Got a question about dry skin? You’re not alone. We’ve been inundated with dry skin queries lately. So, we’ve created a guide!
From what ingredient is best for dry skin to the biggest mistake people make when caring for it, we’ve answered your most burning questions – plus, some you didn’t even know you had.
You’re in safe hands, Club LBB!
HOW DO I GET RID OF DRY SKIN?
As we’ve explained more here, ‘dry skin’ refers to a specific skin type where the body doesn’t produce enough oils naturally. Tell-tale signs include itchiness, flakiness and a tired-looking appearance. As it’s genetic, you can’t technically ‘get rid’ of it – however, you can support it by adding oils into your routine!
If your skin doesn’t normally show these signs, it’s likely to be dehydrated. This is caused by external factors including diet or weather and can be reversed with the right ingredients and gentle treatment. Read more about the difference here.
Some simple steps that help both include limiting showers or baths to 10 minutes, applying moisturiser to damp skin and prioritising ingredients which lock in hydration and keep your skin barrier intact. Think Ceramides, Shea Butter and Hyaluronic Acid. Plus, make sure to prep skin before heading out into the cold.
WHAT DOES DRY SKIN NEED?
Dry skin needs ingredients that hydrate skin. This means things like Hyaluronic Acid, which stimulates the skin’s natural moisturising factors, as well as Ceramides and essential fatty acids such as Omega-3 and Omega-6. The great news is, A-Game combines all of these in one handy tube!
Try to make sure every step of your skincare routine offers hydration – yes, even your cleanser and toner. Aesthetician Justin Spracklin (@MaximumSkin) recommends using an oil, cream or jelly cleanser, since anything too lathering can further dehydrate skin.
BIGGEST MISTAKE PEOPLE MAKE WITH DRY SKIN?
Over-exfoliating consistently ranks as a major skincare mistake, but especially when it comes to dry skin. Whereas those with ‘normal’ skin can exfoliate up to three times per week, once or twice is safer if you have dry skin – and make sure it’s gentle.
While it might be tempting to try to reduce flakiness with another scrub, you’re actually just damaging your skin barrier, which will dehydrate it more.
WHAT IS THE BEST INGREDIENT FOR DRY SKIN?
‘Best’ is always subjective but Ceramides were a popular pick for the other skincare professionals we polled.
Justin said: “For me, I think an essential ingredient for dry skin are Ceramides. They are lipids/fats that are naturally found in our skin barrier and work as a “building block” to keep your barrier intact. It works as an emollient to soften the skin, which improves the dryness (flaking), but also as an occlusion to help trap moisture in the skin and reduce trans-epidermal water loss, which leads to dehydration.”
Skin expert and facialist Fiona Brackenbury (@Fiona.Brackenbury) said: “I love niacinamide because it stimulates Ceramide production and is also a brilliant anti-inflammatory ingredient.”
TOP TIP FOR APPLYING MAKEUP TO DRY SKIN?
Transforming flaky skin into a smooth base might seem a tall order, but it isn’t impossible.
- STEP ONE: Skincare should be your first port of call. If you have time, use a mud mask or peel pad to remove dead skin, reducing flakiness – though, remember the over-exfoliating advice.
- STEP TWO: Prep skin with a rich moisturiser or hydrating balm or facial oil. Don’t forget the SPF either! Sun damage makes skin drier.
- STEP THREE: Time to prime! Avoid mattifying options, opting for hydrating, gel-based primers.
- STEP FOUR: Choose a base that adds moisture. This means a foundation, concealer or tinted moisturiser that’s liquid- or cream-based, not powder. Accompany with a damp sponge.
- STEP FIVE: Seal it in with a hydrating facial mist. Voila!
TOP TIP FOR VEGANS SUFFERING FROM DRY SKIN?
Vegan diets consist of fewer fatty acids, proteins, vitamins (think vitamin C and A) and minerals – leading to dehydrated skin.
Getting Omega-3s in skincare is especially key, since these form part of the skin’s epidermis. Luckily, these aren’t just found in fish! Chia seed oil, one of A-Game’s hero ingredients, is a great source of superior Omega-3 and Omega-6 essential fatty acids.
Kahai seed oil, which contains more vitamin E than Argan oil and more Retinol (vitamin A) than Rosehip, is another miracle ingredient for vegans with dry skin. You can find this in A-Game too!
WHY IS THE SKIN AROUND MY EYES SO DRY?
Skin around eyes is extra thin and delicate, meaning it’s less able to hold onto moisture and dries out faster. It’s also more sensitive to irritation. This can cause premature wrinkles and even infections, if bacteria gets in.
Moisturising this area regularly and avoiding irritants like formaldehyde, lanolin or parabens, will help.
CAN DRY SKIN CAUSE ACNE?
Although usually associated with oily skin, acne and dry skin aren’t mutually exclusive. When the skin barrier is compromised, bacteria can get in through micro-fissures. Flaky skin can also clog pores.
However, with Hyaluronic Acid for lasting hydration and anti-inflammatory Moringa and Marula oils to fight off bacteria, A-Game has ingredients to treat both at once!
WHAT SHOULD MY MOISTURISER LOOK LIKE?
A good rule of thumb for moisturiser is that if it drips, it won’t do enough to relieve dry skin, particularly if flakiness is already an issue. Switch to one with a thicker texture enough that the application feels smooth and consistent.
However, balms or facial oils are your best option. These tend to contain oils and butters derived from plant seeds, so they’re usually more nourishing and provide greater protection from external stressors.
There’s often a worry that balms will feel heavy or greasy but they don’t need to be. A-Game is made with lightweight oils like Moringa and Marula, and is really a facial oil in stick form, so it melts on contact with skin and sinks in easily, providing the efficient hydration you need.
So… what are you waiting for? Get your game face on here.
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