Dry skin is caused by a lack of production of sebum, or oil, which is the skins’ natural moisturizer. The lack of sebum decreases the skin’s ability to retain moisture, so dry skin is often dehydrated as well.
Dry skin often appears delicate, with fine, small pores. It can develop unsightly flaky or ashy patches that can peel. Dry skin can be triggered by menopause or other hormonal changes. This type of skin needs a lot of moisturizers and protection.
Tips
1. Taking bath less is one way that can help you.
2. Use warm, not hot water in the shower or bath.
3. Use mild cleansers instead of harsh, drying ‘detergent bars’.
4. Use moisturizers regularly.
Natural Ingredients May Also Help
Look for products with the following ingredients, as they may help combat dry skin:
Humectants
These ingredients attract moisture from the air, draw it to the skin and ‘lock’ the moisture into the skin. Examples of humectants include:
1. Vegetable glycerin
2. Honey – try making a simple honey facial mask once per week to gently exfoliate flaky skin while also moisturizing.
Vegetable oils
Examples of vegetable oils that are beneficial to dry skin include:
1. Avocado oil
2. Rice Bran oil
3. Argan oil
4. Olive oil
5. Rose Hip Seed oil
6. Coconut oil
Butters
These natural butters help to restore moisture deep into the skin and lay a protective barrier down on top of the skin to help moisture from escaping. Examples include:
1. Shea butter
2. Cocoa butter
Essential Oils
These are essences taken from plants, flowers, roots, trees spices, citrus fruits, etc. Examples of essential oils used in formulas to combat dry skin include:
1. Jasmine
2. Neroli (Orange Blossom)
3. Chamomile (both Roman Chamomile and German Chamomile)
4. Rose Otto
5. Lavender
6. Sandalwood
7. Geranium
Though it can be difficult to find products that work effectively on dry skin, this article has provided a number of tips and natural ingredients to try in your efforts to combat ashy, flaky and dry skin. Reading the ingredient listing on products or making your own skin care products to include the ingredients listed above may be an easy way to use natural ingredients to bring about the desired change in your dry skin.
