Despite our love for the Brazilian sun and warm, sandy beaches, we hold a great deal of fondness for winter – from cozying up by the fire to holiday cheer to yummy, cashmere sweaters. But, with these chilly-weather highs also come a few lows. Most notably, dry, itchy skin that frustratingly hampers our luminous glow. Well, we’re here to help you turn up the brightness. Here, get the downlow on what exactly dry skin is, plus several tips (and a few products) to help banish it through beach season.
What Is Dry Skin?
It may come as a surprise that dry skin is considered a skin condition. Don’t worry, though. Most people who suffer from it won’t have to ring up their doctor. So how does this condition occur? Winter air is typically super dry, without much moisture. Humidity is replaced by dry winds, while inside, our heating systems are pumping out dry air. When there isn’t moisture in the air, there won’t be any readily available for your skin. This causes flakiness, tightness and itchiness.
What causes dry skin?
We can’t place the blame entirely on winter, though. There are a few other causes of dry skin that may not relate to colder weather.
- Hot showers or baths
- Harsh detergents or soaps
- Other skin conditions like psoriasis or eczema
- Swimming pools – specifically chlorine
What's the best skincare routine for dry skin?
If you suffer from dry skin, the best thing to do is create a flake-fighting routine. An effective one doesn’t just start and end with removing dry skin. Here, we lay out steps for getting back your glow.
Exfoliate
Flaky skin will stay flaky without exfoliation. This important step is how to get rid of dead skin on your body. Once it’s removed, then fresh skin can shine with the proper moisturization.
You can choose to buff your skin with a chemical or physical exfoliator, like Bum Bum Body Scrub, which lifts away flakes with a blend of crushed cupuaçu seeds, sugar crystals, caffeine-rich guaraná and coconut oil. Chemical exfoliants like those found in Bom Dia Body Bright™ Cream use 10% AHA & BHA to retexturize skin and target rough, bumpy patches.
Exfoliation doesn’t need to be part of your daily routine. Make it a weekly habit and give your skin time to rest and regenerate between sessions. In practically no time, you’ll notice a difference in your skin’s complexion and texture.
Moisturize
Perhaps one of the most important dry skin treatments is an ultra-hydrating moisturizer. After cleaning and opening pores, and then removing dry skin, the next step is to lock in all of that missing moisture. Instead of a lotion, look for a thick, nourishing cream like Coco Cabana™ Cream to do the trick.
Drink Plenty Of Water
One of the healthiest dry skin remedies is to hydrate from the inside and out. We’re talking drinking lots and lots of water. Try to meet your eight glasses a day quota to rev up your skin’s natural cell turnover.
What To Avoid If You Have Dry Skin
If you’re wondering how to fix dry skin outside of the winter months, then there are a few environmental factors to consider. Here, find what may be causing year-round flaky skin.
Having Hot Showers And Bath
As you know by now, heat removes moisture from skin. This means showering and bathing in hot water can be a dry skin culprit. Here’s what you can do to keep skin hydrated while still enjoying your usual shower or bath.
- Limit bathing or showering to 10 minutes
- Keep the door closed to keep humidity in
- Use an extra hydrating cleanser like Coco Cabana™ Moisturizing Body Cream-Cleanser
- Use warm water only
- Avoid rubbing with a towel and instead, pat yourself dry
- Moisturize while skin is still slightly damp to allow the cream to lock in hydration
Using Irritating Fabrics And Laundry Detergent
Dry skin can be easily irritated by rough fabrics like wool. Instead, try wearing cotton, silk or other soft materials that are not so heavy. Laundry detergents also contain chemicals that can cause itchiness. If this is an issue for you, then wash clothes with a hypoallergenic version.
Using Harsh Skincare Products
If you’re experiencing dry skin on your hands or face, then there are few product ingredients worth avoiding. When it comes to hands, the alcohol commonly found in hand sanitizer can turn them dull and dry. Opt for a natural, nourishing version and then get into the habit of moisturizing hands with Brazilian Touch™ Hand Cream.
If you’re dealing with dry skin on your face, then the first thing to do is audit your skincare routine. Check for any products containing retinoids and limit your usage of them. While they are wrinkle-warriors, they’re also a strong exfoliant that “may cause extra dryness during the winter.”
Not Showering After A Swim
Chlorine is one of the most overlooked causes of dry skin. It’s best to rinse off with water and mild soap like Brazilian 4 Play Moisturizing Shower Cream-Gel as soon as you’re finished with a swim. Follow up with Brazilian Bum Bum Cream to lock in moisture and prevent future dryness.
