You are not alone if you have found yourself scouring the internet to find a remedy for dry, dull, and lifeless skin. To get healthy glowing skin, you must choose a method to remove dead skin cells and other impurities from your face while preserving as much hydration as possible to avoid dry skin.
When dead skin cells build up on the skin's surface, your face is left with irregularities in texture and tone. Fortunately, there are several ways to rid your face of dead skin cells and dry patches for a soft and supple finish.
Here are seven ways to relieve dry skin or, better yet, prevent it altogether.
1. Exfoliation
Exfoliating is one of the most effective ways to remove dead skin cells from the face and rejuvenate the skin’s surface. There are two ways to exfoliate your skin — physical and chemical. Both can help smooth out the surface of your skin, but one may be more effective depending on your skin type.
Physical Exfoliation
Physical exfoliants, like facial scrubs, utilize microbeads or granules to physically remove dead cells from the surface of the skin. You can also use a face towel, washcloth, or facial cleansing brush dampened with warm water to exfoliate skin and slough away dead skin cells.
When exfoliating with a physical exfoliant, use a light hand and work in circular motions. Begin by exfoliating once or twice a week before ramping up exfoliation.
Chemical Exfoliation
Chemical exfoliants, such as alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs), use chemical reactions to remove the layer of dead skin cells by dissolving the bonds between them, making them easily removed without the risk of disturbing the skin’s surface. Examples of chemical exfoliants include salicylic acid, lactic acid, and retinol. This method may be preferable for people with sensitive skin, but it largely depends on the strength and ingredients of the skincare products you choose.
We suggest you treat with a lower concentration, so your skin has time to adjust to chemical intervention. Observe your skin’s tolerance level, then change your frequency based on needs. Some chemical exfoliants can cause more dryness if overused or incorporated too quickly and frequently into your routine.
Our favorite exfoliator comes in the form of our dual-sided Prep-N-Glow® Facial Wipes. One side removes impurities, oil, dirt, and makeup, while the other exfoliates and polishes for a brighter finish. Packaged individually and perfectly for on-the-go skincare, these wipes have everything you need to properly cleanse and exfoliate your skin for a hydrated and radiant glow.
2. Moisturizer
Every time you cleanse your face, you are clarifying your skin which can strip your skin of natural oils along with the dirt and sebum you want to clear. This makes moisturizing vital to keeping your skin from drying out and sealing in as much hydration as possible.
Moisturizing your skin helps to build your skin barrier to better protect yourself from environmental harm. However, not all moisturizers are created equally; choose a non-comedogenic moisturizer that won’t clog your pores.
3. Retinoids
Retinoids are derived from vitamin A, which can help remove dead skin cells by supporting healthy cell turnover. Retinoid products can be found over the counter or prescribed at a higher concentration by a dermatologist.
4. Bathe With Warm, Not Hot, Water
Instead of hot water, bathe or shower with warm water. You may be tempted to crank up the heat while you shower or run your bath, but hot water can dry your skin and cause irritation, resulting in rashes or dry patches. Warm water is much more gentle on your skin and works to clear away impurities without stripping your natural oils.
5. Go Fragrance-Free
Always use gentle, fragrance-free products, especially when washing your face. Heavily scented products and harsh formulas can irritate your skin and disrupt your pH balance by stripping away natural oils.
Instead, choose mild cleansers free of synthetic fragrances, especially if you have sensitive skin.
6. Stay Hydrated
Staying hydrated can also help keep your skin hydrated. The epidermis, or the outermost layer of skin, can feel rough and rigid if it lacks moisture. Consuming enough water supports your general health and wellness and is a skin preservation tool.
7. Always Apply SPF
Protecting your skin from sun exposure and free radical damage is essential for maintaining moisturized skin. UV rays and other environmental aggressors, such as pollution, can cause the surface of your skin to dry out. Make sure to apply SPF 30 at least every two hours for maximum protection.
Antioxidants like vitamin C also protect the skin from damage introduced by free radicals and sunlight. Using before, sunscreen, and vitamin C can provide a strong layer of protection between your skin and damaging UV rays.
Conclusion
By incorporating these exfoliation methods into your skincare routine, you can effectively rid your face of dry skin and rejuvenate the texture of your skin’s surface. In addition to these treatment methods, there are best practices you can try to keep dry skin at bay.
Subtle changes to your bathing routine or product selection can make a difference in keeping your skin moisturized, even when the seasons change.
As you figure out the best plan of action for your skincare regimen, always listen to your skin, and observe how tolerant your skin is to treatment when consulted. Consult a dermatologist if you have any concerns or any specific skin condition.
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