Your skin type is completely natural and uniquely yours – it won’t change overnight and it doesn’t need to.
However, everyday life can bring unexpected challenges, from weather changes to environmental changes, that affect the look and feel of your skin. That’s why we created the Glow Academy range: to help you understand your skin, identify what affects it and discover the best ways to achieve healthy, glowing skin, every day.
Today, we dive into all things dry skin –what it is, why it happens and how to nurture and care for it effectively.
What is dry skin?
Let’s start by breaking down the difference between dry and dehydrated skin. Dry skin is a permanent skin type caused by a lack of natural lipids (fats and oils). Meanwhile, dehydrated skin is a temporary condition caused by external factors that reduce the water in the upper layers of the skin. Anyone can experience dehydrated skin, regardless of their skin type.
Now that’s cleared up, let’s discuss dry skin in more detail. It all starts with the skin’s moisture barrier – a layer of fat in the epidermis that locks in moisture and natural oils (sebum) to keep skin nourished and plump. People with a genetic predisposition to dry skin often have a weaker barrier function, which makes it easier for moisture and sebum to escape. The result? Skin that looks rough and flaky and feels irritated and tight.
In addition to skin type, dry skin is also a common symptom of conditions such as eczema or psoriasis. If you often notice dry patches that are very itchy, you should always talk to a doctor or dermatologist.
What factors affect dry skin?
As winter sets in and temperatures drop, dry skin often becomes more noticeable. Central heating may keep us warm, but it also removes moisture from the air and our skin. Outdoors, freezing winds and rain can irritate and redden the skin, and moving between these environments leaves dry skin feeling tight and aggravated.
While a hot bubble bath may seem like the perfect solution, hot water isn’t always friendly to dry skin. Frequent baths or long soaks can strip the skin of its natural oils, leading to further dryness – hence those plum fingers after too much soaking or washing dishes.
Dry skin is also more common as we age. Reduced sebum production, hormonal changes during menopause, cumulative sun exposure, and slower cell turnover can all contribute to skin feeling drier over time.
How do I take care of my dry skin?
Gentle Cleaning
Keep bathing a treat once a week, opt for quick high-pressure showers and always wear gloves when washing.
Use warm, lukewarm water – think tropical ocean, not steamy spa – and when you’re done, gently pat your skin dry with a towel to lock in moisture.
For skin-friendly cleansing, try pH Balanced Luxurious bath foams, Body washesor Signature Hand Wash. Formulated with gentle coconut cleansers and nourishing botanical oils, they support your skin’s barrier while avoiding irritation.
Make time to hydrate
Moisturizer is essential for dry skin – but choose one that works specifically to soothe, soothe and repair your skin’s barrier, such as Skin Re-Leaf Soothing Moisturizing cream.
Once you’ve moisturized your face, don’t neglect your body. Find one nourishing body cream you like and spread it all over immediately after towel drying after showering. Focus on typically dry areas for extra hydration and protection.
Use central heating wisely
While central heating keeps you comfortable, it can wreak havoc on your skin. Use a humidifier to add moisture back into the air and keep your skin hydrated.
Check the ingredient lists
Dry skin is usually very prone to irritation, so be as careful as possible with your skincare ingredients. It makes sense to avoid products that contain alcohol, fragrances or additives, and if you do want to use a face mask, choose one that focuses on hydration, such as Comfort Food Deep Hydration Mask.
What ingredients are good for dry skin?
Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acid, a source of hydration, attracts water to the skin and helps retain moisture in its deeper layers to keep it hydrated, plump and comfortable.
Tiles
These natural fats are the building blocks of your skin’s moisture barrier. They strengthen and repair the barrier, while contributing to hydration and protection from environmental stressors.
Squalane
This deeply nourishing conditioner mimics your skin’s natural oils, preventing moisture loss and softening dry patches. It’s a game-changing long-lasting moisturizer that leaves skin smooth, supple and balanced.
Frequently asked questions about dry skin
Why is my skin dry even when I moisturize?
There may be many factors at play here, so let’s break them down one by one:
- If you want the best possible results from your moisturizer, consistency is key. Apply every morning and night so your skin naturally gets into rhythm with it.
- Are you getting rid of exfoliation? If the moisturizer is simply spread over accumulated layers of dead skin cells, it won’t be able to do its job and penetrate the upper layers of the skin properly.
- As someone with dry skin, opt for a richer moisturizer that will really nourish your skin with more intense hydration.
- Pat moisturizer into skin or massage in very small circles to maximize absorption.
What foods can affect dry skin?
Alcohol (we know, technically not food) and foods high in salt can actually have a negative impact, dehydrating cells and exacerbating the effects of dry skin.
Instead, look to add foods like vitamin C-rich cucumber and health-packed avocado to your diet. Plus… you guessed it, water! And lots of it – you want to aim for seven to eight glasses a day.
