Your moisturizer should be your dry skin's best friend. But despite generously applying it, you might still find that dry, flaky skin persists. Wondering why that is? What could be causing your skin to remain dry even though you use moisturizer regularly?
We're here to shed some light on this issue.
Let’s explore why your skin might be resisting hydration and remaining uncomfortably dry.
Even if you apply body cream daily, your skin might still feel unsatisfied and dry. It’s worth exploring other potential causes:
# Retinol and Acne Treatments: Products with salicylic acid help unclog pores and reduce inflammation but can also dry out your skin, leading to flaking and irritation. Retinol can similarly cause red, flaky skin.
# Excessive Hot Water: Hot baths or showers can strip moisture from your skin. Add a few drops of oil to your bathwater or lower the temperature of your shower. Keep showers short (about 10 minutes) and use body soap only on essential areas, then moisturize immediately.
# Dry Indoor Air: A fan or radiator in a dry room can dehydrate your skin. Place bowls of water near radiators or invest in a humidifier to add moisture to the air, especially in your bedroom.
# Lack of Fruit Intake: Eating more fresh fruits and vegetables helps keep your skin plump and hydrated. Vitamin C is essential for collagen production.
# Heavy Moisturizers: Slathering on thick moisturizers can weaken your skin’s natural barrier and affect its ability to hydrate itself effectively.
# Misapplying Hyaluronic Acid Serum: Hyaluronic acid needs moisture to be effective. Applying it to dry skin in a high-heat, low-humidity environment can draw moisture from deeper layers of your skin, making it drier.
# Insufficient Exfoliation: In winter, dry skin can lead to a buildup of dead cells. Regular exfoliation helps remove these cells and allows hydrating products to work better.
# Dehydration: Drink at least two to three liters of water a day. Be mindful that tea, coffee, juice, and alcohol can dehydrate you, so you might need to increase your water intake.
# Skipping SPF: UV rays dehydrate your skin, so use a cream-based sunscreen with ingredients like shea butter, glycerine, and hyaluronic acid to lock in moisture.
# Inadequate Sleep: Poor sleep can lower your skin’s pH levels, impairing its moisture production. Aim for eight hours of sleep per night for healthy skin.
# Overwashing Without Moisturizing: Frequent handwashing or using antibacterial products can strip your skin of moisture. Follow up with moisturizer to prevent dryness.
# Fragranced Products: Fragrances can irritate the skin and cause dry, cracked patches. Avoid products with synthetic fragrances and be cautious with essential oils that might cause similar reactions.