- Avoid over-exfoliating, especially with the acidic, chemical versions. I know it's tempting to remove flakes this way but you are removing the much-needed barrier in the process.
- Avoid soaps and foaming cleansers. These tend to be alkaline and will remove oils and throw off the pH. Choose milk, cream, and oil cleansers instead. You can also choose not to cleanse if you don't wear make up or get clogged pores.
Protect Your Barrier
Changing temperatures and indoor heating means a huge dip in moisture levels in the skin. For dry skin types, this is when things can get problematic. Your skin has a protective layer of oil, sweat, and dead skin cells called the barrier or acid mantle. It is a thin film with a pH of 4.5 to 6.2 that acts to combat bacteria and viruses. It also keeps moisture in. When the barrier fails, it can cause chronic dry, flaky skin and lead to more serious issues like eczema. At this point, your skin will need some TLC and the harsh stuff has to go.