Causes of Dry Skin and Ways to Improve Your Skin

Taking care of normal, healthy skin can be challenging, and it becomes even more difficult for those with dry skin. This skin type is inherently sensitive, and even minor irritations can lead to acne, hyperpigmentation, and wrinkles. So, what are the causes of dry skin, and what are some quick and effective ways to improve it?

Causes of Dry Skin

Our skin serves as the body’s first line of defense, protecting against harmful microorganisms. To maintain its health, the skin needs adequate hydration and natural oils. When there is a lack of moisture, the skin becomes dry. Here are the three most common causes of dry skin:

Excessive exposure to sunlight

Sunlight is a primary cause of dry skin. Unprotected exposure to UV rays can harm the skin and even kill skin cells. Particularly, when the outermost layer of the skin (stratum corneum) is damaged by sunlight, it thickens and loses moisture, resulting in rough and flaky skin. Moreover, sunlight can also damage elastin fibers, causing sagging skin and wrinkles.

Dehydration

Our bodies require water to carry out essential processes and functions. Dehydrated skin occurs when the amount of water consumed is less than the body’s needs. This affects the entire body and can lead to dry skin.

When the skin lacks water, you may experience itchiness, dullness, and increased wrinkles. To determine if your skin is dehydrated, lightly pinch the skin on your cheek. If it forms wrinkles, it indicates dehydration, and you should ensure adequate hydration.

Nutritional Deficiencies

In addition to water, our skin requires other essential nutrients to maintain its health. Deficiencies in nutrients like vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin C, and vitamin E can result in dry and easily damaged skin. That’s why we always recommend maintaining a healthy diet and incorporating supportive foods to ensure the skin receives an adequate supply of essential nutrients.

Apart from the three mentioned causes, there are other factors that can contribute to dry skin, such as dermatological conditions (eczema, allergic dermatitis, etc.), diabetes, and renal disorders. Furthermore, the use of certain medications (diuretics, laxatives, acid-suppressing drugs, etc.) can also reduce the body’s fluid levels, leading to dry skin.

Effective Remedies for Dry Skin

Untreated dry skin can lead to various complications such as infections, cracking, skin discoloration, itching, wrinkles, and sagging. In most cases, dry skin can be improved through self-care or medical interventions.

Natural Face Masks

Applying natural face masks is one of the quick and effective ways to treat dry skin. These masks not only provide hydration but also contain nourishing ingredients that promote a radiant, smooth complexion and prevent signs of aging.

To maximize effectiveness, the first step is to choose a suitable recipe. Here are some natural hydrating face mask recipes for dry skin:

• Olive oil: Simply saturate a cotton pad with olive oil and apply it evenly on your face until the pad becomes dry. This oil not only preserves the skin’s natural oils but also cleanses and moisturizes the skin.
• Avocado and honey: This natural mask recipe is highly effective in improving dry skin. All you need to do is mash half a ripe avocado and mix it with 1 teaspoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of honey.
• Oatmeal and honey: Mix 2 tablespoons of oatmeal with 1 tablespoon of honey and a little water to create a mask mixture that provides moisturized and smooth skin. Apply this mask 2-3 times a week for noticeable improvement in dry skin.
• Coconut oil: Don’t underestimate the excellent moisturizing properties of coconut oil. Before going to bed, apply a sufficient amount of coconut oil to your entire face.
• Aloe vera gel: With its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties, aloe vera gel helps alleviate dry skin quickly. Applying an aloe vera mask also helps combat acne and prevent signs of skin aging.

For dry skin, it is advisable to limit the use of masks with high acidity ingredients as they can further dry out the skin and increase the risk of irritation.

Once you have chosen a suitable recipe, it’s important to follow the proper steps. When applying natural masks to improve dry skin, consider the following steps:

• Cleanse the skin from excess oil and dead cells using appropriate cleansing products.
• Apply the mask mixture gently and evenly onto the entire face, massaging it in.
• Wait for approximately 15-20 minutes or until the mask is dry, then remove it with clean water.
• Pat dry and proceed with your regular skincare routine.
• When performed correctly, you will soon notice improvements in your skin.

Using Moisturizers

Dehydration is one of the causes of dry skin. To address this issue, moisturizing the skin is essential. Choosing a suitable moisturizer not only helps improve dry skin quickly but also prevents cracking and flaking.

Here are some moisturizing ingredients for the skin that you can consider when selecting the best product:

• Glycerin is a well-known moisturizing ingredient for beauty enthusiasts, and it is found in most moisturizers.
• Hyaluronic acid has the ability to moisturize the skin up to 1000 times more than regular ingredients. It is also unlikely to cause irritation, making it suitable for sensitive skin.
• Ceramides are essential components of the skin’s natural barrier. They help retain moisture and prevent skin irritation.
• Mineral oil acts as a protective barrier, reducing the loss of water from the skin.
• Squalane provides a lightweight feel on the skin and acts as an emollient, easily absorbed by the skin.
• Lactic acid functions as an exfoliating agent while also moisturizing the skin.

When using a moisturizer, do you know how to optimize its effectiveness? Don’t forget these tips:

Apply moisturizer twice a day, in the morning and evening. Apply moisturizer when the skin is still damp, preferably during the skincare routine. Apply moisturizer before sunscreen or any makeup products on the skin. If you have been using a moisturizer for a while, and your skin hasn’t improved or has developed tiny acne bumps, monitor your skin and consider switching to a more suitable product.

Supplementing with Nutritious Foods

Remember that your diet strongly influences your skin’s health. A good nutrition regimen not only helps improve dry skin but also enhances overall vitality and youthfulness for both your skin and body.

Which nutrient-rich foods can effectively improve dry skin?

• Bell peppers: This food is rich in vitamin C, which has antioxidant properties and promotes skin tissue formation. Vitamin C is also essential for collagen synthesis.
• Watermelon: Drinking two cups of watermelon juice daily can hydrate and moisturize your skin, enhancing its smoothness and elasticity. Watermelon contains beta-carotene and vitamin C, which are powerful antioxidants for the skin.
• Snow fish: With the presence of omega-3 fatty acids, fatty fish is a food you should incorporate into your daily meals.
• Blackberries: Apart from omega-3 fatty acids, blackberries contain polyphenols and prebiotics, which can improve dry skin. Additionally, melatonin from blackberry seeds can contribute to a good night’s sleep (an essential condition for strengthening the skin’s protective barrier).
• Strawberries: These berries contain phenolic compounds (ellagic acid and flavonoids) with anti-inflammatory properties that help regenerate damaged skin cells.

• Kiwi: This fruit is abundant in vitamin C, which aids in collagen production, moisturizes the skin, and contributes to its firmness and smoothness.
• Grapes: Whether they are red, green, or black, grapes contain ellagic acid and resveratrol, two compounds that combat oxidative stress and protect the skin from UV radiation.
• Tomatoes: With their abundant lycopene content, tomatoes protect your skin from within.

These foods are naturally rich in nutrients. You can easily incorporate them into your diet to supplement your nutrition and improve your skin.

Supplementing Anti-Aging Pills

According to beauty experts, to improve dry skin, it is recommended to combine skincare methods from the inside out. In addition to using face masks and moisturizers, adding anti-aging pills to your routine is beneficial.

Anti-aging pills contain nutrients that help improve skin radiance, such as CoQ10, Glutathione, Collagen, vitamin E, and more. Our bodies absorb these nutrients, which then circulate through the blood to vital organs, including skin cells. As a result, the health of the skin is also improved.

Things to Consider when Dealing with Dry Skin

As mentioned, dry skin is highly sensitive. Therefore, when dealing with dry skin, it is important to be cautious and consider the following:

• Avoid using harsh cleansers, moisturizers, and skincare products with strong cleansing properties.
• Limit the use of natural beauty ingredients with high acidity.
• Increase moisture levels in the skin by applying moisturizer twice a day and using facial mists.
• Drink at least 2 liters of water daily and incorporate leafy greens and fruits into your diet.
• Combine external skincare methods with oral supplements to nourish the skin from within.
• If you intend to supplement with collagen to improve skin aging, opt for oral supplements rather than topical creams.

We hope that the information in this article will make it easier for you to improve and care for your sensitive, dry skin. Take reference and implement these tips for prompt results. Feel free to share your progress with us.