Dry skin is a common problem, especially in the cold and dry months of fall and winter. It can be caused by a variety of factors and can lead to insecurity and annoyance as you try to deal with going out or applying makeup over flaking skin. Thankfully, there are some simple ways to fix dry skin on your face fast.
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#1 DON’T SKIP MOISTURIZER
First on the list of fastest ways to fix dry skin on your face is to stop skipping moisturizer. Moisturizer acts like a protective layer when you apply it to your dry and sensitive skin.
It helps restore and protect your skin at all times of the year. When you skip moisturizer, you leave your skin susceptible to more irritation and dryness.
Additionally, it’s worth trying to figure out your skin type. Sometimes you may think you have oily skin when in fact your skin is simply dry and lacking moisture. Your skin then produces excess oil to combat the dryness.
Make sure to use a nighttime moisturizer that is deeply hydrating to rejuvenate your dry skin. Choose a moisturizer that is free of drying and harmful ingredients.
As for your morning skincare routine, you’ll want to make sure to use a moisturizer with SPF to protect your skin from the sun. Sun damage is the last thing you’d want with dry skin.
Click these links to explore and purchase some effective SPF moisturizers for your morning skincare routine…
- First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Face Moisturizer with Sunscreen, SPF 30
- Juice Beauty PREBIOTIX – SPF 45 Glow, Daily Multi-Tasking Moisturizer
- La Roche-Posay Anthelios UV Correct Sunscreen Moisturizer SPF 70
Click these links to explore and purchase some effective SPF moisturizers for your morning skincare routine…
Gentle PM Moisturizer with Organic Clean Ingredients: Juice Beauty PREBIOTIX Hydrating Gel Moisturizer
#2 USE A HYALURONIC ACID SERUM
Another one of the easiest ways to fix dry skin on your face is to use a hyaluronic acid serum. Hyaluronic acid is an essential ingredient to hydrate and lock in moisture on the skin barrier.
It acts as a humectant, helping your skin retain moisture and heal your dry skin.For best results, apply these serums after you cleanse your skin, when it’s still slightly damp, and before you moisturize.
Use these links to explore and purchase some effective hyaluronic acid serums…
- Paula’s Choice BOOST Hyaluronic Acid Booster
- Farmacy Filling Good Hyaluronic Acid Serum for Face
- La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum
- THE ORDINARY Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 Liquid 30ml
#3 USE RETINOL LESS OFTEN
While retinol is fantastic for reducing signs of skin aging, it can highly irritate dry and sensitive skin. If you’re trying to heal dry skin, use retinol sparingly.
Retinol works to resurface your skin, increasing skin cell turnover. This can help you achieve a clearer complexion if you suffer from dry skin by unclogging pores and getting rid of built-up, dead skin cells on the skin’s surface.
However, the more you use it, the more you can irritate your skin and increase dryness. When you suffer from dry skin, if you don’t want to skip retinol altogether, try only using retinol a couple of times a week.
You can also use less concentrated retinol to minimize irritation while you attempt to resurface your skin and get rid of the old and dry skin cells on your face.
If you still want to use a retinol, make sure to follow up with a hydrating moisturizer to ensure proper skin hydration.
Use these links to explore and purchase low concentration retinol products for drier skin…
- Paula’s Choice 0.3% Retinol Cream
- La Roche-Posay Pure Retinol Face Serum with Vitamin B3
- First Aid Beauty 0.3% Retinol Complex Serum with Peptides
#4 DON’T OVER EXFOLIATE
In addition to using retinol with caution, remember not to over-exfoliate. When you have dry skin on your face, it’s tempting to want to scrub off all the flaking pieces.
But, be aware that harshly scrubbing your skin day in and day out can actually make the problem worse. You may end up causing more irritation and damaging the delicate skin barrier, inevitably causing more dryness.
Don’t get it wrong, exfoliating is important especially when you have dry skin to get rid of built-up dead and flaking skin cells that can clog your pores. However, it’s important to take it easy when manually exfoliating.
There’s no need to scrub until your skin is red and irritated. When manually exfoliating, be very gentle and only do it a couple of times a week.
If you use a retinol cream or serum that chemically exfoliates your skin, be even softer when rubbing your face to avoid over-exfoliating and making dry skin worse.
#5 CHECK FOR DRYING INGREDIENTS IN YOUR SKINCARE PRODUCTS
Another one of the fastest ways to fix dry skin on your face is to check your skincare products for drying ingredients.
Many times, skincare products claiming to help you achieve a clearer complexion or get rid of acne may actually make your dry skin worse.
Skin-drying ingredients to look out for include benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, alcohols (often found in many toners), synthetic fragrances, or parabens. Many makeup products and hair care products may also contain these drying ingredients.
These ingredients can cause increased dryness and irritation especially during the cold weather months when there’s less moisture in the air. This can hinder your ability to achieve a clear complexion and heal your flaking skin.
If you suffer from dry skin, try swapping out any acne face washes or harsh cleansers for ones suitable for sensitive and dry skin.
Use these links to purchase some simple and effective gentle skin cleansers…
- Juice Beauty GREEN APPLE Brightening Gel Cleanser
- La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Face Cleanser
- First Aid Beauty Pure Skin Face Cleanser
#6 BE CAUTIOUS OF SPOT TREATMENTS
This tip goes along with the previous step of looking out for drying skincare ingredients. When you have dry skin, you need to be cautious when using spot treatments.
The whole goal of spot treatments is to heal and dry out blemishes. Therefore, you’ll likely run into some of the drying ingredients we discussed previously such as benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid.
I’d suggest skipping spot treatments when trying to heal dry skin. However, most of us can’t avoid the pesky pimple from time to time and that may call for an emergency spot treatment. In that case, if you have to use a spot treatment, make sure to use it very sparingly to avoid increased dryness.
You can also try a sulfur-based spot treatment. These tend to be less drying and irritating, yet will still help you deal with a pesky pimple in a pinch. One of the best I’ve found and personally used includes Sunday Riley’s Saturn Sulfur Spot Treatment.
#7 STAY HYDRATED
Now for one of the simplest ways to fix dry skin on your face, staying hydrated. Drinking enough water minimizes dryness. Proper hydration protects the skin barrier and can improve dry skin by increasing moisture on a cellular level.
Harvard Health suggests women should aim for 11.5 cups (2.7 liters) of water per day and men should aim for 15.5 cups (3.7 liters). These measurements include the water you consume from fruits and vegetables, meaning you may only need to actually drink 6 glasses a day.
Keep in mind, that your water intake will depend on environmental factors, age, body weight, and activity level. The best way to stay adequately hydrated is to listen to your body.
A convenient way to encourage yourself to stay hydrated throughout the day is by using a water bottle. One of my favorites is the Hydro Flask Stainless Steel Water Bottle with a handle. It’ll keep your drink cool and is easy to carry with you wherever you go.
#8 DON’T SKIMP ON SLEEP
The next step to quickly heal dry skin on your face is to stop skimping on sleep. Getting enough rest is essential to maintain your health and keep your skin clear.
While you sleep, your skin restores its delicate barrier. Between 7-9.5 hours of sleep a night will allow your skin to repair itself. This is vitally important for dry and irritated skin along with improving overall wellness.
A lack of sleep can cause increased skin dryness and sensitivity. If you want to improve your dry skin and achieve a glowing complexion, make sure to get enough sleep each night.
If you struggle with insomnia or disrupted sleep, talk to a healthcare provider. Otherwise, here are some general suggestions to improve sleep hygiene and help you get better quality sleep each night.
#9 SKIP THE ALCOHOLIC DRINKS
Going along with proper hydration is staying away from alcoholic beverages. Alcohol is a toxin and diuretic, meaning it will dehydrate you if you consume too much. This can wreak havoc on your skin.
In addition, drinking too much alcohol on a night out can disrupt your sleep, which is essential for maintaining clear skin.
Alcohol can make your dry skin even worse. If you suffer from dry or flaking skin, do yourself a favor and limit your alcoholic beverages or even skip them altogether.
#10 USE A HUMIDIFIER
Along with getting enough sleep, try using a humidifier. A lack of moisture in the air can make dry skin worse. When you sleep, your body can become dehydrated.
Use a humidifier at night to promote hydration especially while you sleep. Keeping the air full of moisture can help heal dry skin and improve skin hydration overnight.
#11 FUEL YOUR BODY WITH HEALTHY FOODS
The next way to heal dry skin on your face fast is to fuel your body with healthy foods.
Consuming a whole foods diet, complete with fruits, vegetables, complex carbohydrates, and healthy fats will help you achieve clear skin and repair your skin barrier.
If you want to improve dry skin, you need to fuel your body from the inside out. Do your skin a favor and stay away from processed foods that can wreak havoc on your skin.
#12 TALK WITH A SKIN CARE EXPERT
Last on the list of fastest ways to fix dry skin on your face is by talking with a skin care expert.
While general tips can help improve your dry skin, a skin care expert can provide individualized advice. A dermatologist or esthetician can evaluate your skin and make specific recommendations based on your skin’s appearance.
Talking with a skin care expert can help get to the root of your skin care issues to tackle your dry skin for good.
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