that, for those of you who frequently ride motorbikes, using gloves can also be the right choice as a way to treat dry skin. Also make sure to wear gloves before doing work with chemicals, such as artificial fertilizers or other chemicals.
4. Consultation with a dermatologist
See a doctor if your skin doesn't show any changes after doing self-care at home. Dry skin is also a sign that skin needs special care or prescription medication (ointments or creams). Your doctor will examine your skin and help explain what things can reduce skin discomfort.
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