Smooth, hydrated, younger skin is usually the goal, but our daily habits can sometimes work against us. You might be surprised to learn that our seemingly harmless activities could contribute to extreme skin dryness. Here are 15 habits that might be drying out your skin—and what you can do to protect it.
1. Taking Long, Hot Showers
While a long, hot shower might feel relaxing at the end of a long day, it’s doing more harm than good for your skin. Hot showers can strip your skin of its natural oils, leading to excessive dryness. Opt for lukewarm water and keep your showers short to maintain your skin’s moisture.
2. Over-Exfoliating Your Skin
Exfoliating is a great way to help remove dead skin cells; it also feels like a luxurious skin treat. But be mindful that doing it too often can damage your skin’s barrier, which may lead to very dry skin and dry patches on your face. Stick to exfoliating once or twice a week to keep your skin smooth without drying it out.
3. Not Applying Moisturizer
Even if you don’t think you need it, skipping moisturizer can lead to dryness, especially in colder weather. You need moisturizer every day. In the morning, you should apply a light moisturizer, and at night, you should put a night cream on your skin before bed. Always apply a hydrating moisturizer after washing your face to lock in moisture, too.
4. Using Harsh Soaps
You might not think that soaps are messing with your skin, but harsh soaps could be doing a lot of damage. Soaps with strong chemicals can strip your skin of its natural oils. Choose gentle, fragrance-free cleansers to avoid drying out your skin. This will allow your skin’s barrier to retain moisture and stay hydrated.
5. Not Drinking Enough Water
You can load up with as many skin products as possible, but the fact of the matter is that hydration starts from within. Not drinking enough water can lead to dry, flaky skin that worsens over time. Aim to drink at least eight glasses of water daily to keep your skin hydrated from the inside out.
6. Drinking Too Many Cups
We get it; most of us can’t function without a morning cup of coffee, and while caffeine can give you a much-needed energy boost, it’s also a diuretic that can dehydrate your skin. If you’re drinking lots of caffeine, chances are your skin shows it with dry, flaky patches. Balance your caffeine intake with plenty of water to keep your skin from drying out.
7. Exposuring Yourself to Harsh Weather
Unfortunately, when winter rolls around, all of us will be battling dry skin. Cold, windy weather can strip moisture from your skin, leaving it dry and chapped. Protect your skin by wearing protective clothing and applying a rich moisturizer before heading outdoors, as well as a night cream in the evening to replenish moisture.
8. Using Products with Alcohol
Many skincare products – such as facial toners – contain alcohol, which can be extremely drying to the skin. Though you might think alcohol is good for the skin, it ends up doing a lot more harm than it does good. Next time you’re shopping for skincare, look for alcohol-free options to keep your skin hydrated.
9. Sleeping in a Dry Environment
Even if you’re doing everything right when it comes to skincare, there can be environmental factors damaging your skin. Central heating and air conditioning can reduce humidity levels, leading to dry skin. Consider using a humidifier in your bedroom to add moisture to the air while you sleep.
10. Overusing Acne Treatments
Acne is annoying, especially as an adult. We might load up on pimple creams and acne treatments to eliminate unsightly acne. However, these treatments often contain ingredients like benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid, which can dry. Use them sparingly and follow up with a good moisturizer to keep your skin balanced.
11. Smoking Cigarettes and Vapes
Smoking is bad for your all-round health, from your lungs to your blood circulation and even your hair. But a little-known fact is that smoking can cause skin dryness, too. Smoking damages collagen and reduces blood flow to your skin, leading to dryness and premature aging. Quitting smoking is not only good for your health but also for maintaining hydrated, youthful skin.
12. Forgetting to Apply Sunscreen
Sun damage is one of the leading causes of dry, aged skin. Skipping sunscreen isn’t just asking for dry, flaky skin; it’s guaranteeing an early onset of wrinkles. Every time you leave the house, you must always wear sunscreen with at least SPF 30, even on cloudy days, to protect your skin from harmful UV rays.
13. Eating Fried and Processed Foods
You are what you eat. If you’ve been diligent with your moisturizer and your skincare regime, but your skin is still dry, your poor diet may be to blame. A diet low in essential fatty acids can contribute to dry skin. Incorporate foods rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, like fish, nuts, and seeds, to keep your skin nourished and hydrated.
14. Skipping Face Oils
Moisturizers are essential to lock in hydration, but face oils are just as important if you want to keep your complexion dewy. Unlike typical moisturizers, face oils can penetrate deeper into the skin and provide deep, long-lasting hydration beyond a typical face cream. Whether it’s rosehip, jojoba, or Vitamin C, ensure you’re incorporating a face oil into your skincare regimen.
15. Layering Too Many Products at Once
Layering multiple products can disrupt your skin’s barrier, leading to dryness. Believe it or not, your skin can only take so many products. It’s like a sponge that can only absorb so much, so if you layer too much on, it will be stifled. Simplify your skincare routine to just a few essential products to maintain a healthy moisture balance.