Dry Skin Care Mistakes That Make The Face More Dull
If you have dry skin, usually the face looks dull, rough, scaly. That's why it's so important to avoid mistakes that can make dry skin worse. Here are some mistakes that dry skin care often occurs and should be avoided.
1. Drying the face before using moisturizer
After cleaning your face, you most likely immediately grabbed a towel and wiped it, right? Turns out that's the wrong thing. According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), the best time to moisturize your face is after bathing and cleansing your face. However, don't dry it with a towel because a naturally dry face can help lock in hydration. So, next time after bathing and washing your face, let the face dry by itself, then apply moisturizer on the skin that is still moist instead of drying with a towel first.
2. Wearing an improper moisturizer
The skin barrier consists of skin cells bound together by lipids (cholesterol, fatty acids, &ceramides). That's why it's so important to use moisturizers that contain these lipids as well as other ingredients like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, squalane, peptides, shea butter, cocoa butter, and sunflower seed oil.
3. Replace moisturizer with face oil
Your skin care routine should contain a mixture of products that hydrate and moisturize. Although moisturizing, but most face oil does not hydrate. The oil can condition the skin and help it maintain water content, but it cannot add moisture content. Using face oil is recommended, but it should not be the only type of product in your skin care routine.
4. Wear moisturizer with a light material
Not all moisturizers are the same, especially to overcome dry skin. A milder moisturizing formulation will be difficult to penetrate your dry skin completely or evaporate quickly before providing any benefits. Instead of a mild gel or lotion, choose a creamy moisturizer that contains moisture-boosting ingredients such as ceramides and lipids. Apply your moisturizer twice a day, in the morning and before going to bed, for best results.
5. Incorrect exfoliation process
Balance is key in treating dry skin. You need to exfoliate to remove dead skin cells and other impurities that can make your skin look dull, but should not go overboard while doing so. Therefore, use soft exfoliator products such as polyhydroxy acid or azelaic acid. Exfoliate properly once or twice a week and do it gently so that your skin doesn't irritate.
6. Wear an alcohol-based makeup remover or toner
Any makeup remover or toner that uses alcohol or other astringent-based will remove the moisture of your dry skin. Instead, use a cleaning cloth that is not irritating to remove your makeup or just a mild soap.
7. Not wearing sunscreen
Okay, this one actually applies to all skin types—not just dry skin. However, this must be constantly reminded. Wearing sunscreen is mandatory, especially if you live in a tropical country like Indonesia. Use sunscreen with high SPF levels and repeat its use every 2-3 hours, especially if you are outdoors.
