Hydration helpers and skincare routines that help support long-term skin health

If dry, flaky skin has you feeling uncomfortable, you’ve come to the right place. Whether it’s chilly weather, indoor heating, or just your skin’s natural condition, battling dryness can be frustrating.

Let’s dive into a few easy tips and remedies that will help you wave goodbye to dry skin for good. Hint: dewy, glowy skin has a lot to do with hydration, hydration and more hydration…

Quick Read:

  • Use skin-loving ingredients to transform your skin from parched to perfectly hydrated.
  •  Try not to take super hot showers or baths as these can dry out your skin.
  • Sunblock is a must – every day. Yes, even for darker skin.
  • Healthy skin has a lot to do with your lifestyle. For example, did you know alcohol can dry out your skin?

What causes dry skin? 

Dry, itchy, flaky skin is a common problem for many people. If you’re prone to dry skin, it probably worsens in winter. Dry skin happens when the skin loses too much water or oil (sebum), which weakens the skin barrier. Once that barrier is compromised, the skin struggles to retain moisture and becomes tight, rough, flaky, or itchy.

Colder weather, especially in winter, reduces humidity in the air, causing skin to lose moisture. This can also happen in dry, windy climates where moisture is stripped from your skin.

This is why it’s important to take care of, and nourish your skin, from the inside out. Just as your body thrives on good nutrition and plenty of water, so too does your skin.

Remember, your skin is your body’s largest organ, so it needs tender care. Be mindful about using random products and trying too many skincare routines. In general, try to stick with what works for your skin type.

Skin hydration

Other factors that lead to dry skin include:

  • Excessively hot showers and baths. The hot water may feel lovely, but it can strip away your skin’s natural oils that protect and hydrate your skin.
  • Fragrances and harsh chemicals in soaps, cleansers, and skincare products can disrupt your skin’s natural barrier, making it more prone to dryness.
  • As we get older, our skin naturally starts to produce less oil and becomes drier.
  • Dehydration is a big dry skin culprit – your skin needs water and plenty of it.
  • Dry skin can also be caused by conditions like eczema or psoriasis.
  • Do you moisturise regularly? Not applying lotion regularly can quickly lead to dry and itchy skin.
  • Some medications, such as those for acne or high blood pressure, may have a drying effect on your skin as a side-effect.
  • Not enough essential fatty acids, vitamins or minerals in your diet may dry out your skin.

Dry skin hydration helpers

Now that we understand a few of the triggers of dry skin, let’s find solutions.

  • Make sure you’re getting enough water every day. Spice up plain water with sprigs of mint or orange slices for flavour.
  • Pat your skin dry after a shower and moisturise your body while your skin is slightly damp. This will help your skin to better absorb the lotion.
  • Remember what we said about those hot showers – make sure the water isn’t too hot.
  • When shopping for skincare products, choose items that are light on fragrances and harsh chemicals.
  • The same goes for soaps and bath gels. They may smell nice, but too many fragrances could irritate your skin.
  • For very dry skin, apply a layer of Vaseline at night for extra moisturisation.
  • Try not to scratch dry skin; it can lead to an infection.
  • Look for moisturisers with ingredients like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, or shea butter, which generally offer more moisturisation and hydration. Ask at the pharmacy for oil-based moisturisers; these are usually better suited for dry skin.
  • It may seem like a good idea to “scrub” off your flaky skin, but you need to be gentle with your skin. Skip the rough washcloths and harsh scrubbing, which can further irritate dry skin.
Help at hand

Dry skin is usually uncomfortable and annoying, but if you start to notice any worrying symptoms, please see a doctor or skin specialist.

  • Watch for intense itching, redness or swelling; these signs could point to a serious condition like eczema or dermatitis.
  • Don’t ignore cracked or peeling skin, especially if it starts to bleed as this increases the risk of infections.
  • If your dry skin becomes painful, warm to the touch, or shows signs of infection (such as pus or yellow crusts), it’s time to see a doctor.
  • If you notice other symptoms, like weight loss, constant tiredness, or a change in your nail colour, please see a doctor. These could be signs of a bigger health problem like diabetes or thyroid issues.

Images: Pixabay