Flaky red skin is a common side effect of retinol, too, because it speeds up cell turnover and the skin’s self-exfoliation. Aesthetic doctor and skin expert Dr Ana Mansouri recommends staggering your retinol usage by “starting gently at a strength of 0.25% to 0.3% and slowly working your way up.” Also look for formulas containing niacinamide to offset the dryness.
11. Not going to bed early enough
No joke, your Netflix addiction could be drying out your skin. As entertaining as Succession is or binging sessions of Love Is Blind, limit your episodes and make sure you hit the hay early for the sake of your skin’s rejuvenation.
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.
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.
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 it 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 consequently turn the skin dry and flaky.