Is your skin dry and flaky in November? Can’t keep your skin from getting dehydrated no matter how much moisturizer you use? Having soft, hydrated skin is totally doable for all skin types, and it doesn’t have to break the bank! By using these tips (and a bonus DIY face mask that’s suitable for all skin types), you’ll be dandruff-free and can enjoy the season trouble-free.
1. Use a freeze moisturizer
Believe it or not, some moisturizers do more harm than good. Moisturizers are oil-based, which can clog pores and cause acne if you have acne-prone or oily skin. Moisturizing gels are water-based and absorb into the skin relatively quickly compared to creams. Creams can confuse the skin because they are oil-based and cause your skin to produce less sebum (oil), which can dry out the skin even more. Great moisturizing gels can be found at any drug store or supermarket, such as Garnier® SkinActive™ Moisture Rescue ($6.29 at Target™) which is suitable for both normal/combination skin and dry skin.
2. Stay hydrate!
It goes without saying, staying hydrated is great for your body’s periods. Dry, cold air will suck moisture from your skin and leave it parched. Water isn’t proven to be directly related to the condition of your skin, but it does help keep your skin plump and healthy. As everyone is different, the amount you drink daily is also different, so here’s a quick tip on how much water you should drink per day. You should drink between a half ounce and a full ounce or so of water per pound you weigh, so if you weigh 140 pounds you should be drinking between 70 and 140 ounces of water. There is a big gap between the two amounts, but somewhere in the middle will be enough.
3. Do not use cleaners which contain drying Ingredients
Using drying ingredients in facial cleansers can irritate any skin type. They upset the skin’s pH balance, which controls sebum production and can make your skin worse. Avoid skin products containing these ingredients:
Sodium lauryl sulfate
Sodium laureth sulfate
Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate
sodium chloride
These are just a few of the skin irritants found in skin care products.
4. Use benign scrubs
It is very important to use the right type of exfoliator for your skin because there is a big difference between body scrubs and facial scrubs. Body scrubs use larger exfoliating agents such as sugar crystals and microbeads. Face scrubs use smaller variations of the same product, so make sure you know what you’re buying! Dead skin cells can block your moisturizer from getting to your skin. Exfoliation can kick-start skin cell rejuvenation and help acne-prone skin. Use a gentle scrub or exfoliator to get rid of dead skin and dry scales. DO NOT use sharp scrubbing motions or use much pressure. It can irritate your skin and cause damage.
5. Don’t bathe too often
Washing in the morning and evening is good for skin care when you use the right products, but washing your whole body will dehydrate your skin and hair on a massive scale. The difference in temperature and humidity between the bathroom and the rest of your living space is quite drastic, especially if you take a long shower with hot water in the winter. The dry air outside your bathroom will rob your skin of moisture within minutes of leaving the bathroom (which is why your skin feels so tight and itchy after showering). It also sucks moisture out of your hair and daily use of shampoo will also help with that. A brief 10-minute shower with lukewarm (not hot) water every other day will ensure your skin and hair stay hydrated.
6. Don’t cake makeup on
Ugh, dry, flaking skin under your foundation is the worst! Using makeup to conceal flaws is something every girl tries at some point in her life. Some daily makeup routines involve the use of primers, foundations, concealers, loose powders, etc. Everyone is different, but some skin types are very susceptible to dry skin due to the use of setting powder over (or under) foundation. It is intended to absorb excess sebum produced throughout the day. Some brands of makeup can also irritate skin, depending on allergies and ingredients. Instead of sticking on foundation every morning, use a BB/CC cream or tinted moisturizer, these are meant to keep the skin hydrated.
DIY Dry Skin Face Mask
This mask is suitable for ALL skin types, including combination and acne-prone skin!
1 tablespoon regular or vanilla yogurt (regular or Greek): calm and hydrate skin + contains lactic acid which removes dead skin cells and tightens pores
1/2 tablespoon of honey: antibacterialground moisturizing. Definitely a must for any face mask for acne prone skin for its antibacterial properties
1 teaspoon baking soda: neutralizes Skin pH, soothes sensitive skin and exfoliates dead skin cells.
Mix all the ingredients in a small bowl and the mixture will loosen up a bit. Apply generously to the face, avoiding the mouth and eye area. Wait 15-25 minutes or until dry, rinse with cool or lukewarm water, pat your face dry with a clean washcloth and apply moisturizer.
