Dry Skin
What is dry skin?
Dry skin (known as xeroderma, or xerosis for extremely dry skin) is a common occurrence that affects everyone at some point in their lives (especially during winter months). It happens when the skin loses too much water or oil. Dry skin can be uncomfortable to live with, but it is important to remember that there are creams and treatments that can be done to overcome this dryness. Dry skin can look and feel cracked, rough, tight, flaky, and scaly, and it can appear anywhere on the body. Although, dry skin is usually harmless, if it is severely dry, it can become fragile and crack easily, turning into a painful sore and a potential infection risk. If this happens, it is important to see a doctor or skincare specialist to discuss a treatment plan to get this dry skin under control.
What causes dry skin?
Severely dry skin can come in the form of many types, and by pinpointing the cause of dry skin, it can change how it is treated.
Heat
Environment
Hot Baths
Ageing
Occupation
How to try and prevent dry skin
- DO use moisturisers to smooth and soften dry skin to prevent it cracking that include emollients (such as petroleum jelly, lanolin, mineral oils, and hyaluronic acid) and glycerine that will attract moisture into the skin.
- DO use topical prescription steroid creams if you have extremely dry skin to decrease the inflammation in the skin.
- DO avoid moisturisers that have ingredients like isopropyl alcohol, benzyl alcohol, sulphates, or fragrances as these can irritate the skin.
- DO see a doctor or skin specialist if the treatments are not helping you manage your skin conditions.
- DON’T forget the SPF!
Our Recommendations
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SkinCeuticals Gentle Cleanser – specifically formulated for dry and sensitive skin, it hydrates and comforts dry and tight skin, smoothing any rough surface texture, and yet still gentle enough to reduce irritation.
OBAGI Hydrate Facial Moisturiser – formulated to provide long-lasting hydration to the skin and soothe dry, flaky skin using naturally derived ingredients like shea butter, mango butter and avocado oil.
SkinCeuticals Hydrating B5 – this will replenish the skin with moisture to leave the skin feeling refreshed and smooth. It contains hyaluronic acid that is a natural humectant capable of holding one thousand times its own weight in water.
Environ A, C and E Body Oil – formulated to moisturise effectively and encourage healthy, radiant and smooth skin appearance.