Whereas dehydrated skin is symptomatic of external and behavioural stressors, dry skin is inherent – think of it as a de facto state. Those with dry skin types require a topical focus on hydrating ingredients to maintain moisture in skin.
If your complexion naturally feels texturally rough and appears flaky and dull, you likely have this (sometimes uncomfortable) skin type. To know how to help dry skin, we’ve compiled a simplified, 4-step routine. As a persistent experience, it’s helpful to first understand what causes dry skin and what happens when you have dry skin.
A layering skincare routine helps to support the structures in skin that keep moisture intact. If you’ve long wondered ‘why is my skin so dry’, and how to address it, read on. With the right approach to environmental stressors and positive formulas, bright and hydrated skin can be achieved for the long-term.
WHAT IS DRY SKIN?
Skin is made up of a number of layers, and each plays a role in producing and retaining moisturising elements. Lipids, water content, sebum all help to keep skin plump and the tone bright and light reflective. When their natural presence is lacking, the uppermost layer of skin called the stratum corneum becomes dry and flaky and the moisture barrier becomes compromised.
The cumulative effects of a weakened moisture barrier and loss of hydration are the main reasons you’re wondering ‘why is my skin dry?’. Those with oily skin types experience an overproduction of sebum, and the reverse is true for dry skin. Key characteristics of this skin type include small pores, rare or non-occurring blemishes and visible build-ups of dead skin.
WHAT CAUSES DRY SKIN
Genetics play a big part in lacking moisture, but dryness in skin can also exasperated by external stressors. It can be tempting for those with this skin type to exfoliate more than once a week so as to clear flaky, dead skin, but over-exfoliating may also impair the skin moisture barrier. Other factors that contribute to a compromised moisture barrier can include:
Dry weather conditions
Ageing
Pollution
UV radiation
HOW TO HELP DRY SKIN
The symptoms of dry skin can feel hard to shift, and those who experience dryness often may only enjoy short-term reprieve. To maintain moisture in skin, it’s important to implement and stick to a routine made up of effective ingredients. So, what do dermatologists recommend for extremely dry skin? Below are steps and formulas that help to reimplement hydration back to skin and assist in strengthening the skin moisture barrier.
STEP 1: CLEANSE PROPERLY
Because this skin type is sensitive to external stressors, it’s important that a cleanser is used as the first step. A gentle and nourishing formula will help remove impurities like pollution and bacteria without stripping skin or weakening the skin moisture barrier. Toleriane Caring Wash Hydrating Cleanser combines niacinamide, vitamin B5 and thermal spring water to clean and help stimulate the synthesis of natural lipids in skin.
STEP 2: IMPLEMENT EFFACIOUS INGREDIENTS
After cleansing, your skin becomes more permeable. This provides a great opportunity to apply potent formulas that require access to the deeper layers of skin in order to work properly. The light texture of a serum is able to infuse multiple layers of skin with supportive ingredients. When figuring out the order of steps in your routine for dry skin, the trick is to start with the lightest formula and work your way up. Before applying cream or oil-based moisturisers, a hydrating serum like Hyalu B5 Hyaluronic Acid Serum should be used. A duo of hyaluronic acids, vitamin B5 and glycerin work to draw in moisture to replump skin.
STEP 3: STRENGTHEN THE SKIN MOISTURE BARRIER
The skin moisture barrier is your complexion’s natural defence against dehydration. In order to enjoy all-day moisture, it needs to be sealed in properly by a nourishing formula. Facial and body moisturisers have a thicker texture and help to retain the ingredients already applied whilst providing a high level of hydration. For the face, Toleriane Sensitive Riche Prebiotic Cream is a hydrating and prebiotic moisturiser for dry skin, made with shea butter, glycerin and La Roche-Posay thermal water. Cicaplast Baume B5 Balm Barrier Cream contains an anti-bacterial complex and madecassoside, a natural agent which supports the skin moisture barrier.
STEP 4: SUPPLEMENT WITH SHEET MASKS
Certain stressors can imbalance moisture levels in skin – even if a hydrating skin routine is being followed. When triggers like dry climates pull moisture from skin, apply an additional layer of moisture to help skin retain the right level of hydration. Keeping sheet masks on hand will help to provide a supplementary infusion of efficacious ingredients. Cicaplast B5 Facial Sheet Mask is formulated with madecassoside and vitamin B5 to help support the moisture barrier function.
Found this article on how to prevent dry skin helpful? Keep reading to discover the ideal skincare routine for sensitive skin types.
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