You have a big family wedding to attend in a few days and suddenly you realize your skin has turned rather dull and dry. You’ve hit the panic mode and you frantically hunt for cosmetics recommended by friends, relatives and neighbors to fix your chapped skin. Though the type and quality of your skin largely depends on your genetics, environmental factors cannot be ruled out. Remember, even the best of branded cosmetics will only get your skin so far. What you can do is do some minor changes in your diet, skin care products, your home environment and even what you wear. Just follow a few tips and soon you will notice visible changes in the appearance and texture of your skin.
Stay hydrated
Dry skin is prone to sensitivity, being poor in retaining moisture. The first and foremost thing to do is hydrate, hydrate and hydrate! Be sure to drink enough water, maybe more that the regular eight glasses. Not only does it keep your body hydrated, it also helps flush out unwanted toxins.
Go for a gentle cleanser
Washing your hands and showering frequently can actually strip your skin of its natural oils. Dry skin often demands plenty of cleansing and regular skin cell stimulation. Apply generous proportions of moisturizer but don’t go overboard. Opt for moisturizers and lotions that contain essential oils and preferably vitamin A, C, D & E. Petroleum jelly contains the most oil, which makes them a smart choice for really dry skin. Apply a small amount to your skin and be sure to rub it in well.
Eat right
To boost moisture, incorporate foods that contain ‘good’ oils in your daily diet. Food rich in good oils are those that contain essential fatty acids such as omega-3. These can be found in butter, eggs, cod liver oil, coconut oil, raw fruits & vegetables. Green leafy vegetables and crunchy red fruits are excellent for dry skin.
Moisturize before bed
Make it a habit of applying night face creams before retiring to bed. Rub gently until the cream disappears in your skin. Preferably, use a liquid moisturizer or facial oil having natural ingredients.
