Why does your Skin Feel Dry Despite Moisturizing Everyday?

Everybody has a different skin type and skincare routine, but moisturizing your skin is non-negotiable. After all, moisturizer helps keep your skin hydrated and younger-looking. However, many people experience dry skin even if they moisturize. The reason behind it is the product you apply to your skin. Yes, it’s true! Your moisturizers could be the reason for your dry skin. 

Everyone knows applying a moisturizer to your body and face is crucial, but not everyone knows the right way to apply it. In addition, you need to prepare your skin to ensure your skin receives moisture. Also, you need to make sure you’re using the right product specifically designed for your skin type. 

Here are some reasons your skin may feel dry, even after moisturizing.

• Not exfoliating: Dead skin cells build up on the surface of our skin with time due to environmental factors like pollution and our body’s natural process of eliminating cells. As a result, it can give your skin a dry and flaky texture. That’s why it’s best to exfoliate your skin at least once a week to maintain healthy skin. Not only does it help remove dead skin cells, but it also ensures the moisturizer for extremely dry skin penetrates deeper into your skin and has maximum results.

• Using a harsh cleanser: Everybody’s skin produces oil called sebum. While sebum keeps your skin supple, excess or less sebum production can lead to dry or oily skin. Using a moisturizer for dry skin daily ensures the right amount of sebum is produced by your glands. 
• Ingredients: Some moisturizers are made with ingredients that will dry out your skin. Ingredients like coconut oil, mineral oil, propylene glycol, fragrances, synthetic dyes, colorants, parabens, retinol, alcohols, alpha hydroxy acids, petroleum, Astringents, rice flour, and anything with lemon scents are drying for the skin. Avoid these ingredients and instead opt for rich butters, emollients, humectants, and sebaceous oils. 

Cleaning is the first step of every skincare routine. However, it doesn’t mean you can use just any product to cleanse your skin. Some cleansers, especially soap bars and gel-based, are designed to strip the excess oil from your skin. If you already have dry skin, using these cleansers and over-washing will make your skin drier. Gentle foam-based cleansers and oil cleansers are ideal for extremely dry skin.

• Layering your moisturizers: In certain climates and conditions, it’s recommended that you layer your moisturizers. Layering can help double the nourishing ingredients that help hydrate your skin. Oil-based serums can be layered with rich moisturizing creams. Daily Face Creams can be layered with Vitamin C-based balms. There are many options for layering your moisturizers. Layering will help reduce the appearance of dehydrated, dry skin. In addition, make sure you check the expiration date of your products, as your moisturizer will lose its effectiveness if it’s expired.

The Bottom Line

There are many reasons you may be experiencing dry skin even after moisturizing. There are other contributing factors, including not drinking enough water and using very hot water for bathing, etc. So, if you really want to get rid of dry skin, make sure you find the real cause behind it. However, if you think you are using the wrong moisturizer, change your moisturizer immediately. Look for a moisturizer with highly nourishing ingredients and avoid the above mentioned ingredients. Also, try layering your moisturizers. If you are not sure what is causing your skin to be dry, contact a skincare professional.