6 Skincare Mistakes That Can Cause Dry, Unattractive Skin

Dry skin is one of the most common dermatological complaints.

When you have this problem, you not only deal with unappealing skin; you also have to manage the discomfort and irritation it causes.

This is because dry and flaky skin can be itchy, irritating, and uncomfortable, especially if severe.

Also, extremely dry skin cannot function like normal, sufficiently hydrated skin. It will affect your sense of touch and the skin’s ability to regulate body temperature and protect the body against infections.

Additionally, skin dryness can lead to an increased risk of getting fine lines, wrinkles, and other signs of premature aging and sun damage.

Avoiding the harsh effects of having extremely dry skin means nipping this problem in the bud as soon as possible. You can do this by correcting some skincare mistakes that cause this dermatological condition.

Mistakes You Might Be Making That Cause Unhealthy, Dry Skin

Certain skincare practices that you may have the habit of doing can cause dry skin.

To prevent this condition and continue having hydrated, healthy, and attractive skin, avoid these six skincare mistakes:

1.     Using random moisturizing products

Applying a moisturizer is your first line of defense against skin dryness. However, it does not mean that you can simply use any random product off the shelf or anything you see online.

Not all moisturizing products are the same. Those that work for oily skin may not work on a dry one.

If you use the wrong product, you will end up spending money on something that won’t hydrate your skin.

The best moisturizing products have ingredients specially chosen for and proven effective for specific skin types. As a result, they protect and hydrate the face, neck, and chest.

L’Occitane, for instance, has a selection of moisturizers enriched with natural ingredients for additional hydrating benefits.

When you buy L’Occitane online, you can also explore their other skincare products that hydrate the face, body, and hair.

The best way to choose the right moisturizer is to consider your skin type first. If you have oily skin, a product with a lighter texture will work for you.

On the other hand, if you have seriously dry skin, you need more nourishment. A cream moisturizer will be more suitable for you.

You will also do well to choose a moisturizer with sunscreen ingredients for your morning cream. This product gives your skin the hydration it needs and protection from harsh UV rays, the leading cause of different dermatological problems, including skin cancer.

Also, for both your day and night moisturizing products, choose one with anti-aging substances to keep the signs of premature aging at bay.

2.     Using hot water

Washing your face or taking a bath with cold water is unthinkable. However, you have to be careful about using hot water.

Using hot water to wash your face daily can diminish your skin’s natural moisturizers, which include fatty acids and lipids.

Taking a bath with hot water is not good for your body either. Doing this regularly can strip your skin of essential oils, which can lead to dryness, irritation, and inflammation.

To avoid dry skin, use lukewarm water when washing your face and taking a bath. Also, limit your showers to less than 10 minutes.

Additionally, always pat your skin dry rather than rubbing it with a towel to avoid stripping more natural oils.

3.     Moisturizing after drying your face

Reaching for a towel is likely your automatic response after washing your face. Your next step would then be applying your moisturizer.

This is a habit that you will do well to stop since it can cause skin dryness and prevent you from getting the most benefits from your moisturizer.

According to skin experts, the best time to apply your moisturizer is immediately after cleansing your face and showering without toweling off. Doing so helps lock in hydration in your skin.

Do the same if you have dry hands to hydrate them.

4.     Over-exfoliating

Exfoliating is a crucial part of your skincare routine, but you have to avoid overdoing it, especially if you already have dry skin.

Exfoliating often and using harsh exfoliators can cause microscopic tears in the skin. This will make your skin more susceptible to irritation and infection.

To get the most benefits from this routine, do it only twice a week. Moreover, when shopping for a skincare product for exfoliation, choose one formulated for your skin type.

Additionally, use gentle, circular motions and avoid scrubbing or tugging your skin harshly.

Also, if your skin is flaking and peeling due to dryness, temporarily stop exfoliating since it can worsen the problem and harm your skin even more.

5.     Cleansing your face incorrectly

Having the wrong cleansing routine can also dry your skin.

The first mistake you have to correct is using a traditional bar of soap when washing your face. Soap has an alkaline pH that can disrupt the outer skin layer and cause it to dry quickly.

To keep your face hydrated, use a pH-balanced facial cleanser since it matches the slightly acidic pH of your skin. Another option is to use a cleansing product with surfactants that remove dirt without damaging the outer skin layer.

Also, avoid over-cleansing your face since doing so dries it faster. Wash your face only twice a day, even after a heavy workout or staying outdoors too long.

If you want to feel refreshed after sweating heavily, use micellar water.

6.     Being afraid to use face oils

If you have dry skin, one of the best habits you can adopt to prevent it from worsening is using face oils.

Face oils help lock in moisture and protect the skin. Using them regularly also enhances your skin’s natural glow.

For dry skin, some of the most effective face oils include argan, marula, and rosehip. They hydrate, soften, and smoothen the skin, keep it nourished and healthy, and give it that natural, lovely glow.

Although face oils are usually used at night, try applying them in the morning or before going out. It will give your skin a naturally radiant, dewy glow that makes for a beautiful base for your makeup.

If you are hesitant about using face oils, try mixing a few drops in your moisturizer first to know if they work and are safe for your skin. Apply it directly on seriously dry areas of your skin to soothe dryness and irritation.

If you want to have hydrated, healthy, and beautiful skin, correct these mistakes now and improve your skincare routine.