There are six basic skin types and each one has its own unique set of characteristics and best care practices. ChitoCare beauty has rounded up some essential skincare tips for each skin type. In this article, we look at dry skin. 

Understanding what skin type you have will help you chose products that suit your skin’s needs and it will help you develop a skincare routine that works best for your skin type. Irrelevant of skin type, however, consistency plays a key role in maintaining healthy, glowing, youthful skin.  

Dry skin can sometimes be uncomfortable to live with, especially if skin is not properly moisturized. Dry skin is often found in people who live in wintry areas, due to cold weather conditions and dry air that can leave the skin feeling tight, flaky or with a rough texture. Let’s look at what dry skin looks like and what skincare habits keep it healthy. 

Characteristics of dry skin 

Dry skin is the type of skin that produces less sebum than normal skin. Insufficient sebum amounts lead to dryness, as the skin lacks the necessary lipids to retain water. When applied, moisturizers and lotions are quickly absorbed by dry skin. Characteristics of dry skin include: 

• A rough or flaky texture, often with scaly patches 
• A feeling of inelasticity or tightness 
• Redness, itching, irritation or sensitivity 
• Barely visible pores and enhanced fine lines 

Skincare routine for dry skin 

For people with dry skin, skin care routines must include sufficient moisturizing to prevent further dryness. It must also include mild cleansers to avoid stripping the skin of its natural lipids, and careful and gentle exfoliating to clear away dead skin cell build-up.  

Weather protection 

In the summer, overexposure to UV light and dry indoor air from air conditioning can cause dry skin types to dry up even further, leading to irritation, fine lines or sunburn. In the winter, cold weather and dry winds can strip the skin of its necessary lipids and water, resulting in wrinkles, redness or inelasticity. Wearing protective sunscreen with a SPF (Sun Protection Factor) of at least 30 all year round will provide photoprotection, prevent water loss and delay the signs of premature aging. ChitoCare medical Healing Spray soothes symptoms associated with dry skin, such as soreness, redness and sunburn, and can be used to protect the skin against inflammation and irritation. It can be used on intact or breached skin, or as a preventative treatment to protect skin from external factors. 

Cleansing 

As dry skin experiences a loss of water, preventing further water loss is crucial. Opt for mild, milky cleansers with moisturizing properties, as harsh chemicals or foaming products can cause dryness or sensitivity. Dry skin types tend to avoid toners, as they can further dry out skin or cause irritation. Also, always remember to wash your face with lukewarm water, as hot water will further dry it out. After cleansing, always pat dry your face to avoid micro-abrasions or redness.  

Moisturizing 

Dry skin can often look and feel rough due to a lack of hydration. To keep dry skin sufficiently hydrated, soft and smooth, opt for richer, heavier creams or lotions that contain natural oils that can lock in moisture. As moisturizing is the most important part of a skincare routine for dry skin types, it is important to do this both morning and night, and after showering or bathing. Apply creams or lotions within 3 minutes of cleansing so the skin can soak up as much moisture as possible.

ChitoCare beauty Body Lotion is composed of natural, emollient and moisturizing ingredients that nourish and protect the skin, while marine chitosan forms a protective film over the skin, locking in moisture. ChitoCare beauty Hand Cream contains moisturizing oils and antioxidants that improve skin hydration and leave your skin feeling smooth, soft and protected. For the sensitive skin of the face, use ChitoCare beauty Anti-Aging Repair Serum both day and night. Containing moisture-loving hyaluronic acid, natural antioxidants and protective marine chitosan, it delivers deep moisture, boosts the natural repair process and has a soothing, cooling effect. 

Exfoliating 

All skin types need exfoliating occasionally, to remove dead skin cells and make way for new skin cell growth. Dry skin types can benefit from gentle exfoliating, as dry skin flakes clog pores, preventing water and active ingredients from reaching the deeper layers of the skin. Use a mild exfoliator once a week, such as the ChitoCare beauty Body Scrub that is also suitable for the face, that contains moisturizing marine chitosan that locks in moisture, and natural microgranules from bamboo and walnut shells that clear away grime, dirt and dead skin cells. Make sure to be extra gentle as you scrub, without applying too much pressure, to avoid irritating your skin. Always apply a thick moisturizing cream afterwards, as even mild face scrubs tend to dry out the skin quite easily. 

Treating 

To tackle dry skin, moisturizing alone is not always enough. Including a deeply moisturizing overnight serum to your skincare routine can offer your skin a boost of much-needed hydration. Serums containing hyaluronic acid help the skin retain water. ChitoCare beauty Anti-Aging Repair Serum provides powerful skin repair and comforting hydration, thanks to marine chitosan and hyaluronic acid that act as natural antioxidants with moisturizing properties. This powerful serum not only improves skin hydration and elasticity, but it also decreases roughness, leaving your skin soft and smooth. 

Pampering 

Apply a soothing face mask once a month to treat your skin to some additional nutrients. ChitoCare beauty Serum Mask is ideal as a monthly treatment, as it deeply hydrates the skin, supports collagen and elastin production, and leaves your skin feeling soft and deeply moisturized. 

End note

Keep in mind that, even though we are each born with a specific skin type, skin type can change as we age, or due to intrinsic or extrinsic factors. The trick with any skincare regime is to keep it consistent and to pay attention to how your skin reacts – to new products, to weather changes, or to hormonal imbalances, such as those during menstruation or menopause. 

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ChitoCare beauty is the first skincare brand to incorporate marine chitosan into its products. Scientifically proven properties of chitosan include film-forming, moisture control and powerful skin repair.