Preventing dry, flaky skin & hair
If the California climate wasn't dry enough, the situation in office gets even worse with the AC & the general dry atmosphere. What are some of the things (diet/ vitamins/ non-steroidal over-the-counters/ humidifiers) you tried, that helped? Creams provide momentary relief (to hands), and face-oils (to the face), but they don't seem nearly enough. My scalp + hair (quantitatively & qualitatively) also suffer. Am tired of feeling & looking parched & flaky, and like a decade older. Will consult a dermatologist, but meanwhile just wanted to solicit inputs from people who may have battled this successfully. For context, early 40s, Indian woman.
You are asking a forum full of men, you are epitome of optimist.
Doesn't hurt to ask. Am sure men face this too, to a certain degree at least.
Water
Do you have a face routine? Go to reddit.com/r/skincareaddiction for advice about a routine. Generally speaking, you want a low PH face cleanser, a toner, any serums you might like, then a good moisturizer. Since youre in a dry climate, having a humidifier in your bedroom can help. Other than that, check your thyroid too If you are using a product with a humectant like hyaluronic acid, then try to apply it when your face is semi damp with water or else it will dry your face more. Then cover your face with a thicker moisturizer to "lock" it in
Thanks, I do. Had good skin before this, back home. Have tried hyaluronic acid based products, but maybe I should check out some more. Currently, I use a cream which is oil-based and has humectant properties (the savior among my skin-care products). Have noted regarding the Thyroid test.
You might benefit from some light chemical exfoliation too. Look into Paulas Choice SKIN PERFECTING 8% AHA exfoliation gel
Find a shampoo that doesn't irritate your scalp. Go to a posh salon and ask them for advice.
Check out MooGoo products, especially their shampoo. Hydraphase range, especially the serum, from La Roche-Posay works well for face.
1. Find a right shampoo. If you have dandruff, you might have some allergy on certain ingredients. 2. Use enough hair treatments after shampoo only to the bottom part, don’t put them on your scalp. 3. Apply hair oil or hair serum after drying.
Yes, need to get back to more intensive oiling, I feel. Noted your other points. The trouble I have with a conditioner is that using it makes my hair too limp, and not using it, leaves it too dry. Maybe I'm just using the wrong type : (
This can be polarizing advice, but try cleaning yourself less often and use cooler water. Hot frequent cleaning makes it impossible for your body to regulate its natural oils.
Thanks, I follow this but unfortunately, it's still bad. Sometimes I really envy people with 'normal' skin who seem well-adjusted even in such 'rarefied' environments.
make an appmt with a dermatologist, get customized recs
Drink more water.
I'll try, although that just ends up with more visits to the restroom. Did this alone work for you?
Drink small amounts of water and at regular intervals like 30 mins. Every 30 mins drink maybe like 10 oz of water