What do I do about dry skin?

How do I tell if I have dry skin?

Dry skin is a very common skin condition and is often linked to sensitive skin as well. The medical term for dry skin is xerosis. If our skin is mildly dry we can experience a feeling of tightness and the skin being uncomfortable. Sometimes we will experience dry patches and flakiness that you see and in its extreme form dry skin can crack and bleed. Dry skin often looks dull and lifeless with none of the healthy glow we associate with skin in good condition. It is important to look after dry skin as it often ages more quickly than any other skin type.

What can I do?

Mild dry skin can be easily treated but severe dry skin that has cracked, bled or formed lesions should be seen by a doctor. Dry skin responds well to a skincare regime that includes a gentle, effective cleanser that doesn’t strip away natural oils in the skin and a moisturiser that has emollients and natural moisturising factors such as plant oils and extracts. Dry skin should be treated gently and not subjected to hot and cold winds, too much sun, a central heating and air conditioning. A humidifier and effective skin care products should help in the times you can’t avoid these.

Following some of these suggestions below should help ease dry skin conditions:

• Use lukewarm water to wash your face and pat gently dry.
• Use a cleanser without soaps, sulphates or detergents
• Apply moisturiser immediately after washing the skin to retain the moisture.
• Keep well hydrated throughout the day.
• Use skin care products that are high in moisturising factors and keep the skin moisturised throughout the day.
• Eat a diet high in fresh fruit and vegetables – flaxseeds, avocados, salmon, walnuts, virgin olive oil all help lubricate the skin.
• Reduce alcohol, tea and coffee.
• Invest in a humidifier if you are constantly in heating or air conditioning.
• Avoid the sun if you can and always wear sunscreen.