Here’s everything you need to know from product recommendations to more targeted advice for your individual skincare needs
This article is sponsored by Dr Jart, Sanex, Aveeno, Gold Collagen & Ameliorate
Are you still trying to find solutions for dry skin? Us too! It’s a common beauty concern that many, if not most of us, can experience throughout our lives. And no matter how severe your dry skin may be, we’re here to tell you it can be addressed – think of us as your skincare agony aunts.
Enter, the solutions to all your dry skin dilemmas as we answer some of your most searched questions about dry skin. What’s more, we’ll even share the skincare saviours and ingredients we can’t live without to help keep your skin looking soft and supple from your head to your toes.
What is dry skin & why do we get it?
Dry skin can often look patchy and feel rough to the touch. It differs in appearance from person to person and can affect many different areas of the body. There isn’t one root cause to dry skin. In fact, there are several factors that can influence this skin concern, from genetics to the products you use.
Want to know more? We discuss everything from causes to treatment in our ‘what is dry skin?’ guide.
How do I treat dry skin on my face?
A good cleansing and moisturising skincare routine is essential – if you need help with this, our 'how to: daily skincare regime’ can help you get started! As well as refining your routine, there are also many factors that can contribute to dry facial skin and learning how to avoid them can help with treatment.
Here are some things to watch out for: use products without perfumes or colourants to avoid irritation, spend less time outdoors in cold and hot weather, reduce time spent in the shower and drink plenty of water. To help treat dry skin on the face, there’s one holy grail product that we find ourselves reaching for time and time again.
Try: Dr Jart+ Ceramidin Skin Barrier Moisturising Cream
• Size: 50ml
• With five ceramides and panthenol
If you’re looking for the ultimate thirst quencher for dry skin, this trusty tube is it! Housing a buttery-rich formula developed with ceramides (a hero ingredient for strengthening the skin barrier) the cream absorbs into the skin as quick as a flash. The result? Your complexion is left feeling soft and supple to the touch.
How do I prevent dry skin after showering?
It’s no secret that showering can dry out our skin – especially if you’re the type to bathe for a long time and turn up the temperature so your bathroom resembles a sauna (admittedly, we’re guilty of this too!).
Along with turning that temperature down and taking shorter showers, it also helps to be mindful of the products you’re using. Choosing a shower gel that nourishes dry skin, much like this one from Sanex, is a sure-fire way to beat that post-shower dryness.
Try: Sanex Expert Skin Health+ Micellar Soothing Shower Gel
• Size: 515ml
• Vegan*
• Dermatologically tested
• Certified by the British Skin Foundation
Lather this Sanex Expert Skin Health shower gel onto your skin for instant softness and hydration for up to 12 hours. The advanced prebiotic complex formula has been expertly crafted with moisture lock technology to deeply nourish your skin, while helping to make your skin more resilient and leaving it less prone to dryness – even after the shower! If you want skin that feels soft and hydrated, make this purple bottle of dreams your new shower saviour.
What are the best skincare ingredients for dry skin?
Whether you suspect your dry skin is being caused by the products you’re using or you’re just a little too afraid to try something different, knowing what skincare ingredients to look out for can help you prevent and treat dry skin more effectively.
The key here is to choose calming ingredients. Salicylic and glycolic acid can take a back seat or be used in moderation. Instead, look for oils that are rich in fatty acids – jojoba oil and borage seed oil are a great place to start. Plant butters like shea butter are also valuable as they nourish dry, cracked skin, while hero hyaluronic acid can be useful for drawing moisture deep into the skin.
Try: AVEENO® Skin Relief Moisturising Lotion
• Size: 300ml
• Formulated for sensitive skin
• Contains prebiotic triple oat complex (oat flour + oat extract + oat oil) and shea butter
• Dermatologist tested
Packed with kind-to-skin ingredients, this fast-absorbing lotion is a total triple threat as it helps moisturise, soothe and protect very dry and irritable skin. The formula, containing prebiotic triple oat complex, is clinically proven to intensely hydrate for 72 hours** upon application – all while improving the balance of your skin’s natural microbiome.
Is hyaluronic acid helpful against dry skin?
A hero ingredient in the skincare sphere, hyaluronic acid plays a vital role in improving skin dryness by helping the skin retain its moisture – not to mention the long list of other skin-loving benefits it boasts! Hyaluronic acid is a substance that’s naturally found in our bodies and is a humectant (which basically means it acts as a moisture magnet). So when it comes to helping dry skin, this ingredient gets ticks all round.
Hyaluronic acid is an ingredient that features in many beauty products, from moisturisers to serums and even supplements. Here’s one hyaluronic hero we love.
Consider: Gold Collagen Hyaluronic Formula Tablets
• 90 tablets for a 3 month treatment
• Contains six active ingredients: Hyaluronic Acid, Collagen Peptides, Vitamin D, Vitamin C, Zinc, Black Pepper Extract
The secret to keeping your skin hydrated? The answer you’re looking for could be in this supplement packed with hyaluronic acid and collagen peptides. Take one tablet daily with food for additional support. Over time, skin moisture and hydration can improve and the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles can also reduce – we want in!
What do dermatologists recommend for dry skin?
Do you always notice the words ‘dermatologist approved’ or ‘dermatologist tested’ on the packaging of skincare products and wonder what it means? In a nutshell, it explains that a doctor who specialises in skin health has signed off on the product. A dermatologist treats patients with a wide variety of skin conditions, from dry skin conditions like eczema to acne – it’s safe to say they know their stuff.
In terms of which products a dermatologist would recommend for dry skin, we’ve got plenty for you to take a look at in our full range. our full range. Here’s one we’ve been loving.
Try: AMELIORATE Transforming Body Lotion
• Size: 200ml
• Dermatologist approved
• With alpha hydroxy therapy
• Dermatological skincare for: bumpy skin, very dry skin, dehydrated skin, rough skin, ingrown hairs
So good its dermatologist approved! Once you start using this body lotion, you’ll wonder how you lived without it. Not only is it clinically proven to significantly increase moisture levels in the skin for up to 24 hours, but it also removes dead skin cells and protects the skin barrier. 97% of people who’ve used it agree the product left their skin feeling moisturised† – the results really speak for themselves!
What does dry skin look like?
Our skin is unique to us and can look different for each and every one of us. The same applies to dry skin. Typically, dry skin can differ in size, look scaly or flaky and differ in colour. Some people might experience small patches of dry skin, whilst others can experience irregular patches all over the body.
Can I apply make-up to dry skin?
Being huge advocates for all things beauty, we believe nothing should stop us from enjoying the fun of make-up – we’re looking at you, dry skin! In short, yes you can apply make-up to dry skin but success lies within preparation. Before you start arming yourself with your favourite beauty tools, pick a hydrating serum to smooth things over.
As for make-up products, cream products are a total win as they are less drying for your complexion. Look out for ingredients like hyaluronic acid as it helps skin retain its moisture. When it comes to technique, pat your make-up onto your skin rather than rubbing it as this can increase the likelihood of flakes.
How can I keep my skin hydrated?
We’ve all heard the saying ‘more is more’. In the instance of keeping dry skin moisturised, let’s just say this rule doesn’t necessarily apply. Although piling on moisturiser can seem like an obvious approach to giving dry skin a burst of moisture, it can in fact have the reverse effect – who’d have thought?
The answer to keeping skin hydrated is (you guessed it) drink plenty of water, eat foods that contain a healthy dose of fatty acids, use skincare with hydrating ingredients, get plenty of rest and skip those hot showers. Read our facialist's guide to help prevent dry, winter skin for more top tips.
