Dry Skin SOS: Understanding the Causes, Symptoms & Treatments

Who says dry skin is just a minor issue? If left untreated, severe dry skin can lead to long-term skin damage that is far worse than you might think! Whether it’s flaky skin, makeup not adhering, premature aging, or even the onset of wrinkles—these problems can all arise. That’s why it’s important to recognize the warning signs and understand the levels of skin dryness. This way, you can take the necessary steps to properly care for your skin and restore its moisture for a healthier look.

Dry skin can be caused by several factors such as genetics, weather, age, unsuitable skincare products, or a lack of proper skin care. The levels of skin dryness can be categorized into three stages:

What Causes Dry Skin?

Dry skin can be caused by several factors such as genetics, weather, age, unsuitable skincare products, or a lack of proper skin care. The levels of skin dryness can be categorized into three stages:

Mild Dry Skin

Typically, you will feel tightness in your skin after washing your face, especially in the morning. However, your skin will return to normal after applying moisturizer. This level of dryness is generally easy to treat, and the skin can quickly become hydrated again.

Moderate Dry Skin

You may start to feel tightness after washing your face, and even after applying moisturizer, some tightness may remain. Skin at this stage often feels rough and noticeably lacks moisture.

Severe Dry Skin

The skin feels tight all the time, and even after applying moisturizer, it may not feel hydrated. Skin in this condition may itch, flake, and become easily irritated, often accompanied by redness.

Warning Signs of Extremely Dry Skin

How do you know when your skin is sending warning signals? Look for these signs, as they may indicate that your skin is extremely dry and requires special attention!

Flaky Skin: If your skin starts to flake or crack, it’s a sign that your skin is severely lacking moisture

Itchy, Irritated Skin: Persistent itchiness and irritation can be a sign that your dry skin is causing irritation.

Redness or Swelling: Redness or swelling could indicate inflammation, which may result from dry, cracked skin.

Makeup Not Adhering: Severely dry skin can cause makeup to not adhere properly, as the surface of the skin becomes rough and uneven.

How to Fix Severe Dry Skin

Even though dry skin might seem like a minor issue, if left untreated, severe dry skin can cause much more long-term damage than expected. If you don’t want your skin to suffer from these problems, take action to care for your skin both inside and out by following these steps:

Drink enough water: Staying hydrated by drinking sufficient water helps the body maintain skin moisture.
Eat foods rich in vitamins and skin-nourishing nutrients: Nutrients like Vitamin E and Omega-3 help increase skin hydration.
Use skincare products that contain hydrating ingredients: For instance, using a hyaluronic acid serum can help replenish moisture in your skin, effectively restoring dry skin and reducing flakiness and cracking.

It’s clear that regular skincare is essential, especially when it comes to maintaining skin hydration. Using products containing hyaluronic acid, a powerful hydrating ingredient, helps the skin retain moisture and restore a naturally plump and radiant appearance.