Dry Skin
This month I am going to explore dry skin in more detail. Whilst everybody's skin is slightly different, more of my ladies have dry skin than any other type, so I know this will be popular.
Funnily enough, although we are going to be focusing on facial skin, dry skin shows up with different characteristics dependent on the area of the body. On the tops of arms, buttocks, backs of upper legs and thighs you might be suffering with rough feeling skin, and even small spots. This is likely to be due to dryness, rather than a sudden outburst of acne.
There are lots of products to counteract dry body skin, but one I have recommended with great success to a number of ladies is NeoStrata Problem Dry Skin Cream. It is very rich and quite strong, so do a patch test first. You will need to use it regularly, but if it works for you you will see improvements quite quickly - within a week or two. You can buy this from several places, but here is a link to it on Amazon - NeoStrata Cream
But now back to dry facial skin...
As we discussed last month, dry skin can mean different things to every person, from general tightness after washing to dry flaky patches, and even red sore areas. The latter will be exacerbated with continuous mask wearing. So one silver lining of the lockdown, we don't need to wear masks if we aren't going anywhere!
Dry skin is often worse at this time of the year. One minute we are battling icy winds and rain, next we are plunging ourselves into central heated homes, which is all very drying. Our poor skin doesn't know whether it's coming or going!
Over use of drying soaps, and hot baths or showers also contribute to dryness - and right now with the constant washing it is difficult to avoid.
So here are some tips to help:
Rather than a facial wash choose a cleansing oil - they have that same wash off clean feel, but use water soluble oils to remove make-up and cleanse your skin. They are a Godsend for every skin type (yep - even acne prone skin - don't be put off by the "oil" word!). Germaine have two that I recommend - Timexpert Rides Make-up Removal Silky Cream (contains Macadamia Oil and Karite Butter) which removes all makeup, soothes, nourishes and boosts collagen. And Melting Makeup Removal Milk & Lotion (all in-one soothing cleanser, toner and makeup remover) - this is a gel formula that turns to oil when applied to the face and warmed, once rinsed off it turns to a milk. As well as Germaine products... I was given Emma Hardie Moringa Cleansing Balm for Christmas and it's divine. Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Oil also gets great reviews.
Alternatively choose a milky cleanser with reusable cotton pads - try Dock and Bay - here's an example - Reusable Makeup Removers
Use warm not hot water when washing your face
Moisturise regularly - morning and evening - choosing a moisturiser designed for dry skin. I am very happy to recommend a number of the Germaine de Cappucini products, so please let me know if you would like more info
Facial oil - add two to three drops of a facial oil to your moisturiser to intensify the moisturiser properties, or use it before moisturiser. Rub it in your hands to warm it before applying it to your face. This helps to lock in moisture and nourish your skin. I have a couple of clients who swear by Moroccan Argan Oil and use this instead of moisturiser. It's also super good on dry heels, elbows, knees and cuticles - so a good multi purpose one.
Exfoliate once or twice per week with a gentle exfoliator - there are lots to choose from but I think the Germaine O2 Soft Scrub takes a lot of beating. It is so gentle, and perfect for all skin types.
Apply a moisturising mask once per week - make this a regular part of your routine, so maybe on a day when you are washing your hair (if you don't do it daily), or when you have time to relax for a few minutes
Try a serum to provide additional moisture and to help boost collagen renewal to improve elasticity and plump your skin
Choose cosmetics with hydration or dry skin formulas - go for something like a dewy look in foundation to keep skin looking less matte
Drink water - yes, I know I sound like a broken record, and, in truth, drinking plenty of water is good for all skin types, but it does help to plump up and replenish dry skin.
Eat healthily - I know it's hard when the weather is yucky, and we are stuck in this horrible lockdown, but try to eat at least some water rich fruit and veggies like tomatoes, cucumber and strawberries. Also go for foods rich in essential fatty acids such as oily fish (salmon and mackerel are good examples), nuts and seeds.
Avoid too much alcohol and caffeine - while everybody can be forgiven for avoiding Dry January this year (we have enough to contend with!), try to limit caffeine and booze, as they are both drying for the skin
So, there you have it. A whistle stop tour of ideas on helping your skin if it is dry. Naturally, when I am able to re-open the salon, I have a number of facials you can try to supplement your hard work at home.