5 Simple Skincare Tips To Treat Dry Skin At Home *

AD | Do you struggle with dry skin? You’re not alone. Most of us will have to treat dry skin at some point in our lives. It becomes a particular problem for us as we age, with around half of all people aged over 40 experiencing it. As we get older, our skin becomes less proficient at producing natural oils, leaving it drier and more exposed to environmental conditions, which can worsen the problem. If you need some help soothing your dry skin complaints at home, here are five simple skincare tips to try.

Common Dry Skin Symptoms – How To Treat Dry Skin?

So, what are the common symptoms of dry skin? You know that tight feeling when you’ve just washed your face with something that’s too harsh? That’s how people with dry skin feel nearly all the time. Their symptoms can range from rough, dry, flaky, peeling skin that itches, to skin that can even crack and bleed in more extreme circumstances. If you’ve ruled out medical conditions such as psoriasis or eczema that need more specialised solutions, here are some other ways to help treat dry skin at home.

Don’t Spend Too Long in the Shower

Are you guilty of spending too long in the shower? A recent study suggests that the average person spends eight minutes in the shower, or even longer if they’re using bathroom time as a way to relax and unwind. Although it can be hard to tear yourself away, especially on a cold morning, it’s crucial you don’t expose your skin to too much water. The longer your skin is wet, the more natural oils you can expect to lose. Set a timer and be strict about turning off that tap once the alarm sounds. Once you’re done, avoid a rigorous rubdown and pat yourself gently dry instead.

Always Moisturise

If you’re constantly dealing with dry skin, it’s important to nourish your skin with a generous amount of moisturiser every day, ideally after your shower and before you get dressed. This is the best way to replenish any natural oils that have been lost under the water. Body creams like Sol de Janeiro work well, providing you with deep level protection that won’t leave your pores clogged and induce acne breakouts. Apply a moisturiser on your dry areas, such as the elbows, knees, and hands, which are prone to symptoms of dryness, and to prevent cracks. Bonus marks if you apply moisturiser at night too, to protect your skin from moisture loss during the night while you’re sleeping. It’s not called beauty sleep for nothing.

Take Extra Precautions During the Summer Months

If you live in the Northern Hemisphere, it’s always tempting to throw caution to the winds and strip off the layers once Summer rolls around and the sun begins to shine. While Vitamin D can help soothe inflammation and alleviate a host of skin complaints, too much UV exposure can damage your epidermis and may even lead to xerosis, or abnormally dry skin. Make sure you apply sun protection each and every time before you step outside. If you’re particularly sensitive to the sun, think about switching out your summer staples for long-sleeved garments on brighter days.

Consider Your Diet

What we eat and drink can have a huge impact on skin health. Your skin requires certain nutrients to manage and maintain optimum moisture levels, so consider what’s on your plate on any given day. Generally speaking, foods with a higher water content such as fruits and vegetables are not only good for your skin but will benefit your overall health too. To help treat dry skin and improve skin health further, make sure you’re eating plenty of foods rich in Vitamin E and Omega-3 fatty acids. And of course, it goes without saying that staying hydrated during the day is key. Most people recommend drinking at least  8-10 glasses of water per day to stay properly hydrated and keep your skin healthy looking.

Exfoliating Dry Skin

Exfoliating products are a must for many people. However, they can cause a lot of damage to dry and sensitive skin. If you rely on products like exfoliating shower gel or soaps, it’s worth switching to a gentler alternative. Look for alcohol-free products that won’t leach moisture and oils out of the skin and limit the amount of time you’re applying them too. In most cases, you’ll only need to leave a product on the surface of your skin for a minute or two before rinsing or wiping it away.

What do you think of these tips to treat dry skin at home? Have you ever experienced any symptoms? If so, how did you treat it and what would you recommend?

* This is a collaborative post – please see my Disclaimer.