Dry skin doesn’t discriminate. It can affect any one of us at any time, and every season has its dry skin culprits. Thankfully, there are steps you can take to prevent dry skin that will help keep your skin soft, smooth, and flake-free. Dermatologists in New Jersey and throughout the country know that dryness is one of the most preventable afflictions of the skin. For this reason, some of the top dermatologists in the area have compiled a list of 10 things you can do to prevent dry skin.
Hydration
One of the most important components of healthy skin is hydration. Therefore, you need to keep the air inside your house under the 50% humidity mark. Additionally, try not to overheat your home. If you like a toasty warm house, purchase a humidifier in order to add moisture. This method also is necessary for keeping skin well hydrated in dry climates. And, though a long shower may seem like a good idea (after all, it’s water, right?!), when it comes to preventing dry skin, it’s one of the worst things you can do. Hot showers dilute pores; this allows much-needed moisture to evaporate from skin. Cut down on the duration of those hot showers, and always pat—not rub—skin dry. It’s also vital to drink plenty of water throughout the day, which always means at least eight glasses each and every day. Water not only helps keep your body healthy, promoting proper function of all bodily systems; it also helps to keep your body’s biggest organ—your skin—properly hydrated. Water also helps to detoxify the body, getting rid of toxins that cause skin to age prematurely.
Protection
Your skin is the biggest organ in your body. It protects the rest of you … but what protects your skin? Answer … you do. Be sure to keep skin covered while outdoors as much as possible. Cold, blistery winters make for dry, flaky skin. So always cover up effectively in order to shield your skin from those nasty elements. Wear layers of clothing that cover up as much skin as possible, and don’t forget the gloves, hat, scarf, and yes, sunglasses even in winter months, since delicate eye areas can be the most forgotten about and exposed areas of the body this—or any—time of year. In summer weather when, naturally, you won’t cover up nearly as much as in winter, always wear sunscreen.
Addition
Obviously, dryness is the opposite of moisture, which means if you have dry skin, you need to, you guessed it, moisturize. Choose moisturizers that contain ingredients that attract water to skin, such as glycerin and proteins. Oils such as coconut oil and avocado oil are also effective for treating dry skin and adding moisture. And, by all means, avoid products that contain unnecessary dyes and fragrances.
Subtraction
It’s the flip side of addition—subtraction. And when it comes to skin, what you need to subtract in order to keep it moist and supple is processed foods. Packaged, processed foods contain little in the way of nutrients that are vital to skin and much in the way of additives that drain skin of necessary vitamins and minerals. Be sure to eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, especially those that contain a lot of water such as watermelon and celery as these help keep skin hydrated. Essential fatty acids (EFAs) are, well, essential—it’s the first word! And they’re essential to all organs in your body, including your skin. Be sure to eat enough foods that are high in EFAs. A short list of these includes flax seeds, fish, and walnuts. Another effective means of adding moisture to your skin is through primrose oil or flaxseed oil. And, bonus, these oils are exceptional for hair too.
Often when we think of dry skin, we think of premature aging as the most significant result. However, though dry skin surely can make you look older than you really are, the fact is that, if left untreated, dry skin can pose other dermatological problems. Some of these include itching, cracking, bleeding, bruising, and even infection in areas of dry skin that become chapped. Your skin is the biggest organ in your body. It covers and protects the rest of your body, and that’s why it’s so important that you keep it healthy. Consult with a dermatologist near you to learn further valuable tips on preventing dry skin.
