No matter how often you moisturize your face it just seems that your skin is; dry, flaky, and rough to touch. The fact is there's a whole lot more you need to do when caring for dry skin beyond natural lotions and creams. Use this eight step checklist for your dry skin care routine and we're confident you'll see major improvement!

What are the Differences Between Dry Skin and Dehydrated Skin?

Dry skin is a skin type; it means a lack of oil and it's typically itchy and flaky and bumpy or it can even have red patches in appearance. Dehydrated skin is a skin condition; it lacks water and appears dull or rough.

What causes dry or dehydrated skin on the face?

• cold weather
• dry indoor heat
• use of harsh ingredients in soaps or other products
• excessive washing with hot water
• unbalanced skin pH
• skin conditions, such dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis, and psoriasis
• diabetes
• hypothyroidism
• smoking
• too much time spent in direct sunlight

Now that you understand the root causes of dry skin here's how you can prevent and soothe it:

1. Invest in a humidifier

When the air is dry, the skin becomes even drier. A humidifier helps to increase the moisture level in the air. In addition, be sure the heat is kept on low or at a moderate temperature to avoid extra dryness in the air.

2. Increase your daily intake of fats

What you put in your body directly affects your skin. By eating a diet rich in walnuts, olive oil, and avocados you will help combat your dry skin. Avoid drinks that dehydrate the body: alcohol, caffeine, and coffee.

3. Use a gentle scrub

Light exfoliation is a must so that your skin can absorb your serums and creams and really get to work. If you have raw or severely dry skin, skip the exfoliator and incorporate a wet washcloth instead for a gentler option. If you've been using retin-A daily as a wrinkle fighter then switch to using it every 2-3 days since it can cause your skin to be extra dry in the winter.

We recommend Pure Fiji's Exfoliating Scrub. This formula's naturally effective complex of ingredients delivers a bevy of benefits. A gentle yet thorough manual exfoliant, boosted with small amounts of Papaya enzyme, which cleanses without stripping the skin. This scrub gently loosens and dislodges dead skin cells and impurities while helping to even out and brighten skin tone. New skin is immediately hydrated and protected with Pure Fiji's blend of exotic drift nut oils.

4. Add hydrating antioxidant serum

No matter what the changing weather and seasons bring our skin gets attacked by free radicals that cause sun spots, fine lines and the breakdown of collagen.

To combat the damage to your face, apply Pure Fiji's Hydrating Serum as a first layer of defense in the morning, before layering on your sun screen or a heavier moisturizer.

5. Switch to a heavier moisturizer at night

Look for a moisturizer that is high in linoleic oils like; dilo oil, macadamia oil and sikeci oil and that also provides anti-inflammatory, moisturizing and healing support.

We recommend Pure Fiji's Hydrating Multi Active Night Creme intensive hydrating night treatment because it feeds your skin with the advanced technology of Palmitoyl pentapeptide-3 dilo leaf and beach almond leaf hydrosol. These powerful plant extracts work all night to reduce the appearance of fine lines & wrinkles and any depleted skin feels strengthened and moisturized. Wake up to skin that looks replenished, restored, and renewed.

• Dilo leaf hydrosol helps to regenerate skin cells; is anti-inflammatory, anti -microbial, humectant and skin conditioning.
• Beach almond hydrosol firms and hugs the skin for a defined look.
• Hydrolyzed soy protein helps skin look and feel refreshed and de-stressed overnight by oxygenating the skin.
• Palmitoyl pentapeptide-3 reduces wrinkle depth by 45% after 3 months of use. Helps promote collagen synthesis while keeping the skin softer and smoother.

6. Avoid harsh cleansers

Choosing a cleanser for dry skin is not to be taken lightly, especially during the winter season. When its cold outside and you have dry heat inside the combination is literally sucking all the moisture from your skin.

While gel cleansers are the way to go in the summer months, you'll absolutely need a milky or creamier face cleanser during the winter months.

7. Drink more water

You've heard it many times before to drink more water. Remember that if you're exercising or drinking caffeinated beverages then you'll need to drink even more water to compensate for the dehydration. If you have a hard time drinking water, you can also eat water-rich fruits and vegetables and essential fatty acids. Juicing is a great way to include vegetables like celery and cucumber which are both great for dry skin.

8. Treat your skin with a DIY mask

Why it works great:

• carrots are rich in potassium designed to prevent skin dryness plus carrots also have anti-inflammatory properties, helping to revitalize and tone the skin
• avocados, honey, and egg yolks are all moisturizing

DIY Avocado and Carrot Mask for Dry Skin

Ingredients:

• 1 carrot, peeled and de-stemmed
• ½ ripe avocado
• 1 tablespoon honey
• ½ tablespoon coconut oil
• 1 egg yolk

Instructions:

• Boil the carrot until it's soft.
• Blend the carrot and avocado in a blender until it forms a pulp. Pour into a glass bowl.
• Add honey and egg yolk to the carrot and avocado mixture with a spoon.
• Apply over a clean face and leave for 15 minutes.
• Lie down and relax.
• Rinse off the mask with a warm face cloth and pat skin dry with a towel.
• Finish off with a serum and a moisturizer.
• Do this about 2-3 times a week.

Everyone's skin is different and it's important to find out what works for you and your skin. Focus on safe, natural skin care products like Pure Fiji, and avoid active or potent ingredients that may be too much for your dry skin. While certain foods can help alleviate dry skin, if your problems persist its best that you consult with an esthetician or a dermatologist. Bottom line; less is more when it comes to dry skin.