Dry skin can be the result of several factors, from the environment you live in to to your age to your diet. And, of course, the beauty products you use can also play a major role. While many hydrating skincare products can help soothe the issue, some products will dry out your skin even more, leading to increased irritation and flakiness.
In order to help you understand which beauty products you should avoid to prevent dry skin, we spoke to dermatologist Elaine Kung, MD FAAD. Kung pointed out two things that will make your skin problems so much worse: exfoliants and “brightening” or “clarifying” products.
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Exfoliants
If you have dry, flaky skin, you may try to get rid of the problem by scrubbing your face with an exfoliant. However, Kung says this is one skincare product those with dry skin should avoid at all costs, whether you use physical exfoliants like beads, wash cloths, and electronic rinsing brushes or chemical exfoliants like BHA toners. She says this will strip the skin of its epidermal layer and "only further break down the skin barrier, which affects the skin's ability to retain moisture." Yikes! We need that moisture!
Kung points out that frequently exfoliating dry skin will also "induce inflammation that can trigger more shedding of skin cells," which is the last thing you want if you're already dealing with a flaky complexion.
You've likely heard that you're not supposed to pop pimples because it will only prolong the problem rather than solving it; Kung says exfoliating dry skin is a similar mistake. "It temporarily makes the skin problem visually look better, but it does nothing to prevent or treat the problem. And, in the long run, will exacerbate the problem." Got it! We'll stay away from the face scrubs, then.
"Clarifying" or "brightening" products
In addition to irritating exfoliates, Kung says people with dry skin should also stay away from skincare products that are labeled as "clarifying" or brightening."
"They will likely contain low concentrations of salicylic acid, ascorbic acid, lemon or citrus peel, and maybe even witch hazel," she warns. These are all ingredients that are known to dry out your skin, so it's best to stay away from cleansers, serums, and masks that contain them.
Finally, there's one more product Kung suggests people with dry skin stay away from: Foaming cleansers. "One thing most consumers aren’t aware of is that foaming cleansers may be a little drying as well," she concludes. Noted!
