The causes of dry skin more often than not, women with dry skin consider that they can handle this issue on their own if they invest in the best moisturizer on the market. However, as we at Ethos Spa would often say, it is important to note that the dry skin issue is more complex than you might think. To put it simply, in order to address this skin condition, you need to learn the root of your problem first and only afterwards select a suitable moisturizer. At the same time, keep in mind that even the finest moisturizer on the market will not help you unless you learn how to apply it correctly. Let’s elaborate.
First off, it is necessary to highlight that irrespective of the cause, dry skin usually mean the tissue is damaged, more vulnerable to free radicals, bacteria or breakouts and more porous compared to healthy skin. Simply put, having dry skin means that the tissue loses water more quickly and remains sensitive and increasingly irritable. In general, dry skin results from four factors:
- You were born with it and your family has a history of skin conditions.
- You are living in a harsh, dry climate with cold and windy winters that practically dehydrate the skin.
- It is a symptom of aging.
- Frequent exposure to improper skin care products that dry out the skin.
Dry skin bathing routine
In order to address the dry skin issue correctly, first you need to re-analyze your bathing routine. In general, dermatologists advise people with similar problems to avoid bathing or washing in hot, steamy water because it removes skin oils and respectively, increases the risk of inflammation. For dry skin, the best water temperature is lukewarm. In addition, if you have dry skin then you should also consider:
- Using soap only on certain parts of the body, namely the areas that emit unpleasant odor and oily parts.
- Make sure that the soap, shower gel or other skin care product you are using is mild.
- Consider using natural soaps with glycerin and alkali.
When should you moisturize your skin?
In spite of the popular belief, a hydrated epidermis does not only imply having sufficient water in the skin tissue, but also an optimal level of skin oils. Indubitable, the best time to apply the moisturizer is usually right after the bath so you can trap some of the moisture inside the deeper layers of the skin. To be more precise, in order to trap water while maintaining oils in your skin, it is recommended that you start applying the moisturizer after no more than three minutes following the bath.
What moisturizer should you use?
Because dry skin has several causes, it is rather difficult to discuss any one-fits-all solution. However, according to our experience with patients fighting against dry skin, the helpful products for this problem usually contain the following ingredients:
- Pure coconut, jojoba, olive, almond oils
- High oil ointments with a decent concentration of Vaseline jelly or Aquaphor
- Bland creams containing wool lanolin
- Creams and lotions containing cocoa butter or Shea butter
- Skin care products with added water
Talk to one of our specialists at Ethos Spa if you think you would want to know more about how we can help you combat dry skin!
