Tips For Dry Skin.

Mar 31, 2014

Courtney R.

I'm not sure how to classify my skin..it's probably normal or combination yet dry. My skin is dry, scaly, and flakey sometimes. Would anyone know any good skin care tips? Also with preventing pimples from forming? I mostly only get on my forehead. Thanks again:)

Mar 31, 2014

Amirah U.

Tbh, if I have dry patches, I like to use a little bit of vitamin e oil. To make it less greasy.. I sap it up with a towel.

Mar 31, 2014

Kitty K.

Dry skin can be such a hassle at times, but it does take understanding to know how to care for it.
There are so many products out there offering to hydrate your skin, and most of them will only work as long as your skin is hydrated, already.

As a skin care/DIY junkie, I've learned some cool tips and tricks over time on how to take care of dry skin.

Cleanser
This can be so tricky because a majority of the people have oily skin, and usually those with oily skin are a bit more problematic. ( Clogged pores, blackheads, etc. )
So everywhere you look, it's as if out of 10 products only 2 will pertain to dry skin.

Key words you want to look for
Moisturizing, Hydrating, Gentle, Non-Drying, Non-Irritating, Hyaluronic Acid ( HA Attracts needed moisture to your skin, and is 1,000 times it's weight in water. It is found naturally occurring in your skin cells - but as you age the skins ability to produce HA is decreased. ) Ceramides ( Help repair skins barrier ), Alcohol Free, Emollients ( Help soften dry skin ), Non-Foaming, Soap Free, Mild, Fragrance Free, Anti-Bacterial.

Moisturizers
Moisturizers can be pretty tricky to figure out. Most are formulated for oilier skin types. ( if you haven't caught on, it's mostly oily skin that dominates the market. )
It is important to moisturize, more than the usual twice a day.
For dry skin, it is recommended to moisturize at least 4 times a day. You want to pick a strong moisturizer, not the general pretty bottle.
Avoid gels, as they are intended for oily skin. Oils are your best friend and will help seal and moisture ( and can help even out your skin tone. )
Shoot for creams, not lotions. Creams tend to absorb into the skin more than a regular lotion does.

Exfoliation
Dry skin does flake up and exfoliation can help. There is no need to use an abrasive, harmful exfoliant like Apricot Scrubs ( Store brand and St. Ives ). Exfoliation can be both chemical and physical, and both help remove dead skin cells.
Exfoliation is very important because your skin is constantly producing new skin cells. These skin cells are produced at a lower layer and then sent to the uppermost layer. Exfoliation helps remove those dead skin cells, giving your skin a more youthful, healthy look.
It is essential that you are gentle with exfoliation. If you over exfoliate you are putting your skin at a great risk of bacterial infections.

By Over exfoliating, you can remove a protective layer of your skin. This layer is essential for protecting your skin from bacteria. This can cause cysts. premature wrinkles, discoloration, etc. So it is essential to know how to pick out a good exfoliant.

Things to look out for:
Apricot scrubs, or any exfoliant that uses shells. An exfoliators beads should be rounded and smooth - not pointed.
If you use anything with BHA, AHA, Glycolic Acid or even Salicylic acid you are already exfoliating. These are all chemical exfoliants.
T-Sonic devices. The Clarisonic and the Foreo Luna already provide exfoliation, just use a regular cleanser along with them.
Manual face brushes.. The Neutrogena Wave, a simple cheap brush, Olay's Brush, etc.also provide exfoliation. They do not yield the same results as the above devices, but you still need to be very gentle with them.
Sugar as an exfoliant. It can be used, yet it needs to be very refined and smooth. I always used to do a honey and sugar scrub. Be very gentle with it.
Jojoba Beads are a very gentle exfoliator. You can either buy them at any health store ( Whole foods ) or in bulk online. You can mix these with any cleanser of your choice or honey. Neutrogena has a Naturals line which includes a Jojoba Bead exfoliator.
Oatmeal is also an amazing exfoliant and hydrator. View my post here to see how to use it as an exfoliant.





How I take care of my Dry Skin
I remove my make up using Jojoba Oil. I generally use non-comedogenic oils on my skin - this is a must if you are acne prone. Avoid facial wipes as they are full of irritants, fragrances, and alcohols that you need to avoid to take care of acne.
I cleanse my face using CeraVe hydrating cleanser - I use my Foreo Luna so that I get a deep clean.
I tone my face using Aloe Vera Juice. ( I made my own from my own Aloe Vera plant )
I apply two drops of Jojoba Oil & Argan Oil into my CeraVe cream.

Mar 31, 2014

Kitty K.

And for acne treatments;
When I have cystic acne I used 10% Sulfur ( $3.99 ) or tea tree oil diluted.
If you have blackheads than a BHA product ( Products with salicylic acid ) are generally good use as they exfoliate the pores.

Mar 31, 2014

Courtney R.

Thanks a lot everyone! And to Madyln, I should probably exfoliate more. I have not used a clinique moisturizer. Ill give it all a go and see what happens!

Mar 31, 2014

Courtney R.

Thanks so much Kitty K!! Ah that helped a lot:)

Mar 31, 2014

Courtney R.

Haha! Thank you! :)

Mar 31, 2014

Nicole B.

Courtney if you get pimples mostly on your forehead, I have read on here that drinking more water will help tremendously! If pimples on forming on your forehead it usually means your dehydrated or not drinking enough water as you should be!

Mar 31, 2014

Abby A.

Try using bio oil! I get super dry skin in the winter and it clears up my skin in about a week and keeps it moisturized without any dry patches! Just make sure to pull your hair back if you use it otherwise it makes your hair oily