This is what you can do against dry skin
- 6 min reading time
Many people will surely recognize this: winter is coming again, and that also means a dry skin. Dry hands, face... Dry skin in winter often arises from the cold temperatures outside and the warm, dry temperatures inside. This causes your skin to dry out, especially your face and hands. It may also be that you have dry skin all year round but it is most severe in winter. In this blog, we explain everything you need to know about dry skin and what you can do about it.
What is the difference between dry skin and dehydrated skin?
You may suffer from dry skin, but it could also be that you have dehydrated skin. Both have different characteristics – how to recognize them is listed below.
If you recognize the following signs, you have dry skin:
- Genetically determined skin type
- Your skin lacks skin fats (sebum)
- Often feels dry all over
- Is always present, especially in winter
- Is more sensitive to premature skin ageing
- Dry skin constantly needs nourishing (oil-rich) creams
It may also be that you have dehydrated (moisture-poor) skin, which has the following characteristics:
- This can happen to anyone from time to time
- Lacks moisture (water)
- Can feel oily but at the same time dry
- Is a skin condition and can occur in anyone
- Often also suffers from impurities at the same time
- Needs hydrating products
What causes dry skin?
Washing too often with soap and showering too long with hot water can dry out your skin greatly. That also means you can easily change or prevent it yourself. The following factors can also cause dry and/or irritated skin:
- Stress
- Weather conditions, such as cold, wind, or dry air
- Ageing skin
- Exposure to the sun, or sunburn
- Central heating and air conditioning
- Soap and alcohol-containing products
- Warm/hot showers and baths
- Unhealthy lifestyle, such as too little drinking, unhealthy eating, and smoking
- Conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, diabetes, etc.
For a serious skin problem or skin condition, we recommend seeing a general practitioner or skin specialist.
How do I prevent dry skin?
There are many tips to prevent dry skin, but not every tip works for everyone. Often it is a matter of trying until you find your remedy. Everyone has a different skin, and each skin needs its own care. We have listed the most effective tips for you:
- Showering too often or too hot is not good for your skin. Hot showers dry your skin considerably. The outer layer of your skin and the fat layer over your skin get damaged. If you prefer to shower regularly, at least remember not to wash with soap but with a shower gel that contains natural oils that hydrate the skin.
- After showering, you naturally want to dry yourself. Remember to pat your skin dry and not to rub or scrub it dry.
- Immediately after showering, apply a rich or moisturizing cream to your skin. The cream ensures your skin retains moisture and stays soft and supple. You can also apply bath oil to your body just before stepping into the shower. Then rinse off the excess oil once or twice, step out of the shower, gently pat your skin dry, and your skin will be wonderfully hydrated!
- If your skin is already dry, you should NOT scrub it. You might think scrubbing will remove dead flakes, but that is not the case. Scrubbing only damages your skin even more.
- Everyone likes a bit of colour! Unfortunately, in the Netherlands, there is not enough sun to get a nice tan all year round. We do have a solution for that: the tanning bed. But be careful! Besides the tanning bed being the highest risk factor for skin cancer, it also dries out your skin greatly and can cause your skin to age faster. You certainly don’t want that! If you still want to use a tanning bed during the cold winter days, make sure to apply plenty of cream so that your skin suffers as little damage as possible.
- Avoid products that contain alcohol or perfume. Alcohol and perfume are very harsh on your skin and dry it out.
Does diet affect dry skin?
Yes, diet affects your skin. Besides caring for and nourishing it from the outside, you must also nourish your skin well from within. We have listed what you should consume to nourish your skin from the inside:
- Avocado - Avocado contains important skin vitamins C and E. Vitamin C provides good protection for the skin and also assists vitamin E. Vitamin E is also protective for your skin. It can help prevent sunburn and aid against skin ageing. Vitamins C and E together can lighten pigmentation spots.
- Chicken liver, cod, and cod liver oil - These foods contain important skin vitamin A and zinc. A lack of vitamin A can cause flaky skin. Zinc ensures vitamin A is well absorbed.
- Bell pepper, kiwi, and broccoli - These vegetables are packed with vitamin C. If your skin lacks vitamin C, it can dry out because the skin loses moisture more quickly.
- Walnuts, salmon, and herring - These three products contain omega-3 fatty acids. These are the building blocks for your skin surface. If you have enough of these fatty acids, your skin will look more even and younger!
- Water - The last and most important. Also one of the easiest things to do every day for your skin. Drinking 1.5 to 2 litres of water per day should be enough to maintain a good moisture balance. By drinking enough water, you provide a good foundation to keep your skin in good condition.
