If you've ever wondered whether your skin is lacking in moisture or if you’re feeling like you’re experiencing dryness, you're in the right place. Determining your skin type can sometimes feel like solving a complex puzzle. With so many possibilities, like dry, oily, combination, and more, it can be a challenge to pinpoint your exact skin type. While identifying dry skin may seem easier on the surface, we understand that some of you may need a little extra guidance in this department. So, how can you tell if you have dry skin? Don't worry, we've got a few tricks up our sleeve to help you recognise your skin type and gain a better understanding of its unique needs.
What is dry skin?
Have you ever experienced a feeling of dryness, roughness, or tightness in your skin? If so, it sounds like you may be dealing with a case of dry skin! Dry skin is a common skin condition where your skin tends to lack the necessary moisture and natural oils to maintain its barrier function effectively. Dry skin can affect anyone, regardless of age or skin type, and it can be caused by genetics or environmental factors such as harsh weather conditions. When it comes to maintaining healthy skin, understanding the importance of hydration is key. By recognising the vital role hydration plays in our skin's health, we can take the necessary steps to combat dehydration and ensure our skin remains nourished and hydrated.
How to tell if you have dry skin:
Now, It’s time to play detective and figure out if you’re dealing with dry skin or not! Paying attention to how your skin feels is a massive clue. If you often find your skin feeling tight, rough, or even bumpy like sandpaper, chances are you've got a case of dry skin on your hands. You may also notice your skin looking dull and discoloured, it may even seem to be flaky or scaly, especially around your nose, cheeks, and eyebrows. These are all common signs of dry skin.
A few other telltale signs of dry skin include:
- Itchiness
- Redness
- Premature signs of ageing (fine lines are more visible)
- Cracked skin
- Inflamed skin
- Dark under-eye circles
- Acne/breakouts
What causes dry skin?
There are several factors that can contribute to dry skin, so let’s dive into them!
Genetics:
Yep, dry skin can sometimes be inherited. So, if you’ve heard your parents mention that they’ve had dry skin before, there's a chance you may experience it too. Blame it on those pesky genes!
Environmental factors:
Mother Nature can sometimes be a bit harsh! Cold, windy, or low-humidity climates can suck the moisture right out of our skin, leaving us feeling dry and parched. And let's not forget about excessive heat, hot showers, and central heating - they tend to be the real criminals in robbing our skin of its natural oils.
Certain medications:
Some treatments for acne or other health conditions have side effects that can leave our skin feeling drier than the Sahara. But if you’re struggling with acne, let’s take a moment for a little shameless self promo. Our acne hack spot treatment is an amazing option that fights breakouts AND doesn’t dry out the skin, YAY!
Underlying skin conditions:
Skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis can commonly lead to dry patches or flakiness.
Over-cleansing or using harsh skincare products:
Over-cleansing or using harsh soaps and cleansers can disrupt our skin's natural moisture barrier, leaving us high and dry. It’s important to find gentle, hydrating products that work in combination with your dry skin, like our rebound serum.
Ageing:
As you gracefully age, your skin's natural ability to retain moisture decreases, resulting in drier and more fragile skin. This is why it’s important to apply a moisturiser on a regular basis.
Dry vs. Dehydrated skin - What’s the difference?
Let's talk about the difference between dryness and dehydration when it comes to your skin. It's important to know because they have different causes and require different approaches for treatment. When your skin is dehydrated, it's like it's in desperate need of a drink. It's a temporary condition where your skin lacks the necessary water to stay plump and elastic. Factors like a damaged skin barrier, not drinking enough water, or harsh environmental conditions can contribute to dehydrated skin. It can often be mistaken for dry skin because they share similar characteristics. On the other hand, dry skin is characterised by a lack of oil production in the skin. It is a more long-term experience and typically requires a consistent skincare routine tailored to nourish and replenish the skin's natural oils.
By understanding the difference between dryness and dehydration, you can crack the code to a skincare routine that caters to your skin's unique needs. So, grab your water bottle and your moisturiser, and let's quench that skin's thirst!
For more information on what causes dehydrated skin, read here.
How can I tell if I have dry, oily, or combination skin?
If you're still unsure about your skin type, don’t worry we know it’s a tough one to figure out. Is it as dry as a desert, as oily as a frying pan, or a combination of both? Let's explore the key differences between these 3 skin types and find out where you belong on the skin spectrum. Dry skin is known for producing less natural oils, which can leave it feeling dull, tight, and even flaky or rough. On the other end of the spectrum, we have oily skin. This skin type loves to produce an excess amount of oil, giving it that shiny and greasy appearance, especially in the T-zone area. And what’s combination skin? You guessed it! A combination of both, where the T-zone is oily and the cheeks are dry or normal.
Why is my skin dry even when I moisturise it?
Do you ever wonder why your skin is so dry even after you moisturise it? Here are a few reasons why this may be happening:
Using the wrong moisturiser
Different moisturisers are formulated to address specific concerns, so choosing one that suits your skin's needs is important. If you have dry skin, opting to use moisturisers rich in hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin will help quench your skin's thirst!
Lack of exfoliation
Over time, dead skin cells build up on the surface of your skin, causing it to have a dry or flaky texture. Using a gentle exfoliator 1-2 times a week will help you remove the dead skin cells to allow your moisturiser to soak into your skin more effectively.
Over-cleansing or use of harsh products
Over-washing or over-cleansing your skin can strip the natural oils that help keep your skin balanced and moisturised, resulting in your skin feeling dry or right.
Harsh ingredients, like isopropyl alcohol or strong fragrances, can sometimes do more harm than good. They can cause irritation and even contribute to drying out our skin. Opting to use gentle, hydrating products in your skincare routine will help reduce the dryness of your skin.
Dehydration
When your skin is dehydrated, it loses its elasticity and plumpness and becomes more prone to dryness. By drinking plenty of water, you can replenish moisture, fortify your skin's protective barrier, and improve its texture and appearance. Besties, it’s time to increase your water intake for a plump, radiant complexion!
Overnight care for dry skin
If you're seeking an extra boost of hydration and overnight rejuvenation, give these tips a try:
Tip 1: Use a non-drying cleanser
Using a cleanser that doesn’t strip your skin of its natural oils is the best option for dry skin. Our anti-bacterial cleanser is great at removing unwanted congestion without stripping or drying out the skin!
For more information on how to cleanse properly, read here.
Tip 2: Apply an overnight, moisturising face mask
For long-lasting hydration at night, opt to use a slightly richer moisturiser designed specifically for overnight use, like the Avène Hydrance Hydrating Sleeping Mask. A thicker, nourishing moisturiser will help replenish your skin's moisture barrier, leaving it feeling hydrated and looking plump.
Tip 3: Sleep with a humidifier in your bedroom
Sleeping with a humidifier in your bedroom will add moisture to the air and prevent your skin from drying out. Keep in mind that relying solely on a humidifier will not address your dry skin concerns, so make sure to pair it with a complimentary skincare routine specifically designed for your dry skin.
Tip 4: Apply a hydrating serum
Serums are absolute skincare powerhouses packed with concentrated ingredients. They're lightweight, fast-absorbing, and deliver a concentrated dose of active ingredients deep into your skin. If you have dry skin, hydrating serums with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and ceramides are your best friends. Our rebound serum is a versatile barrier support serum packed with a variety of key ingredients that hydrate and smooth your skin's texture.
Skincare routine for dry skin - how do I care for my dry skin?
Both dehydrated and dry skin can benefit from a hydrating skincare routine. Making sure you have nourishing ingredients in your products will help balance your skin’s complexion, leaving it feeling softer, smoother, and overall, hydrated. Here’s a simple, effective routine for you to follow:
Step 1: Use a non-drying cleanser
Start your routine by using a non-drying, cleanser that doesn’t strip your skin of its natural oils (morning and night). Our anti-bacterial cleanser fights breakout-causing bacteria and removes unwanted congestion without stripping your skin of its natural oils!
Step 2: Apply your serums
Serums work wonders for dry skin, providing deep hydration in a concentrated form. We recommend using serums with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, vitamin E or niacinamide. Apply them morning and night to nourish and repair your skin’s natural barrier. Our rebound serum is packed with multiple key ingredients in one bottle and works to hydrate and smooth the skin’s texture.
Step 3: Moisturise
Hydration is key for dry skin so choosing a moisturiser rich in hydrating ingredients like glycerin and ceramides will quench your skin’s thirst! Our thirst trap moisturiser is a lightweight, hydrating moisturiser that slows the rate of water loss from the skin. Apply it daily for plump, smooth, and hydrated skin.
Step 4: Apply SPF
Sun protection is an absolute MUST for dry skin! UV rays can damage unprotected skin and deplete the skin’s natural supply of oil. Let’s be real, who wants to deal with dry, flaky, and prematurely wrinkled skin? Definitely not us! Treat yourself and grab our skin shady SPF50+. It is a super lightweight, non-greasy and breakout-friendly sunscreen that protects you against UVA and UVB. It also sits great under makeup and doesn’t leave the annoying white cast that most SPFs do!
Remember besties, hydration and nourishment are the ultimate BFFs for dry skin. Keep up that consistency, and wave goodbye to dullness and dehydration!
