Taking care of dry skin
Dry skin often feels tight, itchy and rough so daily hydration is extremely important.
Dryness is caused by two main factors. One is a lack of water in the upper layers of the skin which results from low levels of water binding substances. The other is a lack of oil on the surface of the skin. When these water binding and oily components are missing there is nothing to prevent moisture from evaporating and this leads to the uncomfortable tight sensation.
Maintaining and restoring the lipid barrier of the skin is essential. If this barrier becomes damaged dry flaky skin can develop quickly and in more severe cases it can even crack. A weakened lipid layer can also lead to further problems including eczema bacterial acne or atopic dermatitis.
When choosing skincare products make sure they contain both water binding and oily ingredients so you can address both causes of dryness. Ingredient lists can be confusing but for hydration look for glycerin aloe vera hyaluronic acid or urea. For replenishing oils the best options are plant oils as they are rich in vitamins and have excellent antioxidant properties.
It is also very important to hydrate from the inside by drinking at least two litres of water per day. Your skin and hair will both benefit from this.
One advantage of dry skin is that breakouts and blackheads are rare. However it does tend to develop wrinkles earlier so anti aging products are especially recommended. Do not hesitate to add a good eye cream and a night serum to your daily routine even in your twenties.
