Back to Basics - Dry Skin

Discover Expert Advice on Building a Daily Skincare Routine for Dry Skin

Dry Skin is a skin type that is caused by a lack of natural oils in the skin's barrier. This type of skin in inherited and normally affects all of the skin on the body not just the face. Also, the scalp can suffer with dry skin. Drier skin types typically feel tight, have a rough texture and can sometimes be sensitive due to a lack of lipids.

Our main objective when treating and improving dry skin is to replace the lack of ceramides and fats in the skin, soothe and calm any irritation as well as rehydrating allowing the skin to function in a healthier way. 

We can improve and treat dry skin with the correct skincare routine and supplementation. Skin specific supplements such as ''Omegas+'' from Advanced Nutrition Programme and ''Hydrate'' from Hush & Hush are ideal as they will target the skin before other parts of the body. It is important to understand that general health supplements tend to reach the skin last, hence the importance of skin targeted supplementation.

A simple routine targeting the treatment and relief of dry skin should contain the following steps:

AM- Cleanse- Environ Hydra Intense Cleansing Lotion

Dry skin tends to need a creamy or balm like consistency from the start. What better way of soothing a tight, uncomfortable skin than using this creamy, pH balanced calming lotion. This cleanser is ideal for a dry, inflamed and rough skin. It contains Hydrolysed Oats, Olive Oil Esters as well as Jojoba Seed Oil. Ideal for removing make-up. Apply all over the face and neck and remove with tepid water.

Millies Tip: Apply a layer of this cleanser on the skin and leave on overnight as a calming comforting mask when required.

Toner- Avene Thermal Water Spray

Ideal for all types of dry sensitive skin, softens, calms and rehydrates. Helps to restore the skins balance and contains a microflora to maintain our skins' natural biome. Safe for spraying on the eye area too. Hydrating spritz products are ideal for dry skin as your toning step as some toners can be stripping and irritate the barrier.

Millies Tip: Spray this mist after cleansing your skin and before applying your serum. It can also be used before make-up and after make-up application as a setting spray.

Serum- Image Vital C Hydrating Anti-Aging Serum

This serum contains the pillar ingredients to help treat and correct dry skin. Formulated with vitamins, A, C and E which are crucial for overall skin health and barrier repair. Hyaluronic acid hydrates and attracts moisture to the skin. This serum will nourish and soften the skin as well protect the skin from environmental stress because of the presence of the powerful anti-oxidant vitamin C.

Millies Tip: Apply 2-3 pumps on the face and neck AM & PM. Allow it to soak into the skin for a few minutes before applying your SPF. 

SPF- Murad Essential-C Day Moisture Broad Spectrum SPF 30 

A medium-weight hydrating SPF that leaves the skin refreshed after use. Extremely hydrating and protects the skin from UVA/UVB rays. Make sure to apply to face, neck and chest.

Millies Tip: Murad Essential-C Day Moisture Broad Spectrum SPF 30 should be used daily as part of your skincare routine but be mindful to re-apply when fully exposed in the sun as SPF protection wears off after 60-90 minutes.

Night Cream/Oil

For drier skins, I love recommending an oil. An oil will seal in any serum you might have applied and it also works as a 'seal' to prevent moisture evaporation from the skin thus 'locking in' as much moisture as possible.

Environ Hydrating Oil Capsules- These little gems energise and hydrate the skin by enriching the natural surface oils. It works amazingly on dry skin. They contain Vitamin A which will naturally speed up cell renewal therefore sloughing off any dead skin cells from the surface leaving you with plump, hydrated skin the next morning.

Night time is the ideal time to introduce hyaluronic acid and ceramides to our dry skin in order for it to repair and nourish itself.

Millies Tip: Your Hydrating Oil Capsule or any other skin oil should be applied last in your routine. If using Environ, it can also be applied over your Revival Masque.

CeraVe Hyaluronic Acid Serum- This gel-cream formula contains 3 essential ceramides and hyaluronic acid essential for skin health and hydration. It can be used layered underneath moisturiser or on its own.

Millies Tip: Dampen your skin with your hydrating spray before applying your hyaluronic serum/cream this allow the hyaluronic acid to hold more moisture.