The Ultimate Skincare Routine For Dry & Dehydrated Skin

Dry skin is more sensitive and hard to care for than other skin types. The lack of moisture weakens the skin’s resilience to external factors and it is therefore more prone to damage. The upcoming winter is not the kindest to those with dry skin as it intensifies the dryness even more. What then is the best dehydrated skin care routine? Let's read about the dry skincare routine you had been looking for.

What is the difference between dry and dehydrated skin?

Dry skin is  a skin type and can be identified easily. You’ll notice flaky or peeling skin, white patches, cracks and even a mild burning, itchy sensation. This kind of skin is also susceptible to infections and must be treated immediately. Dehydrated skin is due to lack of moisture and can be corrected with creams, face and body oils etc. Even people with oily skin can sometimes have dehydrated skin.

What is this reason that some people have dry skin and others don't? There’s an answer in Ayurveda.

Dry skin and Ayurveda

Ayurveda is an Indian medical tradition that dates back to thousands of years. In Ayurveda, there are three doshas, or imbalances: vata, pitta, and kapha. The natural elements( ether, air, fire, water, and earth) make up these three doshas. The five elements and all three doshas are present in everything that is alive. But each living thing has a particular combination of the elements, and thus, the doshas.The increased air and ether in our body and our natural environment is the main cause of dry skin. This imbalance is called the Vata dosha as per ayurveda. 

Additionally, the doshas and the elements are always shifting along with the pace of the natural world. For instance, components of water and earth ( kapha dosha) are most prevalent in the springtime. The pitta dosha rises to the fore in the summer when fire is at its greatest. Fall and winter are regarded as the vata seasons because air and ether become the predominant elements. Hence it is essential to follow a daily skin care routine for dry skin to keep your skin healthy and happy.

Other than the external factors, dry skin can be caused due to many underlying health conditions such as dehydration, diabetes, kidney issues and certain nutrient deficiencies (for which it is better to consult an expert)

Tips for dry skin

1. Invest in a humidifier

A humidifier is a life saver for your skin, especially in winter. You can set it at about 60%, which should be enough to replenish the moisture in your skin's top layer.

2. Avoid long baths and hot water showers

Limit your shower time to 5-10 minutes everyday to keep your skin’s natural moisture and oils intact. Also avoid using hot water as it strips off your skin’s moisture more easily than normal or lukewarm water.

3. Use moisturising cleansers

Follow the best skincare routine for dry skin, which starts with choosing a face wash. Either avoid using soaps completely or choose cleansers that have moisturisers in them and are devoid of any alcohol, artificial fragrances, and chemicals.

Try Kama Ayurveda Rose and Jasmine Cleanser

4. Avoid frequent physical exfoliation

Avoid using washcloths, scrub brushes, and bath sponges on your skin to prevent damage or minimize the usage to once or twice a week. Make sure to be gentle with them if you don't want to completely give them up. For the same reason, pat or blot the skin dry with a towel rather than rubbing it.

5. Moisturise immediately after shower

To seal in the moisture in your skin cells, apply moisturiser or oil immediately after taking a bath while the skin is still damp: this small change goes a really long way in keeping your skin soft and hydrated throughout the day.

Abhyangam: The secret to Healthy Skin

The components of air and ether have the power to produce amazing beauty, but when they are in excess (as they tend to be during the winter), they can also lead to depletion and dryness. There may be excessive dryness of the skin and digestive system (think constipation, gas and bloating), anxiety, and even insomnia.

According to Ayurveda, we need to balance out the agitated natural forces. Because these attributes are strongest in the fall and winter, we must try to warm, and ground our bodies every day with the help of simple rituals. One such daily ritual is abhyangam.

Abhyangam or the art and practice of oiling is a secret weapon recommended by Ayurveda for treating dry, dehydrate skin in the long run. Oiling gives your skin the tender love and caring it needs and deserves. The massaging of oil improves blood circulation, reduces stress and deeply relaxes your skin and body. However, the effects of abhyangam also depend on what kind of oil you are using.

Kama Ayurveda Organic Moringa Oil is one of the best oils for dry skin for self-abhyangam or self-massage that you can practice everyday. This deep hydrating oil not only moisturises but also heals the skin damage caused by pollution and stress. Organic Moringa Oil is a lightweight, cold-pressed oil obtained from the seeds of the Moringa Tree. This oil safeguards the skin by stifling free radicals because it is high in antioxidants and vitamins A and E. 

Why should this oil be a part of your dehydrated skin care routine? Here are all the reasons:

1. This highly moisturising oil shields the skin from pollution and other environmental aggressors due to its high oleic acid content.
2. When applied frequently, the oil increases the skin's collagen production.
3. It shields the skin from environmental harm and detoxifies it.
4. Moringa oil has anti-inflammatory properties and is rich in antioxidants.
5. It imparts a healthy glow to the skin while deeply hydrating it.

Dry Skincare Routine

A basic CTM set is the best skincare routine for dry skin but you can add an extra dose of hydrating using serums and facial oils, to keep the natural moisture of your skin intact. However, you must be mindful of the ingredients that your daily products are made of because some of them can irritate your skin further, if not chosen carefully. Here’s how you can build the routine for the best skin care for dry skin:

Cleanser

Look for a cleanser that has a non-foaming formula, is hypoallergenic, and has no alcohol, chemicals, or artificial perfumes. Additionally, you should stay away from antibacterial soaps and cleansers that contain exfoliants like salicylic or glycolic acid because they can all dry out the skin. You must choose an all-natural cleanser with a moisturising base and natural humectants like honey, aloe vera, milk, glycerin etc. You could also try a cleansing oil which hydrates the skin while breaking down the dirt and dead skin off your pores.

Toner

Choose toners that are nourishing, moisturising and alcohol-free if you have dry skin. Pay attention to goods with peptides, glycolipids, rosehip oil, or jojoba oil that tone your skin naturally with no side effects. You can also go for safe, natural toners such as rose water that are gentle on your skin.

Face Serum

While choosing a face serum for dry skin, look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, antioxidants, vitamin B, and plant-based active ingredients. Serums are a great way to deliver nutrients to your skin in their most concentrated form, without the weight and grease of heavy creams and moisturisers.

Moisturiser

It is often a misconception that you can substitute a moisturiser with a face serum. However, a face serum should always be used in addition to the moisturiser, not in place of it. Choose an all natural face cream or moisturiser with bases like oils and plant butters for proper hydration.

Facial oil

If you have extremely dry skin, you can amp up the hydration with the help of a natural face oil. Kama Ayurveda Hydrating & Replenishing Urjasara Oil  will restore lost moisture and strengthen your skin’s natural barrier to keep moisture from escaping. It is clinically tested to make skin more moisturised, improve skin tone and enhance its texture. The antioxidant-rich Sesame Oil forms its hydrating base and is power-packed with Vitamin A and E that keeps the skin hydrated, soft, and supple.

Apart from this, you can also opt for night cream or overnight face mask for additional hydration and healing. Additionally, apply a hydrating face pack once a week to deeply nourish your skin and keep it healthy in the long run. 

Try Kumkumadi Rejuvenating & Brightening Night Cream

So now you know the best skincare routine for dry skin that you must follow in the upcoming winter season!

Sources

https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/a-z/dry-skin-symptoms

https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/9-ways-to-banish-dry-skin

https://www.self.com/story/hydrating-skin-care-ingredients

https://skinkraft.com/blogs/articles/skin-care-routine-for-dry-skin

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/312342256_Pathway_to_Dry_Skin_Prevention_and_Treatment