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To ensure that summer passes without negative consequences for dry skin, organize care for it according to all the rules: with intensive moisturizing and sun protection. Details in our article.
Features of dry skin
In medical terms, the signs of dry skin look like this:
decrease in the level of hydration of the stratum corneum,
increase in the index of transepidermal evaporation of water.
In other words, dry skin lacks moisture. Hence the decrease in turgor, violation of the skin barrier.
One of the signs of dry skin is a feeling of tightness after washing. ©Getty Image
Causes of dry skin in summer
The main characteristics of dry skin:
rough surface;
peeling;
feeling of tightness.
It is believed that such signs usually appear in the cold season, especially in frost, to which the skin is so vulnerable.
The cold irritates the skin.
It also provokes a spasm of peripheral vessels, disrupting the nutrition of tissues.
An icy wind dehydrates the epidermis.
But the summer heat is also not good for the skin, as well as air conditioners operating at full capacity in the room.
“Dry, hot weather can lead to a weakening of the skin’s barrier properties and excess water evaporation. To avoid this, use effective moisturizers. They will help restore the damaged hydrolipid barrier of the skin and retain water molecules in the stratum corneum,” says Natalia Medvedeva, dermatologist, medical expert of the CeraVe brand.
dry skin care plan for summer
Dry skin requires the most careful and delicate care. ©Getty Image
To manage dryness, provide skin with regular skin care, including such steps as cleansing, toning, moisturizing and / or nourishing, masks and exfoliation (the last procedure – no more than 1-2 times a week).
Washing
With dry skin, doctors do not recommend washing more than twice a day, so as not to damage the already weak protective skin barrier. Moreover, with pronounced dryness, one of the cleansing procedures, for example, the morning one, can be skipped (or limited to washing with cool water, without cleansers) in order to keep the fat produced by the sebaceous glands overnight on the surface of the epidermis. With such natural protection, the skin is less vulnerable to external irritants.
As cleansers, use gels and foams with hydrofixators – hyaluronic acid, glycerin.
Universal cleanser 3-in-1 Pureté Thermale, Vichy
A convenient option for dry skin combines three products at once: lotion, make-up remover, milk. The composition includes shea butter and thermal water.
Special care
If the skin condition leaves much to be desired, it would be good to include moisturizing masks in the main care program. They are applied once or twice a week to well-cleansed skin. The effect of such moisturizing lasts at least 3-4 days.
Sheet mask for the face “Moisturizing + freshness”, Garnier
Intensive hydration is provided by the formula with hyaluronic and P-anisic acids, as well as tea leaf extract. Due to the prolonged action, a good level of skin hydration is maintained for a long time.
humidification
To moisturize very dry skin, it is necessary to create a layer on its surface that prevents transepidermal evaporation of water. This requires creams with a fairly thick texture and a formula based on oils, as well as substances that provide a normal level of moisture – humectants. They form an invisible film on the skin and thus prevent water from evaporating. The role of humectants in creams for dry skin are often:
glycerol;
linoleic and linolenic acids;
sorbitol;
urea;
hyaluronic acid;
collagen;
lactic acid.
For example, CeraVe Dry to Very Dry Skin Lotion and Cream contains a specially selected combination of three ceramides, key building blocks of the skin’s protective barrier, and hyaluronic acid. Due to its powerful hygroscopic properties, it allows you to retain water.
Moisturizing lotion for dry and very dry skin of the face and body, CeraVe
It has a light texture that moisturizes the skin throughout the day.
Moisturizing cream for dry and very dry skin of the face and body, CeraVe
Promotes the restoration of the lipid barrier of the skin, perfectly moisturizes for a long time.
Hydra Zen Soothing Moisturizer for All Skin Types, SPF 15, Lancôme
Intensively moisturizes, soothes and provides comfort. In the composition – extracts of Chinese peony, moringa, French rose.
Remember: lightweight emulsions, fluids and creams are not suitable for dry skin.
3 ways to deal with dry skin in summer
An additional source of moisture for the skin is fruits and vegetables. ©Getty Image
Even if you use moisturizers, make super-effective masks and follow all the recommendations of a beautician, you should not forget about a healthy lifestyle. Here are some simple and helpful tips.
Avoid in the summer, especially on hot days, salty, smoked and spicy foods.
Drink at least 1,5-2 liters of pure non-carbonated water daily.
Maintain your skin’s natural moisturizing factor by using sunscreen regularly.