Here's what you should avoid if you have dry skin

• Dry skin can be difficult to treat and there are ways to irritate it without knowing it.
• When your skin is dry, do not over wash and scrub it.
• Applying a moisturizer on moist skin instead of a dry skin can make it more effective.

Dry skin can be frustrating, but there are ways to make management more difficult without knowing it. To help determine skin care habits that may worsen your dry skin, INSIDER has interviewed dermatologists certified by the board of directors and other skin care experts.

Here are some things they recommend you avoid if your skin is particularly dry.

Do not wash your face too often

Even just washing your face with water can dry out your skin, said Certified Dermatologist Adam Friedman, MD, FAAD, Remedy Review Advisor.

"People with dry skin should minimize washings to avoid further dryness," said Dr. Caroline A. Chang, FAAD, a dermatologist and clinical badistant professor of dermatology at Brown University's Alpert Medical School, INSIDER. . "Wash morning and evening with a mild cleanser for the face that cleans but does not skin.Before activities, use a cleansing wipe instead of laundry."

Avoid exfoliating too much

Friedman said that exfoliants can damage your skin barrier and make your skin even drier. A damaged skin barrier can also create more opportunities for allergens, irritants and pathogens to enter your skin, he added.

Although exfoliation may be important, Michael Nova, board specialist dermatologist and director of innovation at Pathway OME, had previously told INSIDER that it "is important not to do not overdo it. " He said you should only exfoliate once or twice a week.

Do not apply moisturizer to your skin without first wetting it.

"Most moisturizers actually block the moisture, which means that they prevent water from evaporating from the skin and [they] Friedman explained that applying a moisturizer on dry skin would temporarily soften your skin, but that its application on wet skin could prove more effective in the long run.

Avoid products containing glycolic acid

"Choose a lactic acid cleaner rather than a glycolic acid cleanser," said Certified Dermatologist Dr. Monica Bonakdar. She explained that glycolic acid is a powerful exfoliator, but that it can aggravate dry skin. She said that she recommends using lactic acid cleaners because they gently exfoliate your skin while hydrating it.

Do not skip the application of a moisturizer

"Do not leave your home without applying a rich moisturizer," said Dr. Maribel Pedrozo, celebrity beautician. She suggested using those that contain lipids and squalene. Their application is important because they rehydrate the top layer of skin cells and help retain moisture, she explained.

Read more:10 things to do if your skin is peeling

Avoid overuse of diuretics such as alcohol and caffeine

"Patients with dry skin should also avoid the excessive use of diuretics, [like] alcohol and caffeine, and watch for their salt intake, "Inessa Fishman, plastic surgeon and facial reconstructor, told INSIDER.

On the other hand, she said that it was important to consume a sufficient amount of vitamin C (which is important for the production of collagen), protein and healthy fats (such as those found in the lawyers).

Do not use heavily scented products

"If your skin is dry, it's not wise to use very scented lotions or creams," said Dr. Richard Torbeck, board-certified dermatologist, with Advanced Software. Dermatology. These perfumes and fragrances can irritate your skin more. You can choose products without perfume or lightly scented.

If possible, avoid triggers that may cause an outbreak of eczema – especially if your skin is already dry

Although not all cases of dry skin are eczema, if you are prone to eczema flare-ups, you may want to understand what triggers them. Some known eczema triggers include things like animal dander or pollen, according to the National Eczema Association.

Read more: 6 signs that your dry and irritated skin is actually an eczema

These triggers may vary from person to person. And once you start figuring out what yours are, avoid them as much as possible, Dr. Torbeck told INSIDER. He said this was especially important during times when you already have dry skin because you are more likely to have an outbreak of eczema or come into contact with allergen exposures that can cause them.