Dry skin types require a bit of extra attention, especially with the winter weather which can contribute to extra dryness or irritation. Dry skin is more common in this season that in warmer weather, due to changes in humidity and temperature that create ideal conditions for dry skin, a process known as xerosis. (Medical News Today). The human body is between 55% and 65% water, so it’s hardly surprising that these changes can wreak havoc on our complexions (National Library of Medicine).
Here, we will take you through some extra skincare and makeup-tips, to add to your dry skin routine, so that you can look after your drier complexion in the months to come — as well as all throughout the year.
Skincare
Exfoliating
You might be tempted to skip exfoliating in case it dries your skin out too much, but it’s still important to have an exfoliating product in your routine as this helps to take away the top layer of dead skin cells. This exposes newer, healthier skin underneath and will keep your complexion looking its best. Use a chemical exfoliator instead of a physical one, as these can be more gentle, and there are more moisturising options available such as lactic acid. Exfoliating should be done no more than twice a week, and you should avoid doing it more frequently in case you overdo it and make your face sensitive.
Hand and lip products
Don’t forget to moisturise your hands and lips as the seasons change, as the skin in these areas can get dry too. A hand cream containing coconut, cocoa butter or other moisturising ingredients can help, and a lip balm or butter is the perfect insulation against chapped lips this winter. Keeping these products to hand in your bag or on your desk can really make a difference in being able to moisturise regularly.
Make-up
You might find that applying make-up to drier skin takes a little more time than when applying it to slightly oilier types. However, all of us should personalise our make-up routines to our skin type, as applying make-up to oily skin has its own challenges, such as extra care being needed to set the layers properly for them to last well.
Prep the skin
Firstly, you should always take the time to adequately prep your skin before you even begin adding the make-up itself. Make sure to hydrate your skin properly before you get to the make-up layers, as using these skincare products will help to create a well-moisturised canvas for your make-up looks. A face primer specially formulated for dry skin can also be a great addition to your beauty routine.
Skip foundation
While it might seem counterintuitive, skipping the foundation in your make-up look can really bring some brightness and an even tone to your make-up look if you have drier skin. This is because foundation can often sit better on oiler skin types, and less evenly on dry ones. Instead, try lighter products such as concealers and tinted moisturisers in order to achieve coverage without applying too much product. When setting your make-up, opt for powders that are enriched with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid.
Use a mist
Once your make-up look is finished, add a last touch of hydrating mist to finish off. You can keep your misting product on hand throughout the day, and mist your complexion when you feel it getting dry or when you do a make-up touch-up. This will help to keep your skin hydrated, which in turn will help your make-up stay looking fresh and dewy.
“When looking after dry skin, it’s good to personalise your routine in order to adequately hydrate your complexion and keep it looking its best. Choose natural, gentle products as these will avoid drying your skin out further and continue to support it through the winter months. It’s also useful to incorporate ingredients like hyaluronic acid, coconut oil and peptides into your routine so that you have a variety of different moisturising ingredients in your regiment".
“If you use a combination of different natural and hydrating ingredients to care for your skin, you should find that your make-up goes on more smoothly. If you need some extra hydration, try adding a serum just before your foundation to get a smoother, glowing look.”
Margo Marrone, Co-Founder, The Organic Pharmacy