Dry (skin) January might be over, but the winter weather remains, meaning all skin types are at risk of roughness, tightness, and discomfort. If dry skin is a new battle for you or one you wage all year round, we’re here to help. Knowledge is power so get informed and get your skin looking dewy and feeling comfortable and nourished, even in the depths of winter (yes February we’re talking about you). Today we’re busting myths, setting the record straight and answering all your burning questions about dry skin . . .
What is dry skin?
We get dry skin when our skin simply doesn’t make enough oil. In every hair follicle (on the face we call them pores), you’ll find sebaceous glands that produce sebum AKA oil which we need for keeping skin and hair soft and supple.
What’s the difference between dry skin and dehydrated skin?
Dry skin happens when there’s a lack of oil in the skin, whereas dehydrated skin is skin lacking in water. Hydration does not come from oil but is made in the body by Glycosaminoglycans, known more simply to the medical community as GAGs which produce hyaluronic acid and hold water within the skin. All skin types including dry skin and oily skin can become dehydrated. True dry skin feels like it comes from deep within the skin while dehydration feels like tightness on the surface of the skin, often after washing.
What’s the difference between dry and oily skin?
Oily skin produces excess oil while dry skin doesn’t make enough, it’s a fine balance! Both dry and oily skin can become dehydrated – lacking in water.
What causes dry skin?
Skincare that over-strips the all-important moisture barrier can lead to dry and uncomfortable skin, as can lifestyle factors such as spending a lot of time outside in harsh environments. Cumulative UV damage can lead to skin that feels thicker, leathery, and dry, while hormones wreak havoc on oil production, especially during puberty, perimenopause, and menopause. Then there’s genetics – can’t argue with those, but you can choose the right routine to support your skin.
Best Moisturiser For Very Dry Skin - HydraRich
THE moisturiser for ultra dry skin, packed with both emollients and hydrators to help target, balance, and seal in hydration.
Why do we get dry skin in winter?
The environment in winter is much dryer thanks to cold weather and due to the fact that there are no leaves on the trees to release liquid and oxygen. Central heating turns our homes into giant dehumidifiers and the contrast of cold and hot air (outside and inside) is a harsh environment which can cause barrier deficiency and lead to moisture loss.
Will dry skin go away?
If the cause is environmental – yes it can easily be addressed. If it’s genetic, no, it’s your skin type, but there’s plenty you can do to keep it feeling more hydrated and soothed. Don’t leave dry skin alone and suffer through it – dry skin will get worse if not tackled, so call in a pro >
Can dry skin cause acne?
Although there’s no hard science to solidify this theory, anecdotally, over-stripping oil from skin with harsh products can cause a bounce back – where the body replaces the lost oil with a bit extra to make up for it. Skin remains unbalanced, this time the other way and breakouts can occur.
What’s the difference between dry skin and eczema?
Eczema is a recognised medical condition caused by an overactive immune system response to a weakened skin barrier. Symptoms are intense itching, inflamed skin, redness, and a rash. Skin may also appear thickened, leathery, or cracked, and it may blister or become infected. Dry skin is usually milder, causing flaky, rough, or tight skin that may crack or peel.
Best Moisturiser For Sensitive/Dry Skin - HydraCalm
If you need to treat uncomfortably dry skin reach for HydraCalm – soothing and gentle, it helps to rehab irritated skin with copper peptides, honey, niacinamide, and more.
Are there any benefits of dry skin?
That lack of oil we keep referring to means blackheads, breakouts, and grease can be non-existent and pore size remains small which can lead to an airbrushed finish.
Best ingredients for dry skin?
Dry skin requires a combination of ingredients that superficially and temporarily soothe dry skin, we recommend natural emollients to help restore the skin’s lipid balance such as Squalane, Inca Inchi Oil, Jojoba Oil and Shea Butter (all found in HydraRich)
You also need ingredients that work deep down to restore skin lipids:
· Poly Glutamic Acid (PGA): A mixture of high and low molecular weight PGA increases natural moisturising factors and draws water into the skin (also found in HydraRich).
· ProBioBalance CLR™ NP: This probiotic blend is designed to rebalance tired, stressed skin by helping to regulate its natural flora (also HydraRich).
· MATRIXYL®Synthe’6®: Derived from a peptide naturally found in collagen and laminins, it strengthens and firms skin, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Find it in almost all of our moisturisers (including HydraDew).
Best Moisturiser For Normal to Dry Skin - Hydradew
Feels lighter on the skin but is no less hydrating for dry skin with its powerful blend of Shea Butter, MATRIXYL®Synthe’6® and Sodium Hyaluronate.
Top Tips To Care For Dry Skin
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Exfoliating might seem scary for sensitive, dry skin, but try a gentle option like our Bright & Clear Solution 3 times per week and you’ll shift dead skin, prevent flakiness and give your serum and moisturiser a pathway to get where they’re really needed.
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When things get very dry, don’t rely only on thick occlusives like petroleum balm as it can stop the skin from working to improve naturally.
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Avoid hot water – heat dries skin out and those hot baths and showers are going to suck all the moisture from your skin. Try lukewarm water at least for face washing.
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Always protect your skin with sunscreen to stop the sun zapping your moisture and don’t use harsh skincare – it will only aggravate dry skin.
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Lifestyle is key, drink plenty of water and eat lots of water-loaded fruit and veg and naturally oily foods like nuts, oily fish, and avocados.
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Our top tip? Work with a pro – expert, bespoke advice and the perfect AM/PM routine WILL change your skin, as long as you stick with it!