Understanding Your Skin Type: Dry Skin Care Tips

Understanding your skin type is the first step to really knowing how to care for it. Is your skin dry? Take this informal dry skin care quiz.

-Are fine lines and wrinkles showing up way earlier than they should? (Especially around your eyes and mouth?)

-Does your skin tend to appear flaky or"ashy" looking?

-Do you have a hard time finding a foundation make-up that goes on smoothly, or do you avoid it completely because it just looks "cakey"?

-Do you have what a friend of mine calls a "cosmetics graveyard" under your sink? - because you just know that one day you'll find that perfect lotion or potion that will fix your dry skin problem.

-Do you find yourself reaching for the lotion several times a day to tame the feeling that you're wearing a wool sweater, in July?

If you answered "Yes" to most of these then you could be the proud owner of dry skin. And since you know about it, now you can do something about it.

One of the most important dry skin care tips is to seal the moisture in. You need to create a barrier to hold your own moisture in your skin. Start with your daily shower or bath. Keep the water warm, not hot.

You are not a lobster (although if the water is too hot, believe me you'll look like one). When you're done pat, don't rub your skin dry. Then, while your skin is still moist, apply a good lotion.

Don't be afraid to use a lotion that has some oils in it. For example, almond oil, coconut or avocado oils are wonderful natural oils that will smooth and soften dry skin.

The skin on your face gets more exposure to the elements than anything else. All day you're exposed to the sun, smoke, pollution, forced-air heat in the winter and air-conditioning in the summer. Your poor skin is practically begging for relief. Let's give it some.

Just like fitting a piece in a puzzle, understanding your skin type will make it easier to find the right moisturizer for you.

Products for dry skin used to feel heavy and greasy. Not anymore. Some products made today contain natural Ayurvedic plant extracts like licorice and winter cherry that protect against free radical damage and add moisture, all while preventing moisture from being lost.

Another important dry skin care tip is to use an exfoliator. Keeping your skin moisturized will be much easier and have better results if you get rid of the dead, dry surface skin cells. Sugar and salt scrubs work great for your body. For your face use a light scrub or peel. Always apply and remove gently. There's no need to pull or tug your skin.

My hope is that by understanding your skin type and and using products made especially for your dry skin, you will have many years of a beautiful, healthy complexion.

You truly can have your best skin ever. For answers to any additional questions you may have about your skin Contact Us by clicking here.