The Moisture Method: The Best Tips And Tricks for Treating Dry Skin
Everyone wants a smooth, glowing complexion, but for those of us battling flaky and dull skin, it can be hard to achieve. Even when we try to fake it with shimmery makeup, our foundation just clings to those dry patches. There are a myriad of reasons as to why you may be experiencing dry skin, from over-exfoliating, to using the wrong skincare products, to changes in the weather... some things just don’t agree with our skin. But all hope is not lost! We do have a certain degree of control over our skin and there are tweaks we can make to help improve it. If you’re finding yourself wanting to up your skincare game so your skin is looking its best, here are the best little tips for how to improve your dry skin...
Determine Your True Skin Type
This is a confusing one so you’ll have to bear with me here! In order to be able to treat your skin, you’ll need to be able to determine whether it is dry or dehydrated (yes these are two different things!). Dry skin is a skin type, and can appear as flaky and textured or rough. Dehydrated skin refers to skin that lacks water, leading to it appearing tight and dull. Dermatologists say that dry skin doesn’t produce oil, so you won’t have an breakouts. If your skin is dehydrated, it is important to hydrate from the inside out. Make sure you’re drinking plenty of water and eating water-rich fruits and vegetables to help nourish your skin back into shape. If you have dry skin, read on to gather some helpful tips.
Wind back the exfoliation
A potential culprit behind your dry skin could be over-exfoliation. Whether this be scrubbing to hard or too often with a facial brush, or overusing retinol or chemical exfoliant serums, over-exfoliating can damage your skin barrier causing dryness and irritation. However, that doesn’t mean you should stop exfoliating altogether! However, exfoliating is still necessary to remove flakes of dry skin so that your skincare products can be absorbed into the deeper layers of your skin. Professionals recommend using an AHA chemical exfoliant, but keeping this to a minimum, say once or twice a week max.
Use a non-foaming cleanser
Using a non-foaming cleanser is best for dry skin as it is less likely to strip the skin of its natural oils. Foaming cleansers often contain harsh ingredients that can remove the skin's protective barrier, leaving it dry and vulnerable to irritation. Non-foaming cleansers, on the other hand, are usually gentler and contain moisturizing ingredients that help to nourish and hydrate the skin.
Use a night cream
Whilst some people prefer to let their skin breathe overnight, it is actually crucial for people with dry skin to use a thick night cream that is full of hydrating ingredients. This is because our skin goes into repair mode while we’re asleep, it is best to give it the best possible tools to do this. Our skin’s permeability also increases while we rest, which allows for the active ingredients in our skincare to absorb more efficiently. Look for a moisturiser containing ingredients such as ceramides, nourishing oils, and hyaluronic acid for the best results.
Get acquainted with facial oils
Becoming familiar with facial oils and hydrating oil serums is essential for protecting your skin barrier and keeping your skin moisturised. Many of us have grown up wanting to avoid oils in our products, but because our skin barrier is comprised of cholesterol, ceramides and fatty acids, they must contain oils to be effective in protecting it. If you’re still in the mindset that oils will clog your pores, fear not! According to dermatologists, oils shouldn’t clog your pores provided they are highly purified. Because dry skin is not producing enough oil, adding some back in via your skincare routine is the perfect way to balance your skin.
Dry skin is uncomfortable and irritating to deal with, but there are small changes you can implement and tips you can try to help yourself achieve the healthy complexion that we all strive for!
