Studies have shown that dry skin increases with age. A few symptoms of dry skin include irritation, inflammation, flaking, peeling, scaling, and grayness. Apart from aging, a person’s lifestyle can also impact the health of the skin. Here are a few tips to help keep your skin hydrated and replenished with nutrients to promote a healthy, youthful glow:
Step Up on Moisturizer
Moisturizing is an essential factor to help minimize the chance of dry skin. Moisturizing throughout the day will help rehydrate the skin with minerals and nutrients needed for the skin to flourish. If you wash your hands frequently during the day, it’s important to moisturize immediately after. Water can strip the skin layer of oil, which leads to increased dryness on the skin.
Research suggests that excessive exposure to sunlight can cause the skin to become dehydrated, which ultimately leads to dry skin; this is why it is important to use a moisturizer with SPF to help protect the skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays. Furthermore, despite the season, it is still important to use sunscreen to protect the skin. The sunlight in the winter is just as harmful as the sunlight in the summer.
Avoid Scratching
Studies suggest that scratching the skin can lead to dryness. Instead of scratching the skin, apply moisturizer to help ease the skin. Equally important, if you have sensitive skin, try to limit scrubbing the skin with brushes and sponges while bathing. Using these materials can irritate the skin, which can lead to dryness and unwanted inflammation in the long-run.
Furthermore, avoid rubbing the skin with fabrics such as wool to reduce the chance of dryness on the skin. After bathing, blot the skin with your towel, instead of rubbing; this method will help prevent the skin from developing a gray-like appearance to dryness on the skin.
Limit Hot Water
Although hot baths may feel great after a long, stressful day, it negatively impacts the skin. Studies have shown that hot water strips away the nutrients and minerals from the skin. It removes the oils on the skin needed to reduce dryness.
Recent studies have found that using lukewarm water works best for the skin. Also, limiting shower time to 10 minutes helps the skin retain the oil and nutrients needed to promote healthy skin. Always remember to moisture on damp skin to allow your moisturizer to fully penetrate the skin. Adding these methods into your routine can help reduce dryness and encourage healthier skin!