Are you struggling with dryness, flakiness or irritation, especially during seasonal changes? Dry skin can be an ongoing challenge and often cause discomfort such as feelings of tightness, cracking, and itching, affecting not only appearance but also our daily comfort. In this article, we will explore the causes of dry skin and recommend essential products to ensure healthy and effectively nourished skin, especially during the summer.
- Why Do I Have Dry Skin?
- Characteristics and Manifestations of Dry Skin
- Skincare Routine Recommended for Dry Skin
- The Importance of Using Certain Products and Active Ingredients During Summer
- Conclusion
Why Do I Have Dry Skin?
Dry skin is characterized by insufficient sebum production and is the result of a series of genetic inheritances and physiological responses to certain products, environments and/or environmental conditions that compromise its appearance and texture. This type of skin can appear dull, tight, and prone to flaking in one or more areas of the face, accompanied by redness and/or cracking.
Characteristics and Manifestations of Dry Skin
Dry skin is easily identifiable by a series of visible and tactile characteristics. It usually appears dull, accompanied by a noticeable feeling of dryness, especially on the cheeks, around the eyes and on the forehead. Although the pores are less visible compared to oily skin, its texture is still uneven and can commonly manifest with irritations, signs of flaking, and small cracks even in the T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin), with varying intensity around the eyebrows, nostrils, and sides of the chin.
Skincare Routine Recommended for Dry Skin
1. Specific Cleanser
Cleansing is essential to remove oil, makeup, and impurities from the skin as the first step in any skincare routine. However, for the particular condition of dry and sensitive skin, it is important to avoid cleansers that contain alcohol, artificial fragrances, colorants, or ingredients that are too aggressive, as they can cause dryness and irritation. Opting for products that explicitly indicate they are suitable for dry or sensitive skin can help keep the skin soft, hydrated, and comfortable during daily cleansing. We recommend the following: cleansers without or with low foam content, as they are more tolerable since they do not excessively impact the skin’s natural oils; creamy cleansers (e.g., cleansing milk) to maintain the skin’s hydration and natural moisture; soap-free cleansers to not alter the skin’s natural pH barrier; if possible, choose cleansers enriched with moisturizing ingredients such as glycerin, hyaluronic acid, or vegetable oils (such as jojoba or coconut oil) that help keep the skin hydrated during cleansing.
2. Hydrating Serum
Serums are essential for providing intense hydration and should be applied after proper cleansing. When looking for the right serum for dry and sensitive skin, consider combinations that offer complementary benefits: for example, look for a serum that contains hyaluronic acid for deep hydration and ceramides to strengthen the skin barrier and reduce moisture loss. If your skin is also sensitive, incorporate niacinamide and peptides to soothe inflammation and improve skin texture, as well as vitamin E. To maintain long-lasting hydration, also consider serums containing glycerin and plant extracts such as oats, chamomile, and aloe vera, excellent allies for intensely hydrated and plumped skin. These combinations ensure comprehensive and effective care for dry and/or sensitive skin, improving its health and overall appearance. Always ensure that your hydrating serum contains at least one of these ingredients in adequate concentration during your purchasing choices.
3. Eye Cream
The skin around the eyes is more prone to dryness, wrinkles, and irritations compared to other parts of the face, as it is naturally thinner and more vulnerable. An effective eye cream not only helps reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, bags, and dark circles but can also help manage dryness and flaking in this particularly delicate area. It is essential to choose a product specifically formulated for this type of skin, avoiding formulations that are too lightweight or alcohol-based, which could be overly aggressive. If you suffer from dryness around the periocular area, adding a good eye cream to your routine can certainly help control any associated discomfort.
4. Moisturizing Cream
Conclude your routine with a moisturizing cream that provides nourishment and protection to the skin. Choose a rich and nourishing cream to counteract dryness and keep the skin soft and radiant, such as those enriched with jojoba oil or shea butter. In general, moisturizing creams are formulated with ingredients like water, glycerol, and polymers, which work together to help maintain the integrity of the skin barrier and protect it from irritations. Individuals with sensitive skin can benefit from creams containing ingredients like ceramides or vitamin E, known for their ability to regenerate, protect, and revitalize the skin. Concluding your skincare routine with a suitable moisturizing cream for your condition is a fundamental step to seal the skin’s pores with the right nutrients and maintain long-lasting hydration.
The Importance of Using Certain Products and Active Ingredients During Summer
For dry skin during the summer, it is advisable to prefer products enriched with moisturizing and soothing nutrients. Some active ingredients to look for include hyaluronic acid, ideal for retaining moisture in the skin and reducing dryness, as well as glycerin; chamomile extracts to soothe and plump sensitive or flaky skin; jojoba oil, rich in vitamins and minerals; shea butter, known for its highly moisturizing and nourishing properties; vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant that helps regenerate and protect the skin from free radicals; finally, sun protection and SPF creams to avoid damage caused by UV rays and counteract skin dehydration during the hottest hours.
Conclusion
In conclusion, taking care of dry skin requires a targeted and conscious skincare routine. Paying attention to the choice of nutrients like those mentioned, especially during the summer season, can help you control discomfort associated with dryness and improve the overall health of your skin.
