How to clean dry skin
So many things change when you're pregnant! Your body changes, your mood changes (except for you of course :) and your skin changes. And let's not start with the changes that are waiting for you when the baby arrives. The changes in your skin can be very welcome for those who are lucky enough to have the Pregnancy Glow that everyone is talking about. But if that's not in your cards and you have dry flaky skin and maybe never had to deal with that before, you have to reinvent your skincare routine. And here's where we come in to help! Below, you will find tips for those with dry skin should consider following. Because yes, it takes more than just a moisturizer to take care of dry skin.
1 Adapt your routine to your skin type
It turns out that washing your face isn’t actually that simple when you have dry skin. Use the wrong products and you could be wrecking your skin and making it drier than it ever. The balance between cleaning too much or too little is close and different for everyone. The first step is to find out what works best for you. You can compare it to doing laundry. One item comes out of the washing machine as new and another one you can throw away after washing it at 40 degrees. So start by looking at your own skin and find out if your skin is like a silk blouse or like that great pair of jeans. And don't forget to look at what causes the stains ;)
2 What products to use for a daily cleanse
The most important change you can make is also the most obvious: switch out your cleanser for one best suited for dry skin types. Preferably only use a mild cleanser in the evening that you rinse off with water and that does not or hardly foam. A milky product to which oil has been added is most suitable for your skin. I advise you to clean your skin as little as possible. In the morning it is enough if you rinse your skin with water. But be aware that the water is not too hot. When you turn the temperature up too high and wash off in hot water, this can strip your skin of essential oils, which can cause it to feel drier. That’s why it’s prudent to make the switch to rinsing in lukewarm water, also when you take a shower or a bath. Limiting your time in the shower or bath to 5 or 10 minutes is also recommended. Immediately after washing, smear a good moisturizer on your face with soothing and barrier-repairing ingredients, preferably if your skin is still moist.
3 Cleaning with oils
If your skin remains very dry and sensitive and not responds well to washing, you can also clean your face with oils that are fragrance-free. It may sound crazy, but the right oils dissolve dirt and bacteria without drying out your skin. You can massage the oil into your skin and remove the remains by rinsing with a little lukewarm water or a mild cleanser. You can also mix a little oil through your cleaning product. Rice, jojoba, and camellia oil are very suitable for this because they are not too greasy. These oils also remove your waterproof make-up perfectly and will leave your skin feeling soft, supple, and (most importantly) moisturized instead of stripped dry.
4 Should you exfoliate dry skin?
The answer is "yes". Exfoliation is important for dry or flaky skin. Dead skin cells can build up on the surface of your skin, causing it to look dull. Exfoliation can help slough off the buildup. Pay attention to how your skin responds to figure out how often you should exfoliate your dry skin. Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) are considered safe to use during pregnancy but can be a little too harsh to use, especially if you're prone to irritation because of your dry skin. If you're looking to get the same benefits but wanting something a whole lot gentler on your skin, we think we've found the answer. Say hello to Lactobionic Acid!
Lactobionic acid is a Polyhydroxy Acid (PHA) which is the next generation of AHAs, and also acts as an exfoliant. As Lactobionic is a larger molecule than AHA, it will not penetrate the skin as deep and thus is considered less irritating. This makes it perfect for those with dry sensitive skin who are prone to irritation. Another great benefit is that Lactobionic acid works as a great humectant that helps hydrate the skin and keep it plump. This makes Lactobionic acid the key choice for very dehydrated, parched, and dry skin types. With continued use over time, your skin will look smoother and glowing.
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