Dry skin can be both a ‘skin type’ and a temporary condition. So, don’t be alarmed if you usually have normal, oily or combination skin but find at certain times of the year it can become very dry.
When identifying dry skin, kook out for traits such as your skin becoming irritated easier, a ‘tight’ feeling (especially after washing), a flaky appearance, smaller pores, and a dull-looking appearance.
If your skin has become dry and you’re not sure why then take a look at these 7 common, but a little surprising, causes of dry skin, plus a few skin-quenching products you can try from The Perfume Shop to restore your skin’s natural plumpness and moisture levels.
1. Fragrance
Fragrance, both natural and synthetic, can be found in a variety of products from moisturisers and face masks to scrubs and cleansers. A nice smelling product may be one of the reasons you are attracted to it, but for some people, fragrance can have a negative impact on how their skin feels. If fragranced products are irritating your skin, it can lead to a dry, flaky complexion; try a fragrance-free skincare routine instead!
2. Dry Air
Environmental factors play a big part in reducing the moisture levels in your skin, especially in the winter. When the air outside is cold and dry, the water in your skin evaporates more quickly - this makes your skin feel dry and tight. Protect your skin from the outside elements by wearing clothing that shields you from the weather and ensure you are applying a rich moisturiser every day.
Elizabeth Arden
Eight Hour Cream Intensive Daily Moisturizer
Moisturiser
From
€40.00
3. Over washing your hands
If you have dry, chapped hands it could be caused by over washing them with hard water or using soaps and hand sanitizers which contain a lot of alcohol. Although it is important to keep your hands clean to prevent germs from spreading, if you are over washing them it can strip out all their natural oils. To manage dry hands, regularly use a rich hand cream after washing and protect your hands with gloves when doing chores such as cleaning or gardening.
Scottish Fine Soaps
Au Lait
Hand Cream
From
€16.00
Scottish Fine Soaps
Calluna
Hand Cream
From
€16.00
4. Smoking
We know the many health risks when it comes to smoking, but did you know how bad it can affect your skin? Cigarette smoke contains a mind-blowing concoction of chemicals that can harm the way your skin looks and feels. Lasting effects could include your skin becoming very dry, discoloured and it may start to sag and age quicker too. The only way to prevent this from happening is to start your quitting journey today.
5. Bathing in very hot water
A long hot bath or shower may sound like absolute bliss after a long or stressful day, but if you are doing this on a regularly, you could be doing your skin more damage than good. Exposing your skin to hot water for a long time will strip your skin of its protective oils. We are not saying you need to give up your baths altogether, but instead, run your bath with warm water and pat your skin dry with a soft towel when you get out. You can also try adding a few drops of essential oil to the warm water for added skin hydration.
6. Not drinking enough water
No matter the season, we lose water in our skin every single day. In the summer, we lose moisture mostly through sweating and in the winter dry skin can be caused by artificial indoor heating. Ensure you are drinking plenty of water to keep your hydration levels topped up and your skin looking fresh and healthy.
7. Forgetting your lips
The skin on your lips is very thin and has no oil glands to prevent them from chapping or to provide moisture. This means they can quickly become dry, flaky and in some cases, severely chapped. Gently exfoliate your lips with a toothbrush to remove flaky skin and create a soft, even lip surface. Then, apply a nourishing, moisture-rich lip balm and top up throughout the day.
Dry skin can affect any part of your body. In many cases, lifestyle changes and carefully selected skincare products may be all you need to treat it. If those treatments are not enough, you should contact your doctor.
7 Causes of Dry Skin
Dry skin can be both a ‘skin type’ and a temporary condition. So, don’t be alarmed if you usually have normal, oily or combination skin but find at certain times of the year it can become very dry.
When identifying dry skin, kook out for traits such as your skin becoming irritated easier, a ‘tight’ feeling (especially after washing), a flaky appearance, smaller pores, and a dull-looking appearance.
If your skin has become dry and you’re not sure why then take a look at these 7 common, but a little surprising, causes of dry skin, plus a few skin-quenching products you can try from The Perfume Shop to restore your skin’s natural plumpness and moisture levels.
1. Fragrance
Fragrance, both natural and synthetic, can be found in a variety of products from moisturisers and face masks to scrubs and cleansers. A nice smelling product may be one of the reasons you are attracted to it, but for some people, fragrance can have a negative impact on how their skin feels. If fragranced products are irritating your skin, it can lead to a dry, flaky complexion; try a fragrance-free skincare routine instead!
2. Dry Air
Environmental factors play a big part in reducing the moisture levels in your skin, especially in the winter. When the air outside is cold and dry, the water in your skin evaporates more quickly - this makes your skin feel dry and tight. Protect your skin from the outside elements by wearing clothing that shields you from the weather and ensure you are applying a rich moisturiser every day.
3. Over washing your hands
If you have dry, chapped hands it could be caused by over washing them with hard water or using soaps and hand sanitizers which contain a lot of alcohol. Although it is important to keep your hands clean to prevent germs from spreading, if you are over washing them it can strip out all their natural oils. To manage dry hands, regularly use a rich hand cream after washing and protect your hands with gloves when doing chores such as cleaning or gardening.
4. Smoking
We know the many health risks when it comes to smoking, but did you know how bad it can affect your skin? Cigarette smoke contains a mind-blowing concoction of chemicals that can harm the way your skin looks and feels. Lasting effects could include your skin becoming very dry, discoloured and it may start to sag and age quicker too. The only way to prevent this from happening is to start your quitting journey today.
5. Bathing in very hot water
A long hot bath or shower may sound like absolute bliss after a long or stressful day, but if you are doing this on a regularly, you could be doing your skin more damage than good. Exposing your skin to hot water for a long time will strip your skin of its protective oils. We are not saying you need to give up your baths altogether, but instead, run your bath with warm water and pat your skin dry with a soft towel when you get out. You can also try adding a few drops of essential oil to the warm water for added skin hydration.
6. Not drinking enough water
No matter the season, we lose water in our skin every single day. In the summer, we lose moisture mostly through sweating and in the winter dry skin can be caused by artificial indoor heating. Ensure you are drinking plenty of water to keep your hydration levels topped up and your skin looking fresh and healthy.
7. Forgetting your lips
The skin on your lips is very thin and has no oil glands to prevent them from chapping or to provide moisture. This means they can quickly become dry, flaky and in some cases, severely chapped. Gently exfoliate your lips with a toothbrush to remove flaky skin and create a soft, even lip surface. Then, apply a nourishing, moisture-rich lip balm and top up throughout the day.
Dry skin can affect any part of your body. In many cases, lifestyle changes and carefully selected skincare products may be all you need to treat it. If those treatments are not enough, you should contact your doctor.
Looking for more tips to heal your dry skin?
Explore our 'How to Care for Dry Hands' blog
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