Very dry skin can be difficult to manage. Not only is it uncomfortable and potentially unsightly, but it's also hard to find products that can actually help without drying your skin even further. With all the skincare advice out there, it can be overwhelming to know what's right for you and your skin type. Luckily there are a few simple things you can do that could make all the difference and we've rounded up our five top tips to get you started.
Here at Face Dr, we know how common dry skin is. We've treated thousands of clients with dry skin and helped them restore a glowing and hydrated complexion. Our experts know just how far the right skincare routine and products can go and have shared their best advice.
Want to skip the research and get tailored advice straight away? We offer free online skincare consultations where you can speak with one of our experts from the comfort of your home. They’ll analyse your skin, determine just how dry it is and then recommend the best skincare tips, products and routines to help.
How do I know if I have dry skin?
Those with dry skin might experience:
- Dry rough patches of skin
- Redness
- A tight sensation after cleansing
- Itchiness
- Irritated, sensitive and inflamed skin
Dry skin can be caused by a number of things including harsh weather, a reaction to makeup or skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis. In rare cases, it could also be a sign of something more serious like diabetes or hypothyroidism.
Dry skin can range from small patches that come and go to more severe conditions. If you’re worried your dry skin is a sign of something more serious, you can speak with one of our experts you can tell you whether it’s something to worry about and refer you to a GP if needed.
Looking for in-clinic treatments for dry skin or for the perfect at-home skincare routine for dry skin? We’ve covered those, too.
Luckily, most dry skin can be helped with some simple tweaks to your lifestyle and skincare routine. Here are our top tips for those suffering with dry skin.
What are the best skincare tips for dry skin?
Tip 1: Use Warm Water
Hot water can be damaging to any skin, but especially dry skin that's already sensitive. It can strip away natural oils and make it even dryer and more prone to irritation.
When washing your face, be sure to use warm—not hot—water. Plus, as luxurious as long hot showers feel, they could be contributing to your dry skin. You should try to reduce the temperature and length of showers to help.
Tip 2: Remove makeup the gentle way
Removing makeup can be a minefield when it comes to dry skin. Harsh chemicals are often used to break down make-up and drying ingredients can be found in even the gentlest of products.
First, be sure to avoid soaps and cleansing wipes which strip the skin of its natural oils leaving it even dryer. Next, look for cleansers and toners either made with dry skin in mind or containing hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin.
When removing makeup, be sure to gently swipe a cotton pad over the face rather than pulling at the skin too much.
Products to try:
Removes makeup and cleanses the skin with moisturising ingredients like glycerin and allantoin. Leaves the skin clean, yet hydrated and no signs of irritation.
Fruit extracts and evening primrose oil boost natural moisture levels and soothe dry skin without being overly drying.
Tip 3: Get the right hydrator
As the name suggests, hydrators can help to lock in moisture and boost hydration in the skin, so finding the right one is even more important for those with dry skin. Look for a product that contains ingredients like squalane, hyaluronic acid or glycerin. Apply moisturiser twice a day after cleansing in the morning and night. Traditional moisturisers just mask the problem, so look for a product that has hydrating properties, and supports your skin's natural hydration process.
Products to try:
With Hyaluronic acid, antioxidants and botanical ingredients, this moisturiser hydrates dry skin whilst soothing and promoting healing.
Great for those with very dry skin or eczema, this hydrator calms irritation and redness with moisture-boosting ingredients.
Tip 4: Exfoliate
Exfoliating may sound scary if you have dry skin, especially if it's sensitive and inflamed. But, exfoliating can work wonders for improving the look and feel of flaky rough patches. Plus, by removing dead skin cells from the surface of the skin, your skincare products will be able to be better absorbed, so hydrating ingredients can do their job properly.
Opt for a gentle exfoliator and, if your skin isn't used to it, start slowly with a small amount of product just once a week
Product to try:
Magnesium crystals buff away dead skin cells while vitamins A, C and E give your skin an antioxidant boost
Tip 5: Add hydrating ingredients to your routine
Swap out any products with harsh chemicals, alcohol or fragrances for those designed with dry skin in mind. Make sure each product you use is as hydrating as possible by going for those with moisture-boosting ingredients.
Look out for glycerin, squalane, and botanical extracts, all of which pack a hydrating punch. Hyaluronic acid is a particular favourite for dry skin as it can attract and hold onto 1,000 times its weight in moisture, bringing this into the skin.
Product to try:
Top up hyaluronic acid levels with this serum designed to boost skin's levels by 30%.
Need tailored advice?
Dry skin can be tough to manage, but these five skincare tips will go a long way to helping you restore hydration. If you'd like more advice about choosing the right products and routine for dry skin, our team can help.
You can book a free online consultation with one of our skin experts who can give you tailored product recommendations and tips. Plus, if you decide to go with our product recommendations, we'll send them straight to your door.
We only ever recommend high-grade products that we know work, so you can start to build the ideal hydrating routine. Our experts can also help if skincare isn't cutting it and you're considering the next step in tackling dry skin: in-clinic treatments. Plus, if you happen to have dry skin but also have other skincare concerns—like ageing, hyperpigmentation or acne—our experts can help find the perfect products to tackle it all.
