It may not seem like a really big problem in the grand scheme of things, but those suffering from dry skin know just how irritating and problematic it can be. Dry skin occurs when the skin retains moisture poorly, leading to flaking, irritation, and tightness. You may develop dry skin from frequent bathing, use of harsh soaps, ageing, or underlying medical conditions. And for those in colder climates, it can stem from cold, dry winter air.
Since naturally dry skin can be aggravated by a number of external factors, it’s important to understand how to combat dry skin with practical, daily habits. Here are some ways to combat dry skin that are effective if practiced consistently:
Get a gentle exfoliating shower gel
You never want to go too rough when exfoliating dry skin to avoid damaging the skin, and you also want to stay away from heavily perfumed skin care products and those containing alcohol, which strip away natural oils.
We recommend our DU’IT Tough Scrub, fortified with premium skin conditioners and lemon tea tree oil to inhibit bacterial growth. The natural walnut and pumice formula won’t dry or irritate the skin, leaving your skin silky smooth.
Take faster showers and don’t let it get too hot or too cold
Limit yourself to one 5 to 10-minute shower daily and avoid using water that is very hot or very cold. If you shower more than that, you may strip away much of the skin’s oily layer and cause it to lose moisture, turning it into extremely dry skin that’s harder to repair without daily moisturising.
Moisturise regularly after you shower
Even if you are quick in the shower, use non-perfumed hygiene products and gently dry your skin with a towel, some of the natural skin oils will be washed away, leaving you somewhat dry. This is why moisturising is so important.
We recommend DU’IT Tough Hands, a scientifically proven formula to treat dry skin, repair dry, rough, irritated hands and body. Visible effects within 5 days!
For those with very dry skin or sensitive skin, choosing fragrance-free creams can help relieve dry skin and reduce reactivity.
Try out aromatic fruit oils
Oils from a variety of different fruits are frequently used in aromatherapy to help transfer essential oils into the skin and seal them in. These oils will help your skin hold moisture better, keeping it soft and smooth for longer.
While natural oils may offer some hydration, thicker occlusives like petroleum jelly can be more effective in sealing moisture into severely dry skin.
Lather up your skin well when shaving
Shaving skin without shaving cream is the fastest way to irritate it, which can cause redness, soreness, and pimples to form. Your skin should still be somewhat wet when the shaving gel is applied, and make sure to use plenty of it.
Avoid exposing your skin to the summer sun
We all like to spend a lot of time outside the house during summer, however, you should avoid sunbathing for extended periods of time during the hottest hours of the day. It’s best to sunbathe later in the afternoon, as you can get the same effect without the added risk to your skin, and always remember to apply sunscreen generously using a broad-spectrum sunscreen to protect your skin from UV damage.
Eat your fruits and vegetables
In order for your body to properly regulate itself, and things like skin moisture are a part of this auto-regulation process, you need to feed it the right nutrients. Hydration from within supports overall skin health, keeping healthy skin supple and better able to recover from dryness or damage. Vegetables and fruit contain a good deal of water, various vitamins and minerals, as well as antioxidants, which can help keep your skin healthy.
Foods containing high amounts of Omega-3 fatty acids and Vitamin E, like olive oil, nuts, and avocados, are particularly good for keeping your skin smooth, soft, and well-moisturised.
Work on reducing the stress in your life
Stress can negatively affect our health in more ways than one, and skin rashes, itchy skin, or dry and flaky patches can result from prolonged periods of chronic stress. A few simple solutions for reducing stress include:
- Regular physical exercise
- Breathing exercises
- Light music
- Socialising with friends
If symptoms persist or worsen, it may be important to see a GP or dermatologist who can diagnose dry skin conditions correctly and recommend a treatment plan.
In winter, wear a good pair of gloves and cover up
External factors like the weather can have a huge effect on your skin. Exposure to the cold, dry air and the harsh wind will dry out your skin very quickly and cause it to crack. This is why it is important to have a good pair of gloves with good insulation.
Don’t heat up your home too much, and make sure there is enough moisture
Some people just can’t stand the cold, and they really heat up their homes in the winter. All that heat also dries out the air, so be sure to get a decent humidifier to ensure that the air isn’t too dry. Hot indoor air weather can parch sensitive skin, which can cause dry, itchy skin.
DU’IT Tough Scrub 150g
DU’IT Tough Scrub is a 3-in-1 moisturising hand scrub that works as hard as your hands. This hand scrub cleans, exfoliates and moisturises the skin and contains no harsh chemicals or irritants that dry out the skin.
It cleans stubborn dirt, removes odour, grease and grime, whilst leaving your hands silky smooth
DU’IT Tough Hands 150g
DU’IT Tough Hands is a clinically proven, intensive strength hand cream for dry hands that works to seal cracks, replace lost oils, condition the skin and form a protective barrier to keep hands in top condition.
It’s Australia’s No.1 hand cream* (IRI data, Grocery & Pharmacy, 2021).
Repairs dry, rough, cracked, irritated and calloused hands, with visible effects in 1 day. It’s non-greasy, made in Australia and contains no nasties.
