FAN MAIL FRIDAYS: What To Do When Moisturizing Is Not Enough

Happy long weekend! This is the second long weekend that I missed due to work, but hey, you just have to count your blessings. :)

Our FMF for today is from Thea and she's asking:

Hi Ms. Martha,
I am battling with extremely rough patches on my cheeks. I used different moisturizers as well as facial oils, but nothing worked. I also avoided using foam cleansers and used cream cleansers and mild exfoliants. At 35, I am obsessed with anti-aging regimen, and I'm thinking if that is causing the dryness. Please help. Thank you!
Thea

Hi Thea!

Aww, sorry to hear about your case! It may seem hopeless because as you have said, you've tried each and every moisturizing product out there already and you're wary of what product you use, but there's always the silver lining in all situations!

That said, if moisturizing is not enough for you, here are some things to consider and do that might help alleviate skin dryness:

1. DRINK ENOUGH WATER

- 8 to 10 glasses a day is highly recommended for each individual, especially nowadays that it's so hot and humid. Remember, internal hydration is just as important as the external so be sure you got this perfect.

2. DO NOT SKIP SUNSCREEN

- The sun is one of the culprits behind skin dryness as it's sucking moisture out from your skin. Be sure to wear sunscreen in a moisturizing variant to keep your skin protected at all times.

3. SKIP EXFOLIATING PRODUCTS

- For someone with extra dry skin, exfoliation, even the mildest formula, can aggravate dryness. Skip chemical exfoliators all together and should you need to exfoliate, use a gentle scrubbing pad, Konjac sponge, or the good ol' cotton towel to remove dead skin cells.

4. YOUR ANTI-AGING INGREDIENTS MIGHT BE DRYING OUT YOUR SKIN

- What you said is true, that some anti-aging ingredients and regimen can be behind dry skin. Retinol, for example, if used excessively, can dry out the skin. 

Other anti- aging products as well may contains peeling agents and exfoliants that contribute to dryness. Be wary of the ingredients and always moisturize.

5. A SPOONFUL OF OIL A DAY SHOULD HELP

- If there's one useful trick that I learned from dieting, it's that a tablespoon of either Olive or Coconut Oil can help moisturize skin from within. Have it daily by taking it with coffee, on its own, or mix with food to get your dose.

6. OPT FOR PRODUCTS THAT ARE SPECIALLY MADE FOR DRY SKIN

- I'm talking about cosmeceuticals. Also, brands that are specially formulated for dry skin. Examples are Eucerin, Redwin, Aveeno, Cetaphil, and Bioderma to name a few.

If you have tried all these steps and dryness still persists, it's time to go and see your dermatologist.

Hope this helps!

**Got a burning question on beauty, makeup, cosmetics, fragrance, fitness, diet, blogging, career, love, or anything under the sun? Please send me a message via Contact Form, email me at martha.stabarbara@yahoo.com, or message me at THE BEAUTY JUNKEE on Facebook.