We all know that dreaded dry skin feeling. From tightness, flakes and rough patches to the pilling of make-up, when the skin gets dry, it loses its smooth texture.
As David Kim, MD, New York City-based board-certified dermatologist at Idriss Dermatology, explains, dryness occurs when your skin barrier is compromised and results in dull, flaky and inflamed skin. Clinically known as xerosis, it is caused by a lack of moisture or oil in the skin.
“Dry skin can result from a multitude of factors that affect skin health and hydration,” adds New York City-based board-certified dermatologist Michelle Henry, MD. Environmental factors, such as dry air exposure to the cold, lifestyle choices like using harsh skincare ingredients, underlying medical conditions, and the natural ageing process can all contribute to the dry skin on our faces and bodies.
It’s pretty easy to tell when you’re experiencing dryness. Daniel Belkin, MD, board-certified dermatologist at New York Dermatology Group, says symptoms of dry skin include complexion dullness, fine flaky skin, tightness, or an increase in fine wrinkling. If it’s more severe, Belkin says you might be feeling itchy.
Luckily, treating it is just as simple as spotting it. Below are eight easy simple tips to treat the dry skin on your face. As the temps near the freezing mark, you’ll want to keep this guide handy.
Wash your face with warm, not hot, water and never in the shower
One of the golden beauty rules we should all live by is to never ever wash your face, hair, or body with hot water (no matter how soothing it may feel). When it comes to our skin, a hot shower or bath can cause inflammation and disrupt the skin barrier, making dry skin even worse. “Hot water can strip the skin of essential natural oils (also known as sebum) and compromise the skin barrier” Medical Director of Cosmedics Clinics Dr Ross Perry explains. “This means your skin will dry out more quickly, leading to increased itchiness, flakiness, and sensitivity in the long run.”
Instead, says Henry, cleanse with warm water and follow up with a gentle cleanser geared towards dry skin. Oats have long been a brilliant anti-inflammatory ingredient for dry, itchy skin. Murad’s Soothing Oat and Peptide Cleanser is a testament to the ingredient’s soothing, ultra-gentle nature. Formulated with micellar water, it helps loosen daily grime without leaving skin feeling squeaky or taut. For balm converts, the just-launched Elemis Pro-Collagen Black Cherry Cleansing Balm is the same beloved formula just with a new fragrance: black cherry, almond and vanilla. If you prefer your balms sans scent, the aptly named Skin Rocks The Cleansing Balm is available in a fragrance-free version, best for people with active irritation or easily sensitised skin. For the uninitiated, don’t be dubious of a balm’s solid format; when worked between fingers or smoothed onto dry skin, it transforms into a rich oil that breaks down mascara, foundation, and SPF.
