8 DERMATOLOGIST-BACKED SOLUTIONS FOR DRY AND FLAKY SKIN

Does your skin suddenly feel as dry as the Sahara? Noticing flakes or scales on your face? Is it tighter than usual? If so, you’re most likely dealing with dry, flaky skin.

Some common culprits of dry and flaky skin include aging, climate, work-related activities, genetics, and even certain health conditions. Sadly, this skin type doesn’t just affect the skin’s physical structure and appearance, but it can also negatively affect one’s confidence. 

Fortunately, there are many ways to ease the worries that dry and flaky skin may have caused. Here’s how to get rid of dry and flaky skin on the face, as highlighted by dermatologists.

1. Choose products with gentle and skin-soothing ingredients.

   Dry and flaky skin tends to be very delicate, so you should be conscious of what you are putting on the skin. Stay away from products containing substances like sodium lauryl sulfate, fragrance, isopropyl alcohol, or benzoyl alcohol, as these can dry out the skin further.

   Instead, choose products that are hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic, and fragrance-free. Products with these labels are less likely to contain the harmful ingredients mentioned earlier and tend to be gentler on the skin. 

2. Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize.

   Moisturizers help deliver hydration to the skin to combat the dryness it faces. These products, which can come in ointments, creams, and lotions, help trap moisture in the skin so it is soothed from within. 

   There are many moisturizer formulas available in the market that can cater to people with different types of dry skin-related concerns (and even budgets). One example is the Celeteque Hydration Facial Moisturizer, a water-based, oil-free, and dermatologist-tested product with a Triple Moisturizing System designed to work deep within the skin and relieve dryness.

   You can also talk to a dermatologist who can give suggestions on the moisturizer/s that may be best suited for your skin. This can be helpful if you have extremely sensitive skin, since moisturizers can work differently among people. 

3. Gently wash the face at least twice a day.

   Don’t forget this step, as it is still essential in getting rid of germs and dust that have made their way into the skin. Ideally, people with dry skin should use a gentle, alcohol-free, and non-foaming cleanser containing moisturizing agents and skin barrier-restoring ingredients, like the Celeteque Hydration Facial Wash. 

4. Gently wash the face at least twice a day.

   Did you know that extra hot water and long showers can reduce some of the skin’s natural oils and make it prone to drying out? Skin experts recommend limiting bath time to no longer than 5 to 10 minutes. Plus, make sure to use gentle and fragrance-free soap or body wash. 

5. Apply sunscreen. 

   People with dry skin tend to have a compromised skin barrier, meaning the skin isn’t just more vulnerable, but more susceptible to damage caused by harmful UV rays. Whether you are stepping outdoors or staying indoors (but stay near a window that lets sunlight in), apply a mineral sunscreen like the Celeteque Face and Body Daily Protection Cream and the Celeteque InvisiShield Mattifying Sun Stick. These easy-to-apply sunscreen products both have an SPF rating of over 50, helping block out harmful UVA and UVB rays that can damage the skin and cause it to become dry and flaky.  

6. Stay away from food that dehydrates the body.

   In some cases, the food you eat can lead to instances of skin dryness and even dehydration. Try to avoid these food options that are known to pull water from the body and dry out the skin: 

   1. Alcoholic beverages

   2. Caffeinated drinks

   3. Sweet and sugary foods like candies and chocolates

   4. Salty food like chips and fast food staples like fries

7. Add skin-boosting food options to your daily diet.

   On the flipside, you can also use your diet to address skin dryness. Check out these food choices that contain nutrients needed for skin health and added moisture:

   a.    Sweet potatoes 
   b.    Avocados
   c.    Cucumbers
   d.    Yellow, orange, and/or red bell peppers
   e.    Yellowfin tuna
   f.    Pumpkin and sunflower seeds
   g.    Oatmeal
   h.    Turmeric
   i.    Coconut water
   j.    Green tea

8. Drink plenty of water.

   Start your journey towards relieving dry skin by drinking as much water as you can. Staying hydrated can help increase moisture within the skin and make it less prone to drying out. Researchers noted that people who drank more water reported increased moisture within the stratum corneum, or the outermost layer of the skin. 

   But how much water should one drink in a day anyway? A good benchmark would be 3.7 liters (15.5 cups) for men and 2.7 liters (11.5 cups) for women. Just remember, drinking lots of water is not the only solution for dry skin. It’s important to follow this through with other habits that help sustain healthy and moisturized skin. 

While it’s true that dry skin won’t heal overnight, hopefully, these tips have given you some insight on how to address this skin issue as early as now. Feel free to check out additional expert advice on how to take better care of dry skin and feel more confident than ever. 

References:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dry-skin/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20353891 
https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/water/art-20044256 
https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-basics/dry/dermatologists-tips-relieve-dry-skin 
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/16940-dry-skin 
https://www.skincancer.org/blog/how-to-choose-the-best-sunscreen-for-your-skin/ 
https://www.healthline.com/health/skin/severe-dry-skin#prevention 
https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/dry-skin