Skincare for Dealing with Dry Skin

Click to View Dry Skin Product Suggestions

So what exactly is dry skin and what causes it?

While dehydrated skin occurs due to a lack of water and is considered more of a temporary skin condition, dry skin refers specifically to a lack of oils and is thought of more as a skin type due to it being connected to a persons ability, or in this case inability, to naturally produce those oils which the skin requires for healthy function.

​

If your skin barrier has been compromised due to a lack of natural oils you may feel a tightness within the skin and feel that your usual skin care products start to cause irritation. The damaged skin barrier becomes permeable and is no longer able to retain moisture through a process known as trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL) or keep out irritants. As a consequence the skin becomes dehydrated and sensitive. 

​

Dry skin can be genetic but may also be caused/ made worse by sun damage, water exposure or the use of harsh cosmetics. Oil production can also decrease with age resulting in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, as the skin does not have enough moisture to bounce back into position.

 

While skin is supposed to shed continually to promote the growth of new, healthy cells, with naturally dry skin these cells are held to the surface of the skin longer than they should be and can form visible clumps in the form of white flakes.

How can dry skin be treated?

There are a few suggestions below which should help to combat the problems associated with dry skin:

​

  • Reduce the amount you are cleansing and if you are not already then use a cleanser which is gentle and has a pH of 4.5-6.5

  • Reduce the frequency and strength of your exfoliation routine

  • Temporarily avoid 'Actives' in your skin care such as; Retinoids, Vitamin C, AHA/BHAs etc

  • Avoid extremes of temperature; always use luke warm rather than hot or cold water when cleansing

  • If you wear make-up try to reduce or avoid this for a period as these products often contain drying ingredients

  • Avoid potential irritants and allergens in your skin care such as synthetic fragrance and/or fragrance derived from essential oils

  • Eat a greater amount of omega rich foods such as fish, nuts and seeds

​

If you do not already then it is recommended that you introduce skin care products into your routine which have the following properties:

​

  • Skin Barrier Repairing i.e. contain; cholesterol, ceramides and/or essential fatty acids to rebuild the skin barrier.

  • Are specifically Rich in Oleic Fatty Acids i.e. omega-9 fatty acids such as Olive and Avocado which are very hydrating and ideal for dry skin.  Oils higher in Oleic Acid work effectively to reverse the inflammatory response in various layers of the skin.

  • Moisture Boosting i.e. contain humectants such as hyaluronic acid or glycerin which bind water to the upper layers of the skin.

Which skin care products could help to control your dry skin?

Below are a some of our favourite products which have the properties listed above and which we hope will help you in your fight against dry skin: