You may not know yet, but some of your choices can do more harm than good to the largest organ in your body — your skin. For instance, using a bar of body soap over a quality wash may make it look dull and flaky. Here are seven ways you inadvertently make your skin dry.
1. Sun Exposure
Wearing skin products with high SPF can protect your skin from the sun’s damage, but only for a limited time. Overexposure can harm the skin cells and cause sunburn and dry skin.
Use a large-brimmed hat or an umbrella if you’re staying under the sun for hours. Remember to reapply sunscreen every two hours if you’re working outdoors, swimming or sweating profusely. Bring a travel-size sunscreen wherever you go — you’re not safe from harm from the sun in the shade.
2. High-Heat Indoor Temperature
Most indoor heating systems suck the moisture from the air out. As a result, your skin becomes dull and itchy.
If you can control the central heating temperature, set it to a moderate level – it can tone down the air’s dryness. Investing in a humidifier to restore a bit of dampness to your space also helps.
3. Dehydration
Women need to drink 2.7 liters of water daily, while men need 3.7 liters. You remove water from the body every time you perspire, urinate and breathe, so you must replace lost fluids by drinking and eating fruits and vegetables. Tracking your intake ensures you meet your daily hydration needs.
4. Chlorine Water
The U.S. has very reliable drinking water systems. However, it typically has chlorine at a safe concentration to kill bacteria. It may be completely safe to drink, but it could leave your skin flaky and scaly.
Skin and chlorine don’t go together well. Even if your water is drinkable, using chlorinated water on the face and body during a bath can dry or irritate it. It can also make your hair brittle. Thankfully, there are filters to remove chlorine from the water supply.
5. Harsh Personal Care Products
Some people like the feeling of squeaky clean skin after a bath, but this benefit comes with a price. You’re losing your skin’s natural oils that protect it against dryness. Pick your personal care products wisely, buy brands that use gentle and moisturizing ingredients, and avoid using body soap. Instead, find a creamy body wash that cleans without stripping your skin of essential oils.
6. Hot Shower
A hot shower may feel nice but can damage the skin’s barrier and flush away the natural oils. However, that doesn’t mean you have to give it up. Indulge in a relaxing shower and maintain radiant skin by using warm water instead of hot. In addition, limit your shower time to 10 minutes, as more than this can sap moisture away from the skin.
7. Over-Exfoliation
The skin is naturally sensitive and scrubbing too hard with a loofa has its consequences. Exfoliation is essential to remove the dirt atop the skin, but overdoing it can lead to irritation and dryness. Depending on your skin type, limit exfoliation to one to three times weekly to prevent potential skin damage. Replace your loofah with a washcloth, as it’s more gentle.
Solve Dry Skin With Proper Hydration and Moisturization
The solution to rough, flaky skin is within your control. You can keep it vibrant by wearing sunscreen, drinking enough water, switching to gentle personal care products, limiting shower times and exfoliating every other day. Take care of your skin by being conscious of your lifestyle choices.
Photo by Ron Lach on Pexels
