It is common to get dry skin in winters. In winters the skin moisture dries out fast leaving the skin dehydrated. However, the dry skin types have dry skin all through the year. We get dry skin when our sebaceous glands do not produce enough oil. We can also get dry skin if our sweat glands do not give off sweat or when there is rapid dehydration and loss of moisture from the surface. A normal face skin looks hydrated and has the correct oil balance. Oily skins on the contrary show up as shiny oily layers on face parts mainly on the nose and forehead. The sebaceous glands are glands in the body that produce oil. The oil secreted by the sebaceous glands comes out through the small openings on the skin called pores. Sometimes oil is produced but does not reach the skin surface. Blockage of released oil beneath the skin surface can cause skin problems like acne and black spots.
Causes Of Dry Skin
Normally we can get dry skin during the winter season or in cold weather locations. The humidity of air is low compared to skin humidity in cold weather conditions and skin tends to lose moisture fast. Perennial dry skin problems can be caused by a lack of essential vitamins like vitamins E, D, and C. Certain diseases like psoriasis and eczema cause severe dry skin problems. Exposure of skin to ultraviolet rays causes sunburns and patchy dry skin.
Before you start your face make up
If you have dry skin, you need special care before you start make-up for the day. The face can be washed with skin pH soap foam or glycerin soap foam. If you have liquid soap you can make enough lather with it on your palms with few drops of water and then apply it all over your face. If you have a soap bar you can make foam with the help of plastic wool body scrubs. Keep the soap foam on your face for two-three minutes and then wash off thoroughly. Dry your face gently by padding it with a soft face towel.
You can then take the first steam inhalation of your day for two-three minutes to open up clogged pores and sweat out any clogged particles.
Why should you apply a face primer?
A face primer protects the skin from makeup applied over it. The face is prevented from direct contact with makeup substances. A face primer provides a base for holding the face makeup. After application of face primer, your skin looks full and younger, the large pores get covered, the creases and marks get smoothened out.
Choosing face primer for dry skin
You can choose a face primer with enough moisture content. Fortified face primers with vitamins like vitamin E provide local nourishment to the face skin. Certain face primers can also have SPF sunscreen constituents. Sun protection film in your primer prevents the harmful ultraviolet rays from reaching your skin. Store your face primers in a cool dry place away from sunlight. Do not use face primers that have crossed the expiry dates mentioned on the labels. Using expired substances on the skin can have adverse effects. If you feel any irritation or burning sensation on the skin then change your primer. A face primer is also called foundation lotion. Foundation creams and lotions are available for different skin tone types. Choose a face primer that blends with your skin tone.
How often should you apply a face mask?
A good quality foundation base stays on the face for six to eight hours. These are available in small compact bottled or tube packs that can be easily carried around in a purse. To touch up or reapply makeup between long days you can follow a shortcut routine. Wipe your face with wet face tissue, apply some base and retouch your makeup. One or two face applications throughout the day are usually enough.
Taking off face make up
When you get home you need to take off the makeup. You can wash your face and clean it with a milk cleanser and cotton. Also, take steam for two-three minutes before you go to bed. Apply light milk-based face cream to keep your skin hydrated and nourished all through the night.
Taking care of your skin
The skin draws nourishment from the blood supply and local nourishment from topical applications. It is important to drink enough fluids throughout the day to prevent dehydration. Fortified fluids with vitamins are good for the skin. In the summers coconut water is beneficial for the skin.
Amanda Wingfield is a certified Diabetes Management Specialist who also holds an MD in Endocrinology, with certifications from ABIM and AACE. She has a decade of experience serving thousands of patients through her independent practice and has been working in the capacity of an expert diabetes consultant for the past 4 years. Ms. Wingfield is revered by her regular readers for her in-depth research and evidence-based analysis of diabetes medications, supplements, and treatments, and her highly critical style of writing.