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New Year’s resolutions are all about planning, committing, and sticking to new goals. These goals usually revolve around lifestyle habits, from fitness goals to eating plans. But at the top of many resolution lists are also skin-care habits, small daily activities that get you closer to your goals of glowing, radiant skin. Before you write about which cream to buy or change your skin care regimen, you need to identify if there are any misconceptions you may be harboring. As you enter the new year, it’s important to separate the skin care myths from the facts.
Also read: Dietitians tell what to eat to prevent dry skin in winter: Chia seeds, bananas and more
HT Lifestyle contacted Dr Soujanya Dhulipala, consultant dermatologist at ADCS Clinic, who explained that there is more to dry skin than just a problem of hydration. In fact, she points out that dry skin is one of the most common skin care concerns, especially in cold weather or areas with dry air.
Here are the 6 myths he dispelled:
1. Dry skin means you don’t drink enough water
The first misconception pointed out by dermatologists is that drinking more water will cure dry skin. While hydration is important, it does not mean that the skin will become soft and well hydrated.
The dermatologist explained, “The outer layer of the skin, the stratum corneum, is more dependent on the barrier that surrounds it than on the hydration level inside the body. When the barrier is broken, moisture leaks out, even if you’re drinking lots of water.”
So what is the solution? Dr. Dhulipala suggests adopting barrier-repairing products and treatments that will restore and replenish lipids as well as natural moisturizing factors.
2. Oily skin cannot be dry
Oily skin may seem like the exact opposite of dry skin, but in reality, skin types aren’t so black and white. Dr. Dhulipala explains how and why two skin types can exist together.
,“Skin can be simultaneously oily and dry, especially when harsh cleansers and exfoliants are used, which strip away essential oils from the skin, and compensate for this by producing more sebum even when there is a lack of moisture,” she adds. “This combination usually results in skin irritation and hair breakage.”
This problem can be solved with the help of some products. The dermatologist said, “Use gentle cleansers and moisturizers that will restore the skin’s lipid barrier, which will help with oil secretion and hydration, leaving the skin balanced with both oil and water content.,
3. Heavier creams always work better
You may think that heavier creams work better and help retain moisture, but dermatologists warn that they may not be effective if the skin barrier is already damaged. Simply applying layers of thick moisturizer will not solve the underlying problem.
,The goal should be to rebuild the skin’s structure using barrier-repairing ingredients and targeted treatments, which can be done by following a routine and using skin care products containing ceramides, hyaluronic acid and antioxidants, as they help strengthen the skin’s natural protective barrier,” she suggests for an option that actually works.
4. Dry skin is only a winter problem
Many people believe that skin dryness only occurs during the colder months. But the dermatologist revealed that it actually lasts all year round and is not seasonal in nature.
She shared the various causes of dry skin that make it a problem throughout the year, “Be it air pollution, sun rays, or even air-conditioned rooms, they are one of the main contributors to skin damage during all seasons. Even in humid environments, the skin can become dehydrated if the skin’s protective layer is compromised.
What can you do to protect your skin and get nice, smooth skin? Dr. Dhulipala shares that following a regular skin care regimen, which includes antioxidants, SPF, and restorative ingredients, helps keep the skin balanced throughout the year, in all seasons.
5. Exfoliation makes dryness worse
Often, many people might have heard that exfoliation makes dry skin worse. But let’s not dismiss exfoliation altogether. Dr. Dhulipala explains that proper exfoliation, when done correctly, helps remove dead skin cells that get in the way of moisturizer absorption. The real issue lies in excessive exfoliating or using strong, harsh ingredients.
She recommends these ingredients and treatments: “Some gentle exfoliants, such as mild chemical exfoliants or enzyme-based, support the renewal process of skin cells and do not strip the skin of its natural moisture.,
She further highlights some of the key treatments, “When alternated with collagen remodeling treatments like Alma Hybrid with gentle exfoliating products, one can actually tighten the skin from within and maintain hydration.,
6. Dry skin is permanent
The last myth on this list is the belief that dry skin can be permanent, which causes people with dry skin to become frustrated because they just have to live with it. But it is not so because there is a ray of hope in it. The dermatologist explained that chronic dry skin is not permanent. He revealed that with proper skin care and professional treatment, the skin’s natural ability to retain moisture and repair its barrier can be restored.
Dr. Dhulipala highlights that improvement depends on the following three key steps: strengthening the skin barrier, keeping the skin hydrated, and supporting collagen synthesis.
Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions you may have about a medical condition.
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