5 Myths About Dry Skin
It’s not just about putting on the thickest cream and hoping for the best. ( Photo: quinn.anya / VisualHunt.com)

The first instinct when dealing with dry skin is to slather it with the most emollient cream you can find, but the truth is, it could end up doing more harm than good. Here are the most common myths surrounding dry skin and how you can hydrate them.

Myth #1: You shouldn’t exfoliate dry skin.

When skin is dry and flaky, creams and moisturisers aren’t able to penetrate it to deliver hydration where it needs most. Gentle exfoliation will buff away dead skin cells and make it easier for skin to soak up nourishing ingredients from your skincare regimen.

Myth #2: The more you moisturise, the better.

Dehydrated skin often experiences dry patches and flakes, which can end up clogging pores. When you apply excess moisturiser, these dead skin cells end up sticking to the skin instead of falling off naturally, increasing the chances of pimple outbreaks and clogged pores.

Myth #3: Those with dry skin should drink more water

Dry skin is usually caused by external factors like weather, environment and the products you use. Drinking water won’t replenish skin’s moisture levels and it is up to the use of proper skincare products to nourish and hydrate skin.

Myth #4: The thicker the cream, the more hydrating it is.

While it seems like dry skin may crave a thicker and heavier cream, gel-based formulas might actually do better at hydrating skin. These gel moisturisers are able to penetrate skin faster, and are more comfortable for use in our humid weather.

Myth #5: Hot showers are good for dry skin.

For some of us, hot showers offer comforting solace at the end of the day, but beware of the damage it can cause to your skin. Blood vessels dilate during a hot shower and strips skin of its natural oils, which can lead to even drier skin. Keep the water lukewarm, and limit the time spent in the shower to avoid scaly skin.