What Should You Do If You Have Dry Skin?

There are at least five types of skin: normal, dry, oily, combination, and sensitive.

Unfortunately, as much as everyone wants to have smooth, clear skin that isn’t too demanding, many fall into the dry or oily skin category—sometimes a combination of both.

What Causes Dry & Oily Skin

Dry skin can be attributed to a wide range of factors. For some, it is hereditary but for others, it can be a result of poor lifestyle habits or an indication of an underlying condition such as dermatitis or eczema.

On the other hand, oily skin can be the result of both genetic factors and hormonal changes in which one is predisposed to producing a higher amount of sebum—the natural oil that keeps the skin soft and hydrated.

Meanwhile, the skin can also be both dry and oily, in which case it will cause an over-production of oil to compensate for the dryness of the skin. Someone with combination skin typically has a mix of oily and dry areas on different parts of the face, with the t-zone being particularly oily.

As unpleasant as it may be, having dry or oily skin is treatable and manageable; and the first step would be to consult with a professional from a women’s health clinic in Singapore to understand which skin type you fall under.

In the article that follows, we are focusing on dry skin and the ways you can manage and ease this skin condition.

Moisturise. The first thing you should do when you have dry skin is to stay moisturised. You can benefit from moisturising lotions and creams that are better absorbed into the epidermis (outer layer of the skin) thus, trapping natural and existing moisture in your skin to prevent further drying. We also suggest using lip balms that contain vitamins such as A, C, E, and D to keep your lips from chapping.

Wear Breathable Clothes. When your skin is dry, it is often raw and more sensitive than usual and there are kinds of fabrics that could bring more damage to it—nylon, spandex, and polyester to name a few. The key for dry skin is to wear natural, breathable fabrics such as cotton, linen and silk for protection and to promote healing. These fabrics allow air to flow through them easily, keeping you cool and helping prevent irritation too.

Avoid Using Harsh Products. Detergents, facial washes, bath soaps, shampoos, etc. As much as possible, use products that are friendly to your skin. Avoid those that contain benzoyl peroxide, alcohol, fragrances, sulfur, and alpha-hydroxy acid, which are ingredients that prevent the natural oil production of your skin. Instead, use mild, moisturising soaps such as baby soaps as they typically don’t contain too many harsh chemicals. Castile soap is a great option too.

Reduce Bath Time. Avoid taking long, hot showers—spending too much time on the shower can strip the oil off your skin, drying it out further. By limiting yourself to shorter showers saves more than your skin – You will be saving water too. This is just one of the many lifestyle changes you can make to give your dry skin the attention it needs.

Consult Your Doctor. As earlier said, dry skin can sometimes be an indication of an underlying condition. If you’re noticing severe redness, flaking, or irritation, it’s essential that you talk to your doctor to rule out any skin conditions such as dermatitis, eczema, and/or athlete’s foot. If symptoms persist, we strongly advise you to visit the nearest men & women’s health clinic.

A doctor can examine and help you when all the aforementioned tips fail to bring your skin comfort.

Worrying about your health? Have a complete health screening in Singapore by setting up an appointment with us today.