How to care for dry skin when it comes to skincare is an age-old question, and one that we hope we can help you out on. Before we move on to how to treat dry skin, the one thing to be aware of before anything else is: what’s causing it. Of course, it’s a given that dry skin, by and large, is usually influenced by our DNA. However, what many people don’t realize is that it can also be a reflection of certain lifestyle choices, including what you eat and drink. More often than not, dry and flaky skin is usually an indication that your body is not getting enough hydration and, as such, is trying to show you this by outwardly exhibiting its distress. As well as dehydration, dry skin can be a side effect of using skincare products that are either too harsh, drying or simply not right for your skin type. In other cases, dry skin may be a hint as to your skin’s pH levels (the more alkaline your skin is, the more prone it is to dryness and sensitivity).
The two main things to bear in mind when it comes to dry skin are – make sure you’re drinking enough water (tea and coffee don’t count!) and treat yourself to nourishing skincare products. The dermis is the layer of skin known to contain sebaceous glands and is therefore responsible for being your skin’s natural, self-moisturizing mechanism. However, when the skin is either unable to retain moisture or doesn’t produce enough sebum, a hydrating product makes for a great helping hand.
In order to choose the best moisturizer for your skin, there are a few things to take into consideration. These boil down to what your chosen product contains (i.e. which moisturizing ingredients it offers), its consistency and, of course, its quality (expensive doesn’t always mean better). To ensure you’re getting the most out of any skincare product, the best course of action is to firstly check that it contains moisturizing ingredients like hyaluronic acid and non-comedogenic but highly hydrating oils, which you can read more about on our What Is Hyaluronic Acid? blog post, and our Carrier Oil and Facial Oil Glossaries respectively. Thicker, creamier moisturizers are preferable when treating dry skin, as averse to products with a thinner consistency like lotions, since they’re designed to lock in moisture and therefore deliver as much hydration as possible. Formulas targeted at dry skin are typically richer than those marketed at oilier types since dry skin needs more TLC in this regard. The last thing you should always bear in mind is your moisturizer’s quality – opt for creams that don’t contain chemical/synthetic additives – because dry skin is more susceptible to irritation, any harsh ingredients or even fragranced products can trigger an unwanted reaction. Opt for the most pared-back, natural formulas whenever possible and, if in doubt, check with the brand to see if the product you want to purchase is suitable for your skin type.
Besides moisturizer, cream cleansers and serums are great ways to boost the moisture levels of your skin. Cream cleansers are usually designed to be more moisturizing and calming compared to more astringent products, which makes them preferable for this skin type. Albeit not meant to be washed off, serums are also a good bet when it comes to hydration because they’re more effective in feeding the skin nutrients while boosting moisture. Side note – if you want to add a toner after moisturizing, try to avoid one with alcohol as it’s infamous for drying out the skin.
While on the subject of skincare, it’s just as useful to be aware of which types of ingredients to avoid as well as which ones to use. Products that contain retinoids, alcohol, fragrance or an AHA (i.e. an alpha hydroxy acid) can deplete the moisture levels of your otherwise dry skin even further.
As well as caring for dry skin from the outside in, there are a few things you can do to nourish it from the inside out. Eating foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids are a good start as they have been said to improve the skin’s appearance due to the fact that they play an integral role in dermal oil production and, by extension, hydration. Though omega-3 fatty acids are commonly sourced from certain types of fish, they are just as easily accessible from plants-based sources. Walnuts, flaxseeds, chia seeds and soybeans are all excellent ways to work such fatty acids into your diet.
Despite not being food-related, making certain lifestyle changes can also alter your complexion for the better, both in texture and appearance. Besides drinking water, investing in a humidifier can be very helpful. Especially in the colder months, a lot of us spend most of the day indoors and, as such, our skin falls victim to the dryness of central heating and portable heaters. A humidifier can help to combat this by increasing the moisture levels of the air around you, which can be very advantageous for drier skin types.
For more tips on dry skin, visit our Dry Skin page. If you’re looking for a less drying version of retinol, check out Why Bakuchiol Is The New Retinol.