This type of skin lacks
both sebum and moisture. It looks fine textured, transparent, patchy and
fragile. Dry skin flakes and chaps easily in comparison to other skin types.
Tiny expression lines may be obvious.
You should avoid harsh soaps, to
prevent loss of natural oils, and exposure to sun and air-conditioners which rob
the skin of its remaining water content. Cleanse and moisturise twice daily with a
rich moisturizer and exfoliating weekly with a good exfoliator is also important to
rid the face of the dead skin cells which cause flaky, itchy, dull and
lifeless looking skin.
Aim for a comfortable level of humidity in your home or office. Too much heat or too much air-conditioning can rob your skin of moisture.
Most importantly, remember the basics! Drink at least eight glasses of water a
day to keep skin well hydrated; eat a high-quality diet rich in fruits and
vegetables; and limit sun exposure.
You should wash your face no more than twice a day with a gentle
cleanser, formulated for dryskin. Washing more often can dry your
skin.
Take short baths or showers and use warm rather than hot
water. Try to limit showers and baths to once per day. Use soap only where you
need it, such as on your underarms and groin.
Pat your skin dry after washing and avoid rubbing yourself dry
with a towel which can whisk away the essential oils needed for
moisture.
Apply a moisturizer while your skin is still damp. Remember, when choosing a moisturizer, less is often more when it
comes to the ingredient list.
Understand that moisturizers contain barriers, which keep
water on the skin, and water binders, which whisk moisture from the inner layer
of skin to the top layer. You have a choice of hundreds of products and while a skin care professional can advise you on your specific needs, trial and error will still probably be your best bet in finding the product that's
right for you.