VivaSync

Lack of sleep causes pH levels to drop and skin becomes unable to produce the moisture it needs. “Getting your eight hours a night promotes a healthy lifestyle, enabling your body to rest properly and your skin to repair each day,” says Dora Walsh, Registered Nutritionist at BANT.

“If you’re finding it hard to sleep, you can help your body to drift off by following some key rules,” she continues. “Make sure you don’t eat too late or drink coffee post-lunch or alcohol. And make time to unwind and take a screen break before getting into bed.”

12. Over-washing without moisturising immediately after

Ever since the pandemic (unlocks sad but core memory), we’ve all naturally became accustomed to washing our hands and body more frequently, with many of us opting for harsher, antibacterial products and hand sanitisers laced with high percentages of alcohol.

Granted, washing hands frequently (and despite any particular virus), should be a habit we rightly become accustomed to – just don't forget to moisturise afterwards and, where possible, look for a hand wash and hand sanitiser that also contains hyaluronic acid. Good options include This Works Stress Check Clean Hands and Hand Shield.

This Works Stress Check Clean Hands 60ml

This Works Stress Check Hand Shield

13. Exposure to harsh chemicals

Exposure to harsh chemicals such as chlorine in swimming pools or chemicals in cleaning products can also cause dryness and irritation on the skin because these chemicals can disrupt the natural barrier function of the skin, leading to moisture loss and dryness.

Make sure to use protective clothing and gloves when handling chemicals, and avoiding prolonged exposure to these substances. In the case of unavoidable exposure such as, chlorine in swimming pools, use gentle, moisturising skincare products that can help repair the skin's barrier and replenish moisture loss.

14. Using fragranced products

Fragrance can irritate skin, causing cracked, sore patches to bloom across the body. While synthetic fragrances are often blamed for this reaction, allergic contact dermatitis can also be triggered by essential oils, which, according to skincare expert Paula Begoun, “impart scent through a volatile reaction, which can sensitise the skin.” If this is the case, try Paula's Choice Calm Mineral Moisturizer and Drunk Elephant Lala Retro Whipped Cream, both of which are fragrance free.

Paula's Choice Calm Non-Greasy Moisturiser SPF 30

Drunk Elephanty Lala Retro Whipped Cream

15. Certain medical conditions

Skin issues such as psoriasis and eczema can make your skin more prone to dryness. Seemingly unrelated conditions such as diabetes and lupus can also affect blood circulation to the hands, limbs and other body extremities, which increases the risk of dry, cracked and irritated skin.

If you're worried that your dry skin is the result of something more serious, speak to your GP who can find the most appropriate treatment for you.

16. Certain medications

Medical drugs, as we know, can always carry side effects and dry skin is a relatively common one. Some medications, such as diuretics, antihistamines, and antidepressants, can cause dehydration by increasing urine production or reducing fluid retention in the body, which leads to dehydration and can consequently turn the skin dry and flaky.

Other medications, such as retinoids, isotretinoin, and some chemotherapy drugs, can also affect the skin's natural oil production, which can also lead to dryness. These medications can reduce the production of sebum (the natural oil produced by the skin) – which helps to keep the skin moisturised and protected – so in turn, can make skin dryer.

ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7qLjApqauqp2WtKLGyKecZ5ufY8Kse8aao6Wdoq58pb7YZqqkoZ5iwaq80g%3D%3D