Dry skin on the face and/or the body is very common. Many of us would have suffered with it at some point in our lifetimes, so what causes it, and how can we tackle this issue?
Dry skin is a skin type, and can be caused by a multitude of different reasons. I personally have noticed that since it has got hotter in the UK, my arms and legs are particularly dry. I know this is because I have been sat outside in the sun for a little bit, and that exposure to the UVA and UVB rays are sucking all the moisture out of my skin. Other factors such as humidity and baths or showers that are too hot and steamy can contribute too. The lack of moisture in the air causes our skin to dry out. Also, something as simple as forgetting to pop some moisturiser on your face, or body lotion on after your bath or shower can make your skin feel very tight.
So, what can you do to help your skin? As I said, using a good moisturiser such as the Decleor Tonic Grapefruit Body Firming Cream is amazing. This body cream is rich in natural oils that help, not only to hydrate your body, but firm up the skin as well. As for the face, something like the new Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Moisture Essence would be lovely to use during the summer months. It is proven to double the moisture within your skin, as well as having the added benefit of smoothing out fine lines. It is simply applied every morning and evening after cleansing, very simple to use. And as always, ensure you are always wearing SPF on both face and body during the Summer, and at least an SPF30 during the winter. Something like the Decleor Aloe Vera Sun Face Cream SPF50 is natural, and will not clog up the pores. The soothing Aloe Vera in it helps to reduce any redness and irritation, and the Macadamia Oil helps to leave skin feeling hydrated and nourished.
Products aren’t the only way to help combat dry skin, though. When sitting in the sun, do so only for a short while, then move to the shade. As for the shower, use cooler water, and leave doors and windows open if you can to help ventilate the steam. Using a good lip product, such as MediK8’s Mutiny, will help to prevent chapped lips too.
If it is dry feet you’re suffering with, then pop on a good, thick body lotion such as the This Works Perfect Heels Rescue Balm, then wear a pair of fluffy socks. The socks help to keep the product in place whilst you move around. Not only that, but by trapping in the natural heat from your feet, it melts the product gently into your skin, for a better result.
Also, take a look at your medication. If you are taking acne medications, or using creams for the same issue, these are known for drying out the skin. I would always suggest speaking to your Doctor to find out what creams are appropriate to use alongside these, and you do need to be careful what you are putting on your skin. Using Retinol can also cause dry skin. If any of my clients purchase a Retinol, I always advise them to pop a little bit on their jawline first, just to patch test and ensure they don’t have a reaction. However, even if your skin does not have a reaction, it can still go dry from overusing the Retinol, as it loosens the cells on the skin’s surface (hence why it is used for treating scarring and premature ageing). Reduce how often you use it. If it is currently every day, go to every other day, or every three days. Just see what works best for you.
Finally, handwashing. As I am sure we have all experienced over the last year or so, over-washing our hands (and using alcohol based sanitisers) can lead to dryness, cracking and eczema flare-ups. Combat this by using a gentle hand cream, such as the Aromatherapy Associates Rose Hand Cream. 100% natural and gentle, it will help to soothe cracked and dry hands.
There is a lovely, rehydrating product out there for everyone, as we all suffer with dryness on the skin in one way or another. So I would encourage you to look after your skin’s health, as it will help to prevent things such as sensitivity and premature ageing in the long run.