Hi lovelies,

Like all skin types, dry skin has its share of inconveniences. Lack of radiance, tightness, discomfort, flakiness. All these signs should alert you to the condition of your skin. It is possible to appease it by using the appropriate treatments and by doing the right things. However, each type of skin requires a slightly different pathway. For those who have dry skin, the priority is to rehydrate. 

Why do we have dry skin?
Dry skin is a type of skin, such as normal, oily, or combination skin. But like the latter two, dry skin presents a deregulation at the level of their hydrolipidic film. Made up of water and sebum, this skin barrier normally protects the epidermis against external aggressions (bad weather, pollution, etc.). But in the case of dry skin, the hydrolipidic film lacks lipids and therefore cannot fully ensure its protective functions. The skin of the face is more exposed and more likely to become sensitive and reactive.

Called xerosis in the medical field, these types of skin show distinct signs: they tend to tighten, flake, itch and, in the most severe cases, may show chapping. They also result in a feeling of discomfort, especially after showering. The skin is often dull and lacking in elasticity, and signs of aging like fine lines and wrinkles can quickly appear on the face if not given enough attention. Sadly, dry skin and other skin types are linked to our genetics and cannot be changed. This however, can be aggravated by other factors: 

- The external environment and the climate: the extreme temperatures of winter and summer can further weaken the skin. 

- Lifestyle: people living in urban areas are more exposed to pollution, which can attack dry skin and weaken it. 

- The use of unsuitable products, which can dry out the skin even more. 

- A hormonal change, when taking medical treatment or during menopause, for example.

- A dermatological disease such as eczema or psoriasis, which requires appropriate medical treatment and care

Drinking plenty of water and using the right products, which retain water on the epidermis, are effective ways to remedy dehydrated skin. But they don’t always work. Sometimes, you need a good product in order to really see the difference. You may want to consider a nice cream, such as the vegan retinol cream.

What to do when your skin is dry?
Like all other skin types, dry skin needs special attention. If their routine can be similar to that of other skins, the products are not the same. It is indeed important to use care adapted to your skin condition so as not to aggravate it and weaken your dry skin. The dry skin routine begins with a double cleanse. The first treatment applied is, ideally, a cleansing oil, which unclogs the skin and removes all the impurities that have accumulated on the face during the day (or at night, if it is in the early morning). In addition to being effective against even the most stubborn make-up, cleansing oils have the advantage of respecting the hydrolipidic film of the skin. Argan and Sunflower are ideal for dry skin since they have nourishing and repairing properties for the skin. This double cleansing is completed with a gentle cleanser. It removes the impurities left by the makeup remover and cleanses the skin deeply.

This routine ends with a moisturizing and nourishing treatment to repair the skin, such as a cream or an oil. Applied before nightfall, it allows the skin to facilitate its cell regeneration. In the morning, it fills in the gaps in the skin barrier to better protect the skin during the day.

Once or twice a week, it is important to complete the cleaning routine with a gentle exfoliation. Indeed, if it can frighten dry skin who fear further attacking their skin, using an exfoliant is essential to help the skin repair itself better. Without this scrub, dead cells can build up and suffocate the skin, slowing cell regeneration. It can also make the skin feel dry and sandpaper-like.

The right things to do when you have dry skin

To avoid drying out your skin even more, here are some more tips:

1. Avoid taking showers that are too long, and especially too hot. This could further weaken the epidermis. 

2. Be gentle with your skin. Do not rub it excessively when applying your care, and it is even recommended to use your fingers directly, after washing your hands, of course. 

3. Likewise, avoid touching your face too much. Our hands hang around throughout the day, whether it's on public transport bars or the computer keyboard in the office. They are therefore real nests for microbes, which can alter the hydrolipidic film if they come into contact with it.