Tips for Dry Skin

Did you know that beauty comes from within? Eating right, using food supplements, and finding a balanced lifestyle can contribute to good skin health. But it doesn't hurt to give your skin a helping hand by creating a skincare routine and avoiding things that dry out and damage it. This is especially important if you have dry skin.

The skin is one of the body's most important and largest organs. An adult is covered by around 2 square metres of skin, weighing approximately 18 kilograms. The skin consists of three layers: the epidermis, which is made up of living and dead skin cells that are constantly regenerating; the dermis, the second layer, which contains collagen fibres that hold the skin together and keep it supple; and finally, the subcutis, which is mostly fatty tissue that retains heat and protects the body. The primary role of skincare products is to moisturise and treat the epidermis, supplying nutrients to help the dermis maintain its normal function.

And remember to take care of your skin – it's the face you show to the world.

Create a skincare routine for dry skin

For better skin health, we recommend creating a three-step skincare routine to follow both morning and evening.

• Cleansing
  A facial wash is the foundation of a good skincare routine. Simply rinsing with water or using hand soap can have the opposite effect and dry out your skin. There are plenty of facial cleansers on the market. Dry skin needs gentle cleansing, preferably with oil-based products.

• Serum
  A serum moisturises the skin and works deeply. It acts as a catalyst for your other skincare products. You can also incorporate a toner into your routine to remove dirt and makeup residue. If you have dry skin, avoid alcohol-based toners as they will dry it out further.

• Moisturising
  Finally, moisturise your skin with a rich cream that locks in moisture. Dry skin can easily become flaky and tight, especially during the winter months. A rich, preferably oil-based, cream moisturises the skin's surface and seals in the moisture provided by your serum.

How often should you shower

There's no set rule for how often you must shower, and not everyone needs to shower daily. This is especially true if you have dry skin, in which case showering every other day might be enough, as daily showers can be drying. If you're very active or produce a lot of body odour, you may need to shower every day. Avoid showering in very hot water; cool or lukewarm water helps to preserve the body's natural oils. Don't use shower gels containing alcohol, as they dry out the skin. Your face is sensitive, so avoid washing it in the shower. Instead, wash it at the sink with cool water. Long showers also dry out the skin, so try to limit your time.

Food supplements for the skin

There are many food supplements that contribute to good skin health from within. Some nutrients you get from your diet, while others, like vitamin D, the body can produce itself. However, there are certain substances the body needs but cannot make on its own. The body cannot produce essential fatty acids; these must be obtained through food. The right balance of fatty acids nourishes the skin and helps to improve its firmness. Vitamin C contributes to the normal formation of collagen, an important component of the skin. Zinc is a mineral that is important for maintaining normal skin and helps protect cells from oxidative stress.

Stress and lack of sleep can affect the skin

Stress and insufficient sleep indirectly affect the skin because the body doesn't have time to carry out the natural processes that occur during sleep. It's while you sleep that the body processes nutrients and eliminates toxins. Too little sleep can also disrupt your hormonal balance. The skin is made up of collagen fibres, and a lack of sleep can reduce collagen production. Stress increases cortisol levels in the body, which affects sebum production. Cracks at the corners of the mouth can be a sign of a vitamin deficiency; a lack of Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid), Vitamin B12, or an iron deficiency can be exacerbated by stress. Stress can also trigger flare-ups of skin conditions like Herpes, Rosacea, and eczema. Lifestyle choices such as smoking and alcohol can, of course, also negatively impact skin health.

Is drinking water good for the skin?

Since the 1980s, there has been a myth in the beauty industry that water makes your skin more beautiful. However, there is no scientific evidence to suggest that drinking water enhances your beauty from the inside out. That said, maintaining a normal fluid balance is important for the body. You can't drink your way out of dry skin, but if your body becomes dehydrated, skin elasticity decreases. This is primarily related to medical conditions, as most people drink enough water in their daily lives. 1.5-2 litres of water per day is sufficient for a normal lifestyle. If it's hot and you're sweating a lot, or if you're exerting yourself through sports or hard physical work, it's important to maintain a normal hydration level. You can do this by continuously drinking fluids throughout the day or during the activity. The body cannot 'load up' on water by drinking large amounts just before exertion; the excess will simply be passed through urine.

Sun and Vitamin D

The sun's rays are wonderful for the skin, especially after a long, dark winter when the body craves warmth and Vitamin D. From March to October, those of us living in Scandinavia can get enough sun exposure for the body to produce Vitamin D. Just fifteen minutes of sun on your face and hands can be enough for the body to produce its daily requirement of Vitamin D. During the rest of the year, it can be a good idea to supplement with a food supplement, which is especially important if you live at northern latitudes.

Be careful in the sun

Excessive sun exposure is not good for you. It can lead to premature skin ageing, loss of elasticity, and wrinkles. Different skin types have varying levels of sensitivity, but it's always wise to be cautious in the sun. Do not expose your skin to strong sunlight for long periods at a time. Cover your skin with clothing or use sunscreens with a sun protection factor (SPF). This is particularly important at the beginning of the season before your skin has acclimatised, and also in the middle of the day when the sun's rays are at their strongest. In Scandinavia, an SPF of 15 is often sufficient, but if you're going on a sunny holiday abroad, you will likely need a higher SPF. You should reapply sunscreen several times a day, especially after swimming, as some of the protection will wash off.

Beta-carotene is a food supplement that supports the skin when exposed to the sun's rays.

If you get sunburnt

If you get sunburnt, your skin will become red and tight, and after a few days, it may start to peel. It's especially important to let your skin rest. Treat it with a cooling balm, stay in the shade, and avoid direct sunlight on the affected area. In cases of severe sunburn, you should see a doctor.

Sun rash (sun eczema)

Another common issue is sun rash (sun eczema), which appears as small, red, itchy spots or fluid-filled blisters. It is more common in people with fair and sensitive skin. Sun rash often occurs in early spring and summer before the skin has acclimatised, or during sunny holidays abroad. If you get sun rash, you can soothe the symptoms with cooling balms, moisturisers, or wet towels. Over-the-counter creams containing cortisone can help, and if you're bothered by itching, antihistamines used for allergies can reduce the discomfort. Just as with sunburn, it's important to stay out of the sun if you have sun rash. Of course, the best approach is to be cautious and gradually accustom your skin to the heat and strong sun to prevent it from occurring in the first place.

Skincare during winter

Winter puts a lot of stress on the skin, which can easily become drier and more sensitive. It's best to wash your face in the evening to avoid stripping away the skin's protective lipid layer that builds up overnight. Apply a hydrating serum followed by a richer skin cream to lock in moisture. Avoid water-based makeup and beauty products, which can even freeze in winter, and opt for an oil or oil-based products instead. Remember to moisturise your hands with hydrating creams, and don't forget your lips, which are more prone to becoming dry and chapped in winter. Use a nourishing lip balm and avoid mineral oils like paraffin and petroleum, which can be drying and clog pores.