Tips for taking care of Dry skin

The skin naturally produces an oil called sebum. When the skin produces too much oil, this can lead to pimples. However, having some sebum on the skin is important for keeping it hydrated and protecting the cells from infection.

Skin that is not creating or replenishing enough sebum can become dry.

Dry skin can be itchy, and it may look flaky and bumpy or have red patches. Dehydrated skin lacks water and appears dull or rough. 

Some potential causes of dry or dehydrated skin on the face include:

• Cold weather
• Dry air
• Exposure to harsh chemicals in soaps or other products
• Washing the skin excessively
• Unbalanced skin pH
• Skin conditions, such as atopic dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis, and psoriasis
• Diabetes
• Hypothyroidism
• smoking
• spending too much time in direct sunlight

People can treat dry skin using several different methods. The best treatment option will depend on the cause of someone's dry skin and its severity. Treatments also vary among different skin types, which can be normal, dry, oily, or a combination.

1. Use Moisturize daily

Moisturizers, ointments, and creams improve the skin's natural barrier function, which promotes water retention. Moisturizing overnight can provide extra benefits. A person can apply moisturizer to their face before bed and wash it off with a gentle cleanser in the morning.

Coconut oil and shea butter contain natural oils. Some people with normal, oily, or combination skin types may experience breakouts after using these products.

2. Use a gentle cleanser

Soaps that contain fragrances, colors, and other chemicals can irritate and dry out the skin. It is generally better to opt for mild, fragrance-free cleansers or facial soaps and to avoid products that contain alcohol, artificial colors, and plastics.

3. Exfoliate to remove excess dry skin

The skin naturally makes new cells and sheds old cells, typically replacing itself within about a month.

When dead skin cells become stuck on the surface, people may notice dry patches and clogged pores.

Exfoliating helps remove dead skin cells, which can reduce dry patches and improve the skin's overall texture.

Exfoliators can be either mechanical or chemical.

• Mechanical exfoliators
• Chemical exfoliators

A person should avoid exfoliating every day as this can irritate and dry out the skin. Applying a good moisturizer immediately after exfoliating will help lock in moisture.

People can use the following tips to prevent dry skin on their face:

• Washing the face daily with a gentle cleanser
• Wearing sunscreen every day
• Applying moisturizer after bathing or washing the face
• Using warm, not hot, water when washing the face and bathing
• Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water
• Limiting caffeine intake
• Limiting time in direct sunlight

If dry skin does not improve or it worsens, a person can visit their dermatologist says by Dr. Manju Keshari , the Senior Dermatologist at KEMS SKIN Clinic, Vaishali, Ghaziabad.