7 Powerful Weapons Against Dry Body Skin: Nourish Your Skin Inside and Out
Dry skin on the body has more than one cause. These causes are related both to what you eat and drink and to the care you do, or don't do, for your skin. To answer the question "How do I get rid of dry skin on my body?", start by looking at how much water you drink each day. You should also eat foods with a high water content and use skincare products with moisturizing properties that suit your skin type.
What Causes Dry Skin on the Body?
Dry skin on the body can be caused by environmental factors, and it can also show up because of genetic factors. Scorching hot weather and bathing in hot water can disrupt your skin's moisture balance. Cold weather, likewise, can cause your skin to lose its natural oils.
Another cause of dryness on the body is simply having naturally dry skin. One of our tips for dry skin care is to use skincare products that suit your skin type.
Not drinking enough water is another cause. Yet another comes from using soaps and products that dry out your skin.
Drinking Enough Water, the Right Way
Drinking water matters for healthy skin. You can decide how much water to drink each day based on the weather and your exercise routine. In general, adults are advised to drink 2-3 liters of water a day.
You can also eat foods that contain water. Keep in mind that drinks like tea or coffee throughout the day do not cover your daily water needs and can even cause your body to lose water.
Choosing and Using Moisturizing Products
Your body's moisture balance has a positive effect on your skin health by keeping your skin soft and helping it maintain its elasticity. To strengthen your skin barrier, you can use moisturizing products that suit your skin type.
When choosing a moisturizer, you can also take the weather into account. In hot weather, the products you apply to your skin should be lighter. In cold weather, choosing products that moisturize more intensely helps your skin quickly regain the moisture it has lost. One of the ways to prevent dry skin is also choosing products whose ingredients include vitamins that benefit your skin type.
What to Keep in Mind During and After Your Shower
Long, hot showers can dry out your skin. Taking short showers with lukewarm water helps keep your skin from losing moisture. Be gentle, not harsh, when washing your body in the shower. Choosing a body wash and soap with natural ingredients helps protect your skin's moisture balance. Products with harsh chemicals can irritate your skin.
When it comes to post-shower skincare, you should apply products while your skin is still damp. Using products with natural oils such as almond oil, aloe vera and coconut oil moisturizes your skin and keeps it soft. Many natural oils on their own also earn a spot among natural moisturizer recommendations.
Boosting Skin Moisture Through Your Eating Habits
If your diet is irregular, too fatty or contains more sugar than it should… It is time to switch to a regular, healthy eating routine, because nutrition and skin health are very closely connected. Once you add enough water and antioxidant-rich vegetables to your routine, you won't believe the positive change in your skin!
Protecting Your Skin from Environmental Factors (Cold and Dry Air)
The drying effect of cold weather tops the list of environmental factors that affect your skin and that you need to protect it from. The effects of dry air on the skin are especially noticeable on windy days. Wind dries out the skin and leads to irritation. If your skin is exposed to cold weather, you should moisturize it often and try to keep it warm.
Care Routines That Strengthen the Skin Barrier
At the end of the day, you should cleanse your skin to clear away leftover makeup, dust and dirt and to let your pores breathe. Being gentle with yourself while cleansing helps you avoid irritating your skin and stripping away its natural oils.
Right after cleansing, you can apply the moisturizing products you have chosen for your skin type with the right technique.