Dry Skin: Simple Swaps for Impactful Results
If you've ever stood in a drug store considering the benefits of hyaluronic acid over aloe vera for your dry skin or you've wasted too many hours wiping off makeup because your moisturizer failed to do what it said on the box, you're not alone, and chances are you're not a stranger to that tight, stiff feeling on your skin once you step out of the shower or remove the day from your face before bed.
Dry skin can be a nightmare to live with and is caused by your skin not producing enough oils to provide a lubricated surface. And dry skin can be the bane of your life. Because let's be real, flaky makeup over dry skin isn't a good look, and no one feels good when that all too familiar tightness creeps over your face, regardless of how much “intensive moisture” lotions and potions you used this morning.
If you want to banish the dry patches and have softer, smoother, more hydrated skin, these tips might be exactly what you're looking for.
Cleanse Not Strip
This is not Magic Mike; we do not want to strip everything away and leave nothing to the imagination. If you're getting a squeaky clean finish when cleaning your face, you're doing too much and probably making things worse. You want to cleanse but not strip oils from your face. This means forgoing harsh cleaners and even daily scrubs that you think help buff away dry skin. And focus on replenishing and repairing. Think gentle and creamy - you want balms and cream cleansers, not rough gels that upset the balance on your face. And the good news is, once you make the switch, you'll notice the difference immediately.
FYI: You can still use exfoliants, but sparingly, and use gentle ones.
Moisturize Like Your Life Depends on It
If your moisturizer disappears faster than your morning oat matcha latte, and you're left with that all too familiar tightening before lunchtime arrives, then you need something with extra staying power. Think of a rich and cosy blanket, not a thin summer sheet.
You want ceramides, shea butter, and glycerin, which are the true heroes for dry skin. They'll do the heavy lifting on your behalf; they're a girl's girl, and you can rely on these products to get the job done. (The trick is to find high-quality products, not products that *may contain* what you need.)
And don't be afraid to layer; follow the sandwich method as championed by Vogue: a hydrating serum first, then a proper cream on top, and a balm at night if you really need it. Your foundation will thank you for it, even if you're starting your beauty routine 3 hours before work/bed.
SPF: Your Captain America Shield for Your Skin
SPF is the superhero we all need, and while it's not got the impressive presence of Captain America, it's the background player pulling the strings to protect your skin. UV rays are the culprits of dry skin, and the sun's rays can weaken the skin's barrier even on those cloudy days. Daily SPF in your skincare, or as well as skincare, isn't about avoiding burns; it's about avoiding the damage daily sun exposure can cause. Look for hydrating formulas with hyaluronic acid or niacinamide, allowing your SPF to double up as a moisturizer.
Tallow Balm, Yes, Honestly
While tallow might seem like this season's “breakthrough” product, there's a reason it's making a comeback, and no, your granny wasn't crazy for putting beef tallow on her face; she was actually ahead of her time. In fact, Dr Freeman has noted that tallow is extremely close to the natural oils in your skin, so using tallow skincare products can be the perfect remedy for dry skin to lock in the moisture and prevent further damage.
Tallow skincare isn't for everyone, granted, and isn't an everyday product for many, but for those needing added protection or a hydration boost, it can be your emergency winter coat you whip out for that unexpected snowfall threatening ot ruin your day.
Love Is All Around Us: Well Air Is
And sometimes it's not what you are or aren't doing to your skin, but what your environment is doing instead. Central heating, air conditioning, blasting car vents, etc, can and will play havoc with your skin- you're essentially turning your skin into a desert, and moisture is the mirage you can't seem to grasp.
But how do you counteract this? Humidifiers can be your best friend here, as can placing bowls of water by radiators, opening windows for air circulation, and even moving your skincare away from direct heat.
You Are What You Eat and Drink
Water is the secret to healthy, hydrated skin. And if you're not drinking enough, it's time to pick up that Stanley Cup and get chugging.
But it's not all down to drinking enough water. On its own, it won't be the miracle cure you want, but it will play an important role in healthy, hydrated skin.
The real trick is feeding your skin what it needs, and sadly, what it needs can't be found in chocolate and snacks. You want omega-rich foods like salmon, avocado, and walnuts, which help your skin replenish essential oils. You also want water-rich foods like cucumber, melons, and oranges, and honestly, the simple food choices work. A healthy, balanced diet with all the nutrients your body needs will help your skin out, and as the largest organ in the body, it deserves to be given what it needs to function properly.
Sleep: The Not So Sexy Trick
Sadly, the last point in this post isn't glamorous, but it's true. Your skin does its best repair work while you're asleep. And if you're skimping on the rest or letting stress eat into your shut eye, your skin is going to suffer, and yep, you guessed it; it will be visible in those lovely dry skin symptoms you're trying to eradicate. So close the laptop, get off TikTok, and get some sleep, and give your body a chance to do what it needs to without interruption.