How To Treat Dry Skin

Transform your dry skin to a hydrated and healthy one this winter in these five easy steps

With colder days and shorter days, winter, which has loomed in South African shores, is a headache for many. This season may also prove unfriendly to your skin, which often causes dryness. This season is also the driest, as the low humidity drips away the moisture from your skin’s surface. Luckily you can treat dry skin, keeping it hydrated and healthy. This is how:

Apply sunscreen: If you find yourself always soaking in the afternoon sun do not stay out for long as the sun’s rays can rob your skin of its natural moisture and oils. If you find yourself outdoors use a sunscreen with SPF 15 or more regularly.

Keep yourself hydrated: It’s tempting to opt for hot beverages instead of drinking water this season. But it’s important to drink at least three litres of water as dehydration contributes to dry and dull skin.

Keep it warm, not hot: While hot water seems like a luxurious escape to ward off the cold, it’s one sin you shouldn’t commit to your skin. Hot water removes your natural oils, especially when you use cleansers with chemicals and toners, which are alcohol based. Avoid these three skin mistakes and always use warm water along with gentle and moisturising cleansers.

Use gentle skin care products: Avoid using skin care products that are too harsh for your dry, sensitive skin. Watch out for fragranced soaps, or products that contain alcohol and harsh chemicals like alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA), especially on a regular basis. Rather rely on your skin’s natural ability to retain its natural oils.

Exfoliate your face: a layer of dead skin cells that build up on your skin’s surface also causes dry skin. Gently exfoliate your skin a few times a week to retain fresh and healthy skin.

How do you treat dry skin?

Skin products to use for dry skin: