Dry skin can cause a lot of trouble. And who wants trouble? Unless it’s of the fun kind, of course. But there’s nothing fun about dry skin. Changing temperatures can make your skin feel harsh and sore, it can be difficult to apply makeup and you may not feel on top of the world. (Cue: Brandy.) No-one wants to have to deal with dry skin, but it’s a common occurrence. So, that’s why I’ve rounded up these 5 tips on combatting dry skin with some of my favourite products, tips & tricks.
You may have always dealt with dry skin, or it could be because of a recent stint of cold weather, pollution or medication you’ve taken. Whatever the cause, here are a few ways to fight back.
Combatting Dry Skin in 5 Ways
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Limit your time in the shower
That’s not what most of us want to hear. However, longer showers and baths can lead to a bigger loss of moisture. Limit your shower time to ten minutes, if you can. Also, use warm water instead of scalding hot. Hot water is one of the biggest culprits for stripping the skin of its natural oils, so although it may feel good to have a hot shower, it’s not doing your skin any good when it’s dry. Use a gentle cleanser to wash your face when showering. I love Rodial’s Pink Diamond cleansing balm. It’s fab and it even looks glamorous—what’s not to love?
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Pat dry to retain moisture
When we leave the shower, most people tend to rub their bodies with a towel to get dry. Instead of rubbing, pat yourself dry so your body has a chance to retain some of the moisture. You’ll probably feel your skin asking for more moisture when you leave the shower, so it’s best to oblige with rich moisturizer. A moisturizer isn’t just something to add moisture to the skin; it also helps your skin to absorb the moisture left from your shower. One of my all time favourite skincare lines is the trio of goodies from Veriphy Skincare.
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Watch what you’re putting into your body
There are certain foods and drinks that can strip your skin of moisture. For example: chocolate, coffee and energy drinks are all full of ingredients that won’t do dry skin any favours. Drinking plenty of water will ensure you hydrate your skin every day. You can also try taking fish oil supplements or going to a med spa if you’re struggling to get your skin back in good condition. Eating plenty of fruit is also a great way to maintain a healthy and natural glow to your skin. Of course, I’m not giving up coffee anytime soon, but I balance it out with lemon water, fruits & veggies.
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Protect your gorgeous hands
It isn’t just your face that can suffer from dry skin. During colder periods, your whole body is susceptible to dry skin, but your hands often go through the worst. If your hands are in lots of water every day—doing the dishes or bathing the kids—you’ll probably notice some dry patches. You can protect your hands by wearing gloves and using a hand cream each night before you go to bed. I keep a bottle of the olive hand cream from Korres on my desk at work and regularly moisturize throughout the day.
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Slather honey on your kissable pout
Your lips are likely to suffer as much as the rest of your body. However, combatting dry skin on your lips is easy with a bit of honey. Organic honey is fantastic for putting moisture back into your lips! You can even make your own organic honey scented lip balm with the use of essential oils. It’s full of all-natural ingredients and you can take it with you wherever you go. For those who don’t want to make their own, another good option is Burt’s Bees. Obviously.
Feature image for “Combatting Dry Skin” by Evangeline Davis.