Often dry skin is caused, or made worse, by factors we’re unaware of, but that are actually under our control—so to help your skin feel more soothed, here are 5 things to avoid if YOU have dry skin. 

Dry skin isn’t always the easiest to maintain, but it’s also not something to fear! With just a little extra care you can help your dry skin feel good and be healthy and at ease all year. 

Skin is called “dry” when it doesn’t hold moisture—it might feel tight quickly after washing (and even after moisturizing). If your skin is severely dry it can crack, peel, and/or become red and itchy. 

Staying well hydrated by drinking plenty of water is the first step in caring for your dry skin. While fruits and vegetables contain water too (along with plenty of skin nurturing vitamins and minerals), you need more. Most nutrition experts recommend adults take in eight 8oz glasses of water throughout the day. 

Once you have that habit in place, here are some of the top things to avoid if you have dry skin.

CAFFEINE

Caffeine has a diuretic effect—meaning when you drink it you lose hydration. And the more of it you have, the less effective your body is likely to be in flushing out toxins. It also has an aging effect: caffeine reduces collagen in your skin cells. 

Note that you’ll want to check on more than your coffee and tea, since many OTC headache medicines contain caffeine too!

A cup of coffee could run anywhere from 70-200+ mg… tea 32-42mg… colas 32-70mg and energy waters 50-125mg. But you’ll find 65mg in Excedrin — so check the label! 

AVOID HARSH TREATMENT IF YOU HAVE DRY SKIN

What do we mean by harsh treatment? Anything that scruffs the surface of your skin.

• Exfoliating vigorously or often (so either say goodbye to scrub brushes and wash cloths, or use very gently and only occasionally). 
• Using hot water vs warm and staying in the shower or bath for more than 10 minutes can damage the surface of your skin.
• And for the same reason, avoid rubbing your skin with a towel if you have dry skin.

FRAGRANCES AND/OR DEODORANTS

Fragrances and deodorants are all around us. You’ll find them in what we put on our bodies, in laundry and household cleaners, air fresheners, and many more. They may smell nice, but they can also dry the skin, and cause irritation, especially if yours is prone to allergies or sensitivity. 

And while you’re scanning the labels of your favorite lotions and creams, you’ll also want to look out for products labeled “unscented.” These often indicate that they contain additives that neutralize or hide odors. Instead, choose those marked fragrance-free. 

DRY AIR

As the weather cools, most of us love to get cozy; we may crank up our heaters and cuddle close to the fire. All of which pulls moisture from the air in our homes, and, in turn, makes it more difficult for our skin to hold moisture, too. You can combat both with a humidifier in your bedroom. Another option, if you have a flat top wood-burning stove or radiator, is leaving a saucepan of water on top, open to evaporate into your room air. Just be careful to keep an eye on the water level though, so you don’t burn the pot or cause a fire hazard!.

PARABENS 

Parabens are preservatives that are very common in a wide range of products you’ll find in stores. They’re designed to help products last longer on the shelf. But they can cause irritation, and some have been shown to be hormone disruptors and even increase cancer risks. Look for ingredients with “paraben” in the name, and make a different choice. As with fragrances and other additives, our preference and recommendation at Srida Herbals is to go natural!

As you gradually adjust your environment for these 5 things to avoid if you have dry skin, you may find it easier to manage common discomforts like itchiness. Moisturize regularly with a natural product designed for dry skin, especially while your skin is still a little damp, and use a gentle cleanser—like our Daily Melt Cleanser. These steps will go far to help you love your beautiful skin!