Ever think – why is my skin so dry? The most common cause is a compromised moisture barrier that leads to excessive loss of moisture and deficiency in the necessary healthy fats in the top layer of the skin. There are several factors that contribute to dry skin – take a look at how you can prevent it
Dry Air
Sometimes the air inside can be as punishing on your skin as the air outside. Forced air, especially heat, can draw humidity levels down, making skin feel dry and itchy. Luckily, you don’t need to suffer with dry, itchy skin all winter: a humidifier can help restore moisture to the air in your house. To deal with dryness caused due to air outdoors, which can lead to excessively dry skin, follow a strict beauty routine that includes moisturisers and lip balms, to heal and soothe dry, chapped skin.
Ageing
Ageing is inevitable, and dry skin is an unfortunate side effect. The skin produces less oil than it used to, thus getting drier, so you see wrinkles and fine lines appearing. Use moisturisers to replenish lost moisture and repair the skin barrier – this way the skin won’t become too dry.
Soaps
Some detergents, shampoos, and soaps tend to draw out moisture from the skin and scalp, especially those formulated to remove oil. Read the labels of products carefully before buying. Always use moisturising soaps and body washes – steer clear from harsh bar of soap that leads to excessive dryness.
Acne Medications and Retinol
While salicyclic acid is great at combating acne, it could also dry out skin when you first start using it. Dryness is a common side effect of retinol, too, and it happens because retinol loosens the connection between cells on the skin’s surface. Try to reduce the frequency of use from every day to alternate day, and use a gentle cleanser that doesn’t worsen the issue. Keep these pointers in mind, and dry skin won’t be such a problem anymore!
