Skincare solutions for dry skin: what products to use and how to restore balance?

It‘s a common misconception, that the cause of dry skin is dehydration when usually the skin gets dry because of all types of damage that it faces on daily bases. It might be damaged by unfitting or misused skincare products, UV rays, cold weather, hot water, etc. The dryness might also be aggravated by various hormonal issues and chronic illnesses, such as diabetes. Choose a minimal gentle skincare routine and take some self-care measures to win back your supple, dewy, and healthy complexion. Plus, make sure to be mindful of the ingredients/tools that might be making the matters worse.

To restore and protect your skin’s suppleness and elasticity, you should consider several environmental factors that might be at play, especially during the cold seasons when the weather is harsh, and the heating systems are on. If your place tends to get dry, purchase a humidifier (60% humidity is the sweet spot). When bathing or washing your face, choose lukewarm water and limit your showers to 5-10 minutes in order not to strip your skin. Avoid wearing wool and other fabrics that might irritate the skin but always keep it protected from harsh weather conditions: wear hats, scarves, and gloves (or mittens!), and put on some nourishing moisturizer before leaving the house.

Even dry skin needs regular and gentle exfoliation. Choose acids that are effective, yet gentle, such as salicylic or glycolic acids. If your skin is sensitive, prone to redness and irritation, choose products that contain azelaic acid.

Choose serums that contain classic and scientifically proven hydration superstars such as glycerin or hyaluronic acid. Even though these ingredients and not very fancy, they are the true hydration superheroes that your skin will appreciate. Remember, if you’re using hyaluronic acid, make sure your skin is damp, since this way the product will penetrate better and the hydration will last longer.

The owners of dry skin should consider creams that are enriched with valuable plant oils and extracts that are suitable for dry and irritated skin, such as Sea Buckthorn extract or sweet almond extract. These extracts help to strengthen and maintain a healthy skin barrier. This task can also be performed by ceramides.

In the evening, dry skin would benefit from rich plant oils or their blends. One of the most universal oils that are beloved by many users, is jojoba oil that resembles that natural sebum that is produced by the skin. Other useful oils are argan oil, borage oil, rosehip oil, marula oil. If you choose to use an oil, make sure it’s the last step of your skincare routine because that way it will not only provide the benefits that it carries in itself but will also seal all the great products that you used before.

All year long, no matter the weather, your skin needs quality sun protection. Sensitive, dry and irritated skin the barrier of which is not in its best condition, is especially prone to all types of environmental damage, including UV rays. Choose a broad-spectrum mineral sunscreen (SPF50+) that will not only protect your skin from UV rays but also from all the blue light that we deal with in our digitalized lives.

1. Avoid using bar soap for your face. It can be very drying and stripping for the skin.
2. Avoid ingredients that are usually irritating (“bad” alcohols, essential oils, fragrances).
3. Avoid mechanical exfoliants – choose chemical ones.
4. Say no to rough cleansing tools – various sponges, cleansing mittens, etc. Your skin requires gentleness.

Remember that whenever you’re dealing with damaged and irritated skin, less is definitely more and a simple routine will serve you better than a complicated one. Focus on protection and regeneration and allow your skin to reap the benefits.