Feeling Kinda Flakey Lately?

What to do about Dry Skin

The first solution to dry skin is to make sure you really have dry skin, because your skin may not be as dry as you think! If you actually have dry skin, it will be dry everywhere – your face, your body, your scalp. However, your tight, dehydrated skin may be from not using the right moisturizer, or from using a cleanser that is too harsh or by over scrubbing and stripping your skin of its’ natural oils.

If you have been using a harsh soap cleanser, washing too often, not using the right moisturizer, or scrubbing too much, then your solution is to change products and only wash your face at night to remove dirt and make up. In the morning, try a hydrating toner to refresh your skin and apply an emollient rich moisturizer. When you find the right moisturizer, you should only have to moisturize in the morning and at night. To help you choose the right moisturizer, look around for product samples.

If your skin is truly dry from inherited factors or natural aging, then your solution is basically the same. Dry skin is thinner than other skin types, so it does not recover from harsh cleansers as easily. So look for a mild, soap-free cleanser with added emollients like lanolin or olive oil. Only wash your face at night, and then use a hydrating toner in the morning. Having true dry skin, you may prefer a lighter lotion moisturizer that you can apply several times day. Otherwise, look for a rich moisturizer and apply morning and night.

Don’t over scrub dry skin. If you skin is only dry and not sensitive, then try a moisturizer with a light concentration of alpha hydroxy acid. This will exfoliate the dead skin cells and help the skin feel more supple.

The best moisturizer will be the one that works for YOU!

Retaining as much natural oil as you can will also help dry skin. The following tips can help you retain natural oil:

• Only wash skin once a day (can wash twice a day for face if not too drying)
• Bathe in lukewarm (never hot) water
• Use mild cleansers made for dry skin (avoid anti-bacterial & deodorant soaps)
• Avoid any cleansing product that “foams"
• Avoid products with acetone or alcohol
• If you live in a dry environment, try a humidifier and house plants
• Limit wind exposure when skin is feeling dry
• Apply moisturizing products to damp skin
• Use oil-based foundations and creamy blushes to soften skin lines
• Always use a sun screen to prevent more damage
• Drink plenty of water
• Make sure to take a good multi-vitamin
• You might also want to try a fish oil supplement if you don't get enough EFA's in your diet

To also help add moisture back into the skin, choose products that contain humectants and occlusives. 

Humectants help add water to the stratum corneum from the dermis and the atmosphere. Occlusives provide a layer of oil on the skin that reduces the skin’s water loss from evaporation.  Lessening evaporation helps to increase the moisture content in the stratum corneum.

• Choose products with humectants such as glycerin, hyaluronic acid, urea, alpha hydroxy acids.
• Choose products with occlusives such as castor oil, mineral oil, soybean oil, stearyl alcohol, cetyl alcohol, lanolin acid, squalene, dimethicone, petrolatum, & olive oil.

Dietary changes can also help with dry skin. Eating foods rich in healthy fats known as Essential Fatty Acids (EFA’s) can improve dry skin. Foods high in EFA’s include fresh tuna, salmon, flaxseed oil, fats from plants like nuts, seeds, canola, sunflower, soybean, avocado, olives, and safflower oil. These good fats also raise the level of good cholesterol and lower bad cholesterol. However, there are 2 bad plant fats to avoid – palm kernel and coconut oil. A note of caution – do not over eat fats to try to improve dry skin. Eating the goods fats in moderation will be enough to help.

 

To help with dry skin, here are some products that work!

Click on underlined link for more information.

philosophy makeup optional kit for dry, sensitive skin

Dehydration is one of the most common skin conditions. It is a lack of sufficient moisture in the cellular system and is often caused by stress, illness, harsh climates or hormone imbalance. When you have dry, sensitive skin it is important to apply effective treatments that will help your skin glow and be more resilient without causing surface irritation. Our makeup optional skincare system for dry, sensitive skin will leave your skin glowing, feeling hydrated and giving you the radiance you crave.

 

 

 

 

 

Dr. Hauschka Cleansing Milk

Cleansing Milk is a gentle cleanser for dry, sensitive skin and mild make-up remover for all skin conditions. This rich cream removes dirt and impurities while maintaining the skin's natural pH layer. Make-up is gently and effectively removed. A special fermented grain extract nourishes and protects dry, sensitive skin, leaving it pampered and velvety smooth.

 

 

 

 

 

Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser

CETAPHIL® cleanser was formulated for dermatologists as a gentle, non-irritating cleanser for even the most sensitive skin. Unlike soap, CETAPHIL is completely non-alkaline, non-comedogenic, and fragrance free. Soothes and softens as it cleanses, helping the skin retain needed moisture.

 

 

 

 

CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser

• Hydrates as it cleanses. 
• controlled release. 
• non-comedogenic.
• developed with dermatologists.
• helps restore and maintain the skin's natural protective function
• patented Multivesicular Emulsion (MVE) formulation.
• contains ceramides that moisturize and soften skin.
• non-irritating.

 

 

Nature's Gate Organics - In the Beginning Gentle Cleansing Lotion

Our incredibly gentle cleansing lotion helps melt away the grime of the day without effort. Dirt and oil out; dewy softness in. While Yucca and Rose Geranium get skin refreshingly clean, Safflower, Aloe, Jojoba and Shea Butter prevent dryness and tightness. Clary Sage and Cucumber keep the mood mellow, while Peppermint adds and uplifting experience for the senses.

 

 

 

Olivella All Natural Virgin Olive Oil Moisturizer

Helps moisturize and rejuvenate skin. Helps retain skin's natural humidity. Contains: Antioxidant vitamin E (Tocopherol), Phenolic Antioxidants (present in Virgin Olive Oil) and anti-aging properties.

 

 

 

 

 

Almay Regimen Moisturizer for Dry Skin

Hydrates and protects dry skin - contains SPF 15 for sun protection

• skin feels smooth and more supple
• infused with refreshing cucumber to hydrate and replenish skin
• hypoallergenic
• won't clog pores

 

 

Peter Thomas Roth Mega Rich Intensive Anti-Aging Cellular Cream

Created for normal to very dry skin this superior moisturizing creme with Firma-CELL-4(tm) and added antiaging benefits helps reduce the severity of deep wrinkles and fine lines for younger looking skin. It helps boost collagen and elastin synthesis and goes beyond retinol to firm, smooth, lift, and clarify the skin.

 

 

 

Cludalie Moisturizing Concentrate

• This 100% plant-derived concentrate moisturizes* deeply and promotes cellular renewal.  Even the driest skin looks fuller and regains its comfort and radiance.
• Caudalie Masks and Concentrates are inspired by professional Vinetherapie Spa treatments.  Created to reveal unmatched radiance in one treatment, they are highly concentrated in plant ingredients and grape-seed oil for exceptional effectiveness.
• Other ingredients: moisturizing** and nourishing jojoba* and sesame* oils; drained palmarosa* essential oils; regenerating rosewood and rose essential oils...

 

 

 

 

 

Ole Henriksen Nurture Me

• Soothing creme cushions skin with nourishing vitamins
• Helps calm, protect & hydrate sensitive skin with this wonderfully calming creme that literally melts into the skin
• Nourishing oils guard the skin from environmental aggression by strengthening the skin’s natural defenses
• Paraben free

 

 

 

Murad APS Hydrating Toner

Tone to hold moisture and softness.  This classic toner contains sodium PCA to help prevent moisture loss.  Peach extract softens the skin.

• Witch Hazel tightens pores without drying
• Chamomile and Cucumber are soothing and softening
• Grape Seed Extract and Vitamins C and E protect skin from free radical damage

 

 

 

 

Almay Regimen Toner, Dry Skin

Clears away impurities without drying skin.

• Improves skin tone; helps skin absorb moisturizer.
• Infused with cucumber to help hydrate and replenish skin.
• Hypoallergenic
• Won't clog pores

 

 

 

Zia Natural Skincare Ultimate Toning Mist for Normal/Dry Skin

Balances & Hydrates with Red Raspberry & DMAE

• Hydrates and balances
• Antioxidants protect and correct
• Firms and smoothes lines with DMAE

Soothes and  softens while firming skin and refining pores. Red raspberry, vitamins, and alpha lipoic acid protect skin and fight signs of aging.

 

Zia Natural Skincare Fresh Papaya Enzyme Mask

• Organic Papaya gently dissolves dead surface skin
• Vitamin C & E aid skin repair and minimize skin sun damage
• Honey soothes and hydrates to soften skin
• Improves skin texture and tautness
• Paraben free

 

 

 

 

 

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