It’s likely that everyone will suffer from dry skin at some point in their lives. Whether it’s a seasonal struggle or a year-round concern, there are plenty of ways you can work towards a softer, more comfortable surface. Discover what causes dry skin and the steps you can take to find some much-needed comfort.
What causes skin dryness?
Understanding what’s causing your dry skin can be the first step to finding relief. Although you may be naturally predisposed to experiencing dryness, there are a number of external factors that may be contributing to your discomfort. Even those with oily skin types can suffer from flakiness and feelings of tightness if exposed to certain environments. Some of the most common causes of dry skin include:
Cold Weather: When temperatures start to lower during winter months, you may notice your skin feeling drier than it did in the height of summer. This is because humidity falls outside, making any water in your skin evaporate at a faster rate.
Dry Air: In the same way that chilly mornings sap the hydration from your skin, not having enough moisture in the air at home can cause increased dryness. Using the central heating, air conditioning or wood burners can lower the humidity of a room.
Hot Water: If you’re the kind of person who likes to turn the water temperature right up in the shower, it may be having a negative impact on your skin. There’s no need to shock yourself awake with an ice bath though, simply keep your water at a more comfortable, lukewarm level.
How do I get rid of dry skin on my face?
Although dry skin can affect all parts of your body, your face is often where you notice it the most. Making some simple changes to your skincare routine can leave your complexion transformed. Take these steps towards a softer, smoother surface today.
Choose your moisturiser carefully
You might be under the impression that any old moisturiser will do, but what works for someone else might not be quite right for you. No matter your skin type, using a moisturiser is essential for preventing dryness. To find the right moisturiser for you, consider your skin type and the level of dryness you’re experiencing:
Dry to very dry skin: When your skin is dry all-over, you’ll need a thicker, richer formula to find relief. This is especially true when you have other signs of extreme dryness like flaking, cracking and scaling. If you’re already using a moisturiser and it isn’t doing the trick, consider choosing a more intense product and avoid using creams that are specifically for dehydration only. Although you should moisturise twice a day anyway, many people with dry skin opt for a heavier cream while they sleep for a more restorative treat.
Combination to oily skin: Many people with these skin types avoid using moisturisers because their skin already feels too oily, but there are plenty of products that can deliver just the right amount of moisture to help you balance your complexion. Gel-like formulas or lightweight fluids containing hydrating ingredients like Hyaluronic Acid are ideal.
Remember, you don’t have to keep the same moisturiser forever, or even all year round. Your skin will change from season to season and may have different needs as it ages. If you do notice your skin getting drier as the days get shorter, switch out your trusty gel formula for a thicker cream.
Use a gentle cleanser
It might feel like your cleanser is doing a great job, especially when your skin is tight and squeaky clean after rinsing away the suds. But did you know that many harsh cleansers strip away essential oils from your skin? It might be that your cleanser is a little too effective, leaving your skin feeling dry without its much-needed natural moisture.
Luckily, there are many cleansers that respect what’s best for your complexion and take a gentler approach to purification. Try a cream, oil or balm formula that’s specially designed to be gentle on dry skin.
Layer your products
When you think of dry skin, moisturiser is often the star of the show. Although it’s incredibly important, that doesn’t mean you can’t layer a mist, serum or oil into your daily routine. It’s perfectly fine (even recommended) to use more hydrating products that complement each other on a regular basis.
Applying a toner and a serum after cleansing will create the perfect base for your moisturiser to sink into. Follow with a dry oil for an extra layer of moisture without unwanted shine.
Switch on your humidifier
There’s not a lot you can do about the changing weather outside, but you do have some control inside your own home. The simple act of plugging in a humidifier can make dry air that extra bit more tolerable on your skin. Why not pair it with a pleasant essential oil blend to encourage relaxation too?
Exfoliate
This might not be the first thing that comes to mind, but exfoliation is incredibly useful when it comes to relieving skin dryness. Like with any step in your skincare routine, it needs to be tailored to your personal needs. If your skin is very dry and flaky, it might be best to begin exfoliating with a textured cloth or specially designed glove before moving onto a gentle product. Removing dead layers of skin can help your serums and moisturisers absorb more readily into skin, leading to increased efficacy in less time.
By making these small changes in your everyday routine, you should notice your skin becoming much softer. There’s no time like the present to take control and treat your complexion with the care it deserves. Discover our products tailored to dry skin.
