DELVE DEEPER INTO YOUR SKINCARE AND RESOLVE ISSUES AT THE CAUSE
1 Not Moisturising Damp Skin
The best time for moisturising your body is within five minutes of getting out of the shower, this allows the cream or oil to seal moisture into the skin. Gently pat your skin dry with a towel so that some moisture remains and then apply your moisturiser. For ultimate results use a cream followed by an oil to further lock in the moisture.
2 Over Exfoliating
Exfoliation removes dead skin, which can help moisturisers penetrate better, but over use can lead to damage. Aim to exfoliate no more than 3 times a week, or use a gentle AHA moisturiser.
3 Taking Too Hot Showers
It might be tempting to stand under the steaming hot water for an extended period of time, but this practice could create issues with your skin. Taking long and steaming showers or baths can dry out the moisture in your skin, try to limit showers to no more than five minutes and keep the water temperature warm, not hot. Save the hot long bath soaks for a self care treat.
4 Using Harsh Cleansers
Try to use fragrance free cleansing creams or gentle skin cleansers and bath or shower gels with added moisturisers. Avoid antibacterial detergents, perfumes, and alcohol.
5 Not Drinking Enough Water
Caring from within is the best place to start when it come to skincare. Aim to drink 2 litres of water a day.
6 Too Much Alcohol or Caffeine
In moderation your morning coffee isn't something to worry about. But too much caffeine and alcohol and dehydrate your skin, reduce blood flow to the blood vessels in the skin, and cause a build up of toxins. Make sure to drink plenty of water with your caffeine and alcohol treats.
7 Eating Too Much Sugar
Sugar breaks down collagen and triggers insulin production, which triggers protein-utilization malfunctions affecting essential essential amino acids within the body. Try to avoid processed sugars opting for fruits. Foods to feed your skin include Broccoli, Walnuts, Oily Fish, Avocado, Tomatoes and if you need a sweet treat dark chocolate.
8 Hard Water
The high mineral content in hard water can build up on your skin and prevent your moisturises from absorbing. Investing in a filtration system, such as an attachment to your shower head can help. Skincare products that contain vitamins A and C can also help counteract the coating deposited by hard water.
9 Dry Air / Low Humidity
Hot, dry, indoor air can parch sensitive skin. A home humidifier adds moisture to the air inside your home reducing some of the effect central heating can have on the skin.
10 Rubbing Skin Dry Rather Than Patting
After washing pat your skin dry, do not rub. Be gentle and remember not to over dry before applying your moisturiser.
11 Perfumes
Perfumes in skincare products can cause all kinds of irritations and dryness. Opt for natural fragrances, or if you have extremely dry skin fragrance-free options.
12 Genetics
Researchers say that dry skin can be inherited, when mutations in genes are passed on that control the production of the protein filaggrin. Filaggrin plays a role in forming and hydrating the skin barrier. But remember this is the skin you are in so LOVE IT and practice self care.