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Your skin type is not uncommon; almost twenty percent of people have dry skin. Luckily, the complexion of your skin has little impact on its dryness. In your case, the skin has difficulty in retaining adequate amounts of moisture. Since skin needs adequate moisture to stay smooth, your skin may feel dry and rough to the touch. As you age, you will find that the dryness may increase. This is because all skin types have a difficulty retaining moisture as the skin ages and dries. If you stay in a colder climate, you will also notice that your skin will loose additional moisture in the cold. In the most severe cases, people with dry skin can develop irritable conditions such as itching, cracking, flaking and uneven skin.
However, you can take a few simple steps that will help you with the proper maintenance and care of your skin. The first step is to make sure your skin is always adequately moisturized. The best way is help your skin retain its natural moisture. An oil-based moisturizer is generally more effective in trapping natural moisture than a water-based one. You should make sure to apply the moisturizer immediately after a bath, while your skin is still wet and hydrated. If you have severely dry skin, you may even consider applying some natural oils, such as sesame oil, before the moisturizer. Always use a separate moisturizer containing sun block for parts of your body that are exposed to the sun's warmth, including the face, neck and arms. The drier your skin, the heavier a moisturizer you need. So if you notice that some parts of your body are drier than others, it makes good sense to get different moisturizers.
In your bath or shower, use warm water since hot water dries the skin. Bathing too often can remove additional natural oils from your skin, so try to manage with one or two short baths a day. Avoid deodorized or harsh soaps since they tend to dry the skin; you can choose any mild soap that contains some moisturizer. Make sure you pat your skin dry rather than scrubbing away the natural oils and moisture. To enjoy a comfortable day, avoid harsh fabrics and use mild laundry products. Finally, remember to take care of your skin from the inside out by paying attention to your diet. Drink adequate water and consult a dermatologist for a healthy diet that can do wonders for your skin, leaving it protected, smooth and supple.
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