How To Identify if You Have Dry Skin and What To Do About It

Dry skin can be uncomfortable and painful, and it can also be a significant insecurity for some people. However, if you’re unsure whether you have dry skin, treating your skin and giving it the care it needs can feel next to impossible. Here, we’ll go over how to identify if you have dry skin and what to do about it.

Dry Versus Dehydrated Skin

Believe it or not, many people who think they have dry skin actually have dehydrated skin. Dehydrated skin often looks dull and creased, and it’s often paired with dark under-eye circles. One way to tell if you have dehydrated skin is to lightly pinch your skin. If it takes a few moments to bounce back into place, your skin is likely dehydrated, and it could probably benefit from a high-quality humectant.

However, dry skin will often have white flakes, redness, and irritation, and it may feel tight after washing. Dry skin, especially in severe cases, requires much more maintenance to regain balance.

Change Your Bath Time Routine

Unfortunately, hot shower–lovers are going to have to sacrifice their warm baths. That’s not to say you’re limited to cold showers, but you’re going to want to turn down the temperature, as overly hot water can strip your skin of its natural oils. In addition, avoid rubbing your skin when you dry off and try to blot-dry instead so that you’re not wiping off your skin’s natural oils. Finally, make sure to put on plenty of moisturizer as soon as you get out of the shower.

Use the Right Skin-Care Products

It’s important to note that dry skin needs the right lotion and other skin-care products, so make sure the ones you choose care for your skin’s barrier. Typically, products with fragrances also contain alcohols and other harsh chemicals that dry out the skin. In addition, you want to make sure your products are labeled “fragrance-free” instead of “unscented,” as “unscented” products often have odor-neutralizing chemicals that also aren’t great for dry, sensitive skin.

Monitor Your Environment

If you can, keep a humidifier in your room to add moisture back into your environment. Also, keep an eye on what products you’re using to wash your clothes, blankets, and sheets. Most of the detergent comes out during the process of washing and drying, but some product is bound to be left over, and it can contain harsh chemicals that dry out the skin.

Knowing how to identify dry skin and what to do about it is a critical step in achieving the glowing skin of your dreams. So moisturize as much as possible, and speak to a health-care professional if you can’t find relief.