In my 7+ years of being in the medical skincare world, I'm constantly asked "What is best for my (dry, oily, or combination) skin type?" So I'm going to create a separate post for each type and break down what you should, and should Never be doing to your skin. Today's post: dry to normal skin.
This skin type is easy for me because I fit in this category! Everything on me is dry.. my hair, skin, and nail beds. I constantly feel like I didn't put enough lotion on. I'm not going to go into much detail on what I use since I've already written a makeup + skincare current favorites post, as well as an everyday makeup routine post that has those listed if you're interested. Instead, I'm going to list out what you should be avoiding to hopefully help you achieve the skin you've always wanted. I've created this list in order from before you ever get to your skincare or makeup routine.
1. Taking really hot + long showers
This No-No is not the easiest to avoid if you're anything like me and loveee a super hot shower or bath. Justin always jokes and says he can't shower with me because my temperature preference scalds him. But really, always taking long hot showers (over 10 minutes) can really dry out your skin, and its definitely not good for your face if you're washing it under the shower head either. Try to slowly lower the water temperature over a few weeks until you've adjusted to a warm shower. If you don't want to do that, then try to just shorter your stay and save your face washing for the sink.
2. Over Exfoliating
This one right here is a major reason a lot of my clients are always saying they feel flaky or even sensitive whereas they didn't use to before. Just like when your hairdresser tells you not to wash your hair everyday because it strips it of its natural oils, the same goes for your skin. Yes, you should cleanse your face every night and rid any makeup or debris from the day'a events. But that doesn't mean you need to exfoliate that often. When you over exfoliate, your skin starts to think it's not producing enough oil. Therefore 2 things will happen- either you end up flaky because the oil production can't keep up, or it starts to over produce and you begin to have oily patches. You should limit exfoliating to 1-3x a week max. This also includes any cleansers with beads or any type of chemical exfoliant like Gylcolic or Retinol. THIS is my favorite manual exfoliate for dry skin, and THIS is my favorite chemical one. You can also use a rotating brush like this one, or a cheaper version here.
3. Not Moisturizing
I would hope anyone with dry skin would know to moisturize to help with dryness, but are you really using one for your skin type specifically? I'm constantly trying new products to keep my clients up to date with what's best on the market, as well as keeping my skin as best as it can be. I joke with the girls that are in high school and college that I do their hair coloring that they better be wearing SPF and an eye cream daily. They always think I'm crazy, but what I'm getting at it that you don't need to wait until your 35 or 40 to really start investing in your skin! It needs to start when you're 16/18 years old. It's so much easier to prevent than it is to repair. So invest in a good moisturizer and eye cream, you'll thank me when you're 60 and looking 40! Try any of these options that hit every budget. Options #ONE #TWO #THREE
4. Using products with alcohol
It's going to be pretty hard to find a good cleanser or body wash that doesn't have alcohol in it. But do be mindful that having a lot of it will probably do more harm than it does good, especially for dry skin folks. Here are a few options..
Cleansers: Neutrogena or Clinique
Toners: Benefit
5. Using powders without moisture
Typically when I have a client with dry skin and I'm going to do their makeup, I tend to go with liquid foundation. This way I know throughout the day, if they start to dry out, the liquid will help keep some moisture locked in. But then again, in my last beauty post I told you I use powder foundation and now you know I have dry skin. So now what? Well my trick to being able to use the powder is moisture, moisture, moisture! I use an eye cream, moisturizer, and a creamy concealer blended in before I apply any powder. This way not only does the powder have something to stick to, but there's no chance of it looking dry or flaking because the layers underneath it. So test both options out on your skin and let me know what you think! Here's a few key items for this No-No…
Eye Cream: Charlotte Tilbury or Tatcha
Skin Mist: Tatcha & Mac Fix+ Prep and Prime
Skin Oil: Tatcha (ordered this weekend!) or Farsali (used for years, need to get some more!)
Be on the look out for the other skin type No-No's coming soon! Hope this helps!
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