Dry skin types require a bit of extra attention, especially with the oncoming autumn and 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, skincare experts The Organic Pharmacy, creators of a specialised dry skin routine, take you through some skincare and makeup tips so that you can look after your drier complexion in the months to come — as well as all throughout the year.
Skincare
Skincare is a little different when you have dry skin, as many products and routines that work excellently for those with oilier complexions are too dehydrating for drier types. Using too many harsh products can cause reactions with dry skin or make it more prone to irritation, so it’s best to stick to gentle regimens. But if you are already suffering from skin irritation, you can apply Witch Hazel on your skin. If you are wondering what are the benefits of witch hazel on skin, you can read articles about this online.
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.
Hydrating serums
While you’re probably already using a moisturiser to keep your skin fresh, you might not be aware that you can also use a serum to give your skin more targeted boosts of hydration. Using serums containing ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and peptides can really add to your skincare routine and provide that extra bit of moisture your skin might be lacking. You can apply hydrating serums every day, and they should be applied before your moisturiser.
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.
Makeup
You might find that applying makeup to drier skin takes a little more time than when applying it to slightly oilier types. However, all of us should personalise our makeup routines to our skin type, as applying makeup 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 makeup itself. Make sure to hydrate your skin properly before you get to the makeup layers, as using these skincare products will help to create a well-moisturised canvas for your makeup 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 makeup look can really bring some brightness and an even tone to your makeup 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 makeup, opt for powders that are enriched with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid.
Use a mist
Once your makeup 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 makeup touch-up. This will help to keep your skin hydrated, which in turn will help your makeup stay looking fresh and dewy.
- Margo Marrone, Co-Founder at The Organic Pharmacy comments:
“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 regimen.
“If you use a combination of different natural and hydrating ingredients to care for your skin, you should find that your makeup goes on more smoothly. If you need some extra hydration, try adding a serum just before your foundation to get a smoother, glowing look.”
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