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Dry Skin – Dew Dare

The last but not least of our basic skin types is Dry Skin. Dewiness, moisture and dampness  are the secret words if you know you have dry skin. Are you still in doubt about your skin type? No problem, you can always take our Skin Type Quiz and figure it out once & for all.  For those of you who have been hassling with their dry skin without any positive results, stick with us and learn how it is done.

What is Dry Skin ?
This skin type is one who had benefited from having little problems with acne during puberty but suffers tightness, dryness, flakiness, itchiness & dullness throughout most of  its life. This skin type has no visible pores and is very thin and does not have good elasticity while it can be sometimes sensitive. 

Dry skin is tightly drawn over bones and looks dull the most on the cheeks and around the eyes. There may be tiny expression lines on these spots and at the comers of the mouth.

Ladies with dry skin, this might not be the best news to you but you must know that your are the most vulnerable to showing age signs early on UNLESS you give vital care to your skin.

Why is Dry Skin, dry ?
Dry skin could originate from a genetic condition, a poor diet, environmental factors such as exposure to sun, wind, cold, chemicals, or cosmetics, or excessive bathing with harsh soaps or even from certain drugs.

Dry skin takes place as a result of under-active oil glands that do not produce enough oil to keep the skin naturally lubricated. As a result of the absence of the oil barrier, the skin is mostly unable to retain its moisture which gives it the parched look & feel its well known for.

Basic skin care for Dry Skin
Dry skin needs extra care and gentle treatment. Therefore basic skin care for dry skin revolves around avoiding the use of  hot water and harsh soaps. While moisturising round the clock using rich formulas containing a balanced combination of oil and water to soothe and hydrate is essential.

A daily routine of using an oil-based creamy skin cleanser for a morning and a night cleansing must be in order. This should be followed by an alcohol-free moisturizing toner and then topped with a hydrating day cream that is both nourishing and moisturizing. Since dry skin is the most vulnerable of all to the sun, then its goes without saying that applying a sunscreen on a clean face is a must for day time.

 
After cleansing your face for the night, a hydrating night cream is a must in order to sooth, nourish and regenerate the skin to repair damage suffered during the day and to replace any missing elements.

Stimulating aromatherapy massage
Carry out your aromatherapy massage with light hands at least twice a week using one or a mixture of essentials oils for dry skin - Chamomile, Geranium, Hyssop, Lavender, Patchouli, Rose , Sandalwood, Ylang-Ylang, Musk Rose-  which will help alleviate and ease the dryness. Mix a maximum of 50 drops of essential oil to 100 ml of carrier oil which can be by all means olive oil as its very beneficial for dry skin.

Nourishing treatments are essential
The treatment  can be a mask or a cream especially designed to smooth out fine lines and defend skin against harmful effects of the environment. This treatment leaves skin suppler and perfectly hydrated. If you choose to go the natural way, you can try out a mask made out of 1/4 cup plain yogurt, 2 tbsp honey and 1 medium banana mashed altogether then smoothed onto face & neck to be left for 10 minutes and then rinsed off. After that enjoy your fresh smooth skin.

Drink your herbs
For dry skin, we do not recommend facial sauna as it could dry out the skin even more. This of course doesn't mean that ladies with dry skin can't benefit from herbal remedies but on the contrary they may benefit highly from herbs like Chamomile, Dandelion or Peppermint when made into a tea for a hot drink. 

Exfoliation & penetration
Dry skin responds well to daily use of exfoliating AHA's, which rid the skin of the dry, dead, outermost layers and at the same time enhance the penetration of moisturizers into the newly revealed skin layers. Exfoliating weekly with a good exfoliator made out of fruit acids is important to have beautiful glowing skin.

 
Hydration is your salvation
Yes we have mentioned a day and night time moisturising but by all means feel free to moisturise and hydrate your skin whenever it feels dry. You can also hit two birds with one stone if you choose your day and night creams fortified with anti-aging agents. Remember both AHA and Vitamin C help reduce fine lines and other signs of aging. So be smart and use a day cream loaded with Vitamin C while going for an AHA-based night cream.

Back  up your moisture plan 
A better hydrated skin depends on your water intake, so drink lots of fresh water all through the day (at least 2 litres/day). Eat a balanced diet that includes vegetables, fruits, grains, seeds, and nuts. Foods such as garlic, onions, eggs, and asparagus that are high in sulfur, help keep the skin smooth and youthful. Cantaloupes, carrots and apricots are healing foods for dry skin because they are rich in vitamins A and C.
Get sufficient sleep as the skin's cellular repair activity is at its optimum during this resting phase.

Exercise benefits skin as it boosts circulation and encourages blood flow. Remember to avoid sudden changes in temperature; protect yourself from wind and sun. if smoking and sun exposure is bad for all skin types, then its horrible for you, so stay away from both as much as possible.

A zit here and a break out there ?! Join us next week and we will tell you all about your "Problem skin" ….Only on MSN Arabia

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