Help, I’ve Got Dry Flakey Skin! What Do I Do?
‘Dry’ skin, or, xerosis, can be defined as skin which has a lack of oil, or lipids; while in the case of ‘dehydrated’ skin, there is a lack of water in our outer layer of skin called the stratum corneum. Aside from the hydration we need on the inside obtained from drinking water and eating fresh fruits and vegetables, your skin will need replenishment topically. We recommend products that help to retain moisture - See our go-to recommendations below, but first let's cover what to avoid if dry flakey skin is an issue…
First, What to Avoid...
Be careful of product ingredients that cause drying, as well as harsh chemicals. Alcohol or astringents are very common ingredients in bath and body products and cosmetics, and are known to dry out the skin. A surfactant ingredient often used in cleansers to avoid is sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS). Surfactants stabilize mixtures of oil and water, and are commonly used as an a foaming agent and are known to steal moisture from the skin. Avoid products containing retinol and salicylic acid. Lastly, avoid parabens. Parabens are a preservative used in cosmetics and personal care products, and they also have a drying effect on the skin. This ingredient acts as a humectant, which attracts moisture from the surrounding environment and the skin, which over time leads to dryness and irritation.
Be careful not to be rough with your skin. Do not use harsh exfoliants, or exfoliate too often. Avoid using hot water to wash your face (warm water only). Stay away from using rough face cloths/wipes, which can rob moisture, strip natural oils, and do damage to the outer layer of skin.
Now that you know what to avoid, let’s discuss what you should be doing to tackle that dry flaking skin.
Our Go-To-Favorites: Hydrating Ingredients & Products
First off, we recommend using products with ingredients that will add moisture and also nourish the skin. We absolutely love plant-powered hydrating ingredients here at Spa City Organics. Our go-to-favorite ingredients for bolstering hydrating affects to the skin are:
#1. Aloe vera
Aloe Vera is in just about every product we manufacture at Spa City Organics. From ancient Egyptian queens to all you smarty queens slaying beautiful right now, aloe vera has withstood the test of time as the elite elixir of hydration for skin. With an exceptionally high water and nutrient content, aloe vera is an effective moisturizer. Studies show that when used topically, aloe vera can help the skin retain moisture, improve skin’s flexibility, and diminish the appearance of dry, peeling and flakey skin.
For a gentle everyday cleanser that won't dry out your skin try our Skin Calm Herbal Milk Cleanser. This hydrating milk cleanser contains aloe vera and glycerin and helps to nourish and keep skin supple.
#2. Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acid is like a tall drink of water for your skin cells. A molecule naturally found in our skin, connective tissues, and eyes, this ingredient is able to hold up to thousand times its weight in water.
Try our UltraHydration Hyaluronic Skin Smooth + Condition Treatment it simply contains hyaluronic acid and chamomile extracts. Use this product to soften and condition dehydrated skin and treat fine lines and wrinkles.
#3. Tremella fuciformis AKA Snow Mushroom
Tremella mushrooms help to lock in your skin’s moisture by protecting the skin’s natural barrier. Tremella is similar to Hyaluronic acid and is able to hold almost 500 times its weight in water, providing your skin with a healthy dose of hydration. Tremella mushroom is able to prevent water loss from the skin as the polysaccharides in the mushroom form a flexible film on the skin which helps to lock in moisture.
For moisturizing and hydrating the skin, without irritation try our UltraHydration Hyaluronic + Tremella Moisturizer. This moisturizer also contains aloe vera gel.
#4. Vegetable Glycerin
A natural molecule derived from plants with the ability to increase water retention within the skin. With humectant properties, it has the power to attract and lock in moisture, acting as a moisture magnet. Further it draws in hydration from both the air and the deeper layers of your skin and delivers it to the outermost layer, keeping your skin hydrated and nourished.
#5. Ceramides
Ceramides are natural lipids in the skin that form a protective layer to help protect against skin damage. They support the skin’s natural barrier and help to retain moisture.
#6. Niacinamide
A form of Vitamin B3, Niacinamide is a multi-tasking ingredient that works to regulate sebum production, retain moisture, and strengthen the skin’s natural lipid barrier. It helps to regulate sebum production and locks in moisture. Niacinamide prevents dryness and promotes a more balanced, healthy complexion.
Looking for that perfect serum? Try our Vitamin C + Pro Vitamin A Hibiscus Serum. It’s an emollient based serum with multiple benefits to keep your skin looking and feeling beautiful. Loaded with the super healing powerhouse of antioxidants, Vitamins A, B3, B5, C, E and also Niacinamide to help combat the aging process.
#7. Vitamin E
This super star ingredient is a must for dry, flaky, or rough skin. Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant with moisturizing properties that leaves skin feeling nourished and hydrated. Vitamin E works as a natural emollient, forming a protective barrier on the skin's surface.
Our Green Tea + Aloe SkinCalm Sheet Mask is an excellent choice for all skin types, especially dry, inflamed and environmentally damaged skin. With a nourishing combination of green tea, marine collagen and Vitamin E, this sheet mask offers intense hydration and essential antioxidants to neutralize free radicals.
>>> At Home Hydration Tips: When skin is drying out or flaking, make sure to drink water, at least 8-10 glasses of water a day to keep skin hydrated. Also, try running a humidifier, which will add moisture into the air. When air is too dry, it will cause the skin to flake. Avoid scratching dry and flaking skin, because you can tear the skin, and worsen the situation. Don’t bathe or shower too often, and pat dry as opposed to briskly drying. Avoid using hot water, and rough clothing that can irritate the skin. Finally, avoid sitting in direct exposure to a heating source (fireplace, heater, hot pad, etc).<<<
In closing folks, treat your skin gently, as if it were precious. Because it is! Indulge yourself in a healing at-home facial and for an added treat, use one of serum rich collagen sheet masks, a great on-the-go solution for treating the skin to added moisture! Remember, the skin we’re in is the only one we’ve got! So protect it, nourish it and cherish it!