One of the most common skin problems many women face is dry skin. As we age, our skin naturally goes through many changes and the result can lead to dryness and a thinner epidermis (the uppermost layer of the skin). When this happens, the protective lipid (oil) barrier of the skin can become depleted and damaged. Without treatment, this can lead to worsening dryness and in some cases leads to, red, itchy and inflamed skin.

But, what can be done about dry skin?

Dry skin doesn’t have to be a problem. Preventing dryness with a skincare routine each day can help your skin to be clearer, whiter and well moisturised. As well as the right beauty regime, some environmental factors may be affecting your skin.

What is dry skin?

Dry skin refers to the flaking, scaling, itching, and cracking of skin on the face or body. Some people experience dry skin over the whole face, while some people experience combination skin. This refers to the T-zone of the face (across the forehead and nose area) becoming oily, yet the rest of the face or patches being normal or dry.

Dry skin of the face is usually sensitive and can become further irritated with harsh soaps, detergents and some cosmetics. Because the skin’s natural protective barrier cannot function properly, this also means irritants, pollutants and allergens can penetrate the skin a lot easier.

What causes dry skin?

There are a number of different factors that can cause dry skin. Internal factors include genetic influences, hormonal imbalances, and skin diseases. External factors include your environment, certain medications, your lifestyle, and your diet.

Air-conditioned environments

Are you working in an office environment all day? Or, do you have air-conditioning in your home? It’s normal to have cooling on when the weather is extremely hot and humid, however being constantly exposed to dry, air-conditioned environments can dry out the skin. If possible, using an air-conditioner only when required is best. However, this isn’t always possible (especially in the workplace).

Using a humidifier alongside your air-conditioning can help to keep moisture in the air and keep your skin from drying out. Keeping your air-conditioning at the highest temperature that is comfortable can help greatly. The lower the temperature is of your air-conditioning, the dryer the air will become.

Diet changes

A balanced diet can help tremendously to aid the skin to repair itself. Your diet can also naturally help build your body to function correctly and to defend against harmful conditions and diseases. You may need to address your diet and ensure that you are getting enough nutrients. Make sure you are eating enough fresh fruits, vegetables, and proteins because dry and flaky skin can be a result of poor nutrition.

Lifestyle changes

When looking at the nutrients you’re receiving from your diet, it may also be a good idea to take a look at your overall lifestyle. Smoking causes a number of issues to your body and skin, including dry and discoloured skin. It also can cause poor sleep patterns, which is also bad for your skin. Lack of sleep and stress can play havoc on the skin, so having a closer look at your everyday rituals can help to expose changes you may need to make.

Shower/bath temperature

Water that is too hot on the skin can either cause dryness or make your dry skin issues worsen. This is why it’s very important to only use lukewarm or cool water when bathing. Hot water can strip the natural oils from the skin, making it harder to keep your skin moisturised. If possible, keep your bathing routine to a minimum. A total of 10 minutes per day will be best for your skin.

A better beauty regime

There are some ways you can make your bath or shower even better for your skin. As well as reducing the time spent bathing, keep the door of the bathroom closed to keep moisture in the air and help to detoxify the skin. Using a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser will help to remove any impurities and dirt from the skin. However, do not use too much cleanser as this may strip too many of the natural oils on the skin. Gently pat your skin dry after you have finished and apply moisturizer as soon as possible.

Choosing the right beauty products

There are a number of moisturisers on the market and it can be hard to know which ones will work best for your skin and your needs. Some moisturisers work by creating a protective barrier on the skin, although sometimes these can be a little too oily and sticky. Some work by drawing in moisture into the skin and some aim to replace the deficient lipids in the skin.

Apply a daily moisturiser on the skin, especially the face, to keep your skin feeling soft and hydrated. The History of WHOO Gongjinhyang Seol Radiant White Moisture Cream also includes whitening solutions to also help keep your skin looking clear. If you have quite dry skin, The History of WHOO Cheongidan Wild Ginseng Facial Oil used under your normal daily moisturiser can help to give your skin extra hydration. This is especially helpful if you are entering an environment that can dry the skin (such as the air-conditioned office).

For the occasional skin treatment, you may want to consider a face mask cream. Face masks can help to give your skin an added boost of moisture when needed. The History of Whoo Gongjinhyang Soo Hydrating Overnight Mask can help to repair the skin while you sleep. For something even more special, a face mask, like The History of WHOO Jinyulyang Essential Massage Mask, that utilises Oriental massage therapy can be absorbed into the vital energy pathways, creating clearer, more radiant, skin. With so many products on the market, it’s also important to choose a product that works well for your skin and your own personal skin issues.

Fixing dry skin issues

With a few simple changes to your diet, lifestyle and your beauty regime, you may find that you can help resolve dry skin easily. If your skin continues to stay dry and you don’t see any results, a visit to your doctor or dermatologist can help to assess your symptoms. Dry skin can be caused by a form of dermatitis and symptoms include redness, scaling of the skin and scalp and inflammation. Very dry skin and other conditions may require a prescription ointment or cream.