Whether you have naturally dry skin or seasonal dry skin, caused by sun or cold weather, helping it to retain moisture has never been easier thanks to a fantastic range of deeply nourishing products. By keeping it cleansed and hydrated, and consequently soft and supple, treating dry skin the right way can also help to slow down the signs of ageing (yes, please!). From how to choose a toner for dry skin to the benefits of hyaluronic acid, read on for our 101 guide on how to care for dry skin.
Do I have dry or oily skin?
You’ll know if you have dry skin if it looks and feels flaky, rough or cracked. Another tell-tale sign is if your skin feels tight even when you wash it, especially if you don’t apply moisturiser. If your skin is shiny and prone to breakouts then you could have oily skin whereas if you experience both dry and oily patches this means you could have combination skin.
Why is my skin so dry?
Dry skin occurs when the body doesn’t have enough of the oils that occur naturally in the body to keep it hydrated. This can be due to a number of factors, from genetics to diet to climate. Using the wrong skincare products can also be a contributing factor to dry skin which is why it’s important to choose carefully when it comes to what you use on your skin.
Dehydrated skin is more sensitive than hydrated skin, so using the incorrect products can create an unnecessary cycle of dry skin. If this gets particularly cracked, it can also be more prone to infection. So it’s definitely worth finding a skincare routine that right for you.
How to cleanse dry skin
- Don’t use hot water as this can make your skin more dehydrated. Cleansing dry skin can be tricky to master but you can start by using lukewarm water.
- Don’t use harsh or abrasive soaps and scrubs as these will dry your skin out more.
- Do use a cleanser suitable for dry and sensitive skin such as this one by Cetaphil. Free from soap and fragrance, it’s gentle enough for babies and can be used daily.
- Do use a soap-free face wash such as Simple Kind to Skin Moisturising Facial Wash Gel to remove dead skin cells as this prevents the skin from drying out.
- Don’t cleanse more frequently than necessary as this can reduce the amount of natural oil in the skin. Cleansing your face twice a day may be too much for dry skin, so try just using water in the morning.
- Do always apply a moisturiser after cleansing and while skin is still damp. Serums can be a great way to lock in moisture, too.
What to use for dry skin
- Do use a serum and moisturiser after cleansing and while your skin is still damp.
- Do use hyaluronic acid serums. Applying hyaluronic acid after cleansing is great for drawing moisture, capturing and retaining moisture in the upper layers of the skin.
- Do choose a hydrating toner with hyaluronic acid, chamomile or aloe vera as these ingredients are perfect for hydrating and soothing the skin.
- Do use a nourishing moisturiser. For example we love NIVEA Face Cream Rich Moisturiser for Dry & Sensitive Skin SPF15, enriched with natural almond oil and magnolia extract for optimal skin hydration, or Aveeno Daily Moisturising Lotion with oatmeal to help your skin stay nourished.
- Don’t use moisturisers with isopropyl alcohol or sulphates as these moisturisers can dry your skin out rather than helping to hydrate it.
What to eat for dry skin
Skin is the biggest organ in the human body so when it comes to taking good care of it, what you eat definitely plays a big role.
- Do eat oily fish such as mackerel and sardines which are great for moisturising your skin from the inside out.
- Do choose meals combining lean meat, fish, vegetables and fruit with whole-grain carbohydrates to get your skin glowing (for all the right reasons).
- Do choose dried fruit such as medjool dates, as they offer a fantastic sweet hit that is also rich in antioxidants. Stuff with almond butter for a luxurious treat that’s also good for your skin by helping to protect it from free radicals and sun damage.
- Don’t drink fizzy drinks and juice as the sugar in these can cause inflammation of the skin.
- Do drink lots of water. Keeping hydrated will help stop your skin from drying out.
By nourishing your skin outside and from within, you can quickly come to love the skin you’re in. Whatever your skin type, whether you experience dry skin on a regular basis or seasonally with hot or cold weather, we’ve got a whole range of products to help you nail down that skincare regime so that you can bid farewell to dry skin for good.
Try some of our favourites…
Head over to our Health & Beauty aisle to explore our fantastic range of products.