Dry skin isn't always easy to live with. It can cause irritation, itchiness and redness. It is very important to deal with this skin problem, because healthy skin is what keeps your entire body healthy.

Avoiding proper skin care means that you are suffering needlessly as well as exposing your skin and body to infection. Moisturizers are your best ally against dry skin, but the wrong cleansing products can counteract their effects. So, instead of reaching for the wrong product make sure that you invest a little time and money on finding all the right products for your skin.

Don't forget that the proper routine is not only about finding the right products, but also about applying them in the correct manner. Here's an overview to get you started on your search for the right routine.

To get started with the proper skin care routine, first determine if you have regular dry skin or really dry skin. It isn't too difficult to determine what type of dry skin you have. For example, if you are using a creamy cleansers and moisturizers but are still suffering from itchiness and tightness, then you probably have very dry skin.

Basic Cleansing Routine for Dry Skin and Really Dry Skin

Cleansing is the first and most important part of any skin care routine. If your skin is dry you can use a creamy cleanser, however, if your skin is very dry then you should use a non-comedogenic oil like olive oil.

Follow this step up using an alcohol-free and fragrance-free toner. This will help remove any residue that was left behind, and don't forget, exfoliate at least once a week to remove dead skin cells and refresh your skin.

People with dry skin shouldn't use facial scrubs. In this case use chemical exfoliants such as products that contain AHAs or natural exfoliants. If you want a homemade exfoliant you can mix oatmeal and grapefruit juice or milk and honey.

Moisturizing is a vital part of treating dry face or dry skin. You can achieve this by using a creamy cleanser and an effective moisturizer that you apply frequently during the day. If you choose to use an oil, you may not need to reapply a moisturizer as often.

Tips to Keep in Mind

Creamy and oily cleansers and moisturizers are a great choice for dry skin care, but if not used properly can actually make your dry skin worse. In order to prevent this problem there are a few things you need to keep in mind:

*Do not let the water (from daily cleansing or the shower) evaporate completely before you have a chance to put on your moisturizer. Remembering this simple step will help lock in the moisture.

*Don't take long, hot showers. By staying too long under the shower you can actually strip your skin of its natural oils, which in turn will make your skin drier.

*Reapply a moisturizer as much as needed during the day.