Creating A Moisturising Routine For Dry Skin

Hydrated skin is the ultimate goal of any skin care regime. It’s beautiful, youthful in appearance, feels soft to the touch and is more resistant to external elements that could cause irritation and discomfort. 

Beyond aesthetics, skin that is sufficiently hydrated is much more effective at remaining that way. Hydrated skin begets hydrated skin. 

Why does Dry Skin occur?

Dryness occurs when the surface of the skin is damaged and disrupted. From environmental factors like sun exposure and climate to genetics and age; the underlying causes are numerous and varied. 

The surface layers of the skin are comprised of 10-30% water and, like any other organ in the body, require this water to function well. For skin, functioning well means producing and maintaining its natural oils, shedding old skin and holding onto its water content more effectively. 

Unfortunately, this can mean that dry, damaged skin can become a vicious cycle if not looked after properly. Thankfully, there are many things you can do to repair your skin and a great moisturising routine is the best place to start. 

Here are our top tips for developing a moisturising routine that will get your skin back on track, and make sure that it stays there. 

Cleanse wisely, but thoroughly

The importance of cleansing is a given, right? It’s essential for removing the buildup of dirt, bacteria and sweat that can negatively impact your skin. But what do we mean by cleanse wisely? 

Harsh soaps and cleansers with added fragrances or alcohol can wreak havoc and actually do more harm than good—so avoid. Opt for gentle moisturisers only and use your hands or a soft cloth to clean your skin being mindful not to rub or scrape. Also, keep in mind that prolonged exposure to water, especially water that is either very hot or very cold, can also dry out the skin, so best to keep showers and baths relatively short and in lukewarm water.

Moisturise

It’s basically impossible to repair dry skin without the use of a quality moisturiser. A quality moisturiser is one that is full of the moisturising agents that draw in moisture from the environment, seal in hydration, and form a protective barrier to smooth and lubricate the skin. If your skin is particularly dry, look for products containing humectants and emollients, like O’Keeffe’s Skin Repair.

Exfoliate

Without regular, gentle exfoliation, dead skin cells have a tendency to build up on the surface of the skin. Not only can this lead to your skin looking dull and tired, but it also prevents it from properly absorbing moisturisers. 

Look to exfoliate once or twice a week using a natural irritant free product, taking care to gently rub away old skin to make way for the new fresh skin to shine through. 

Protect your skin

Always wear sun cream—no excuses. 

Sun damage is cumulative, that means that once the damage is done, it’s done. Even on cloudy days and in the winter, it’s still important to protect against harmful UV rays. As well as religiously applying SPF, it’s important to shield your skin from other environmental stressors. For example, keep covered when exposed to harsh wind and be mindful of extreme temperatures and especially dry climates. 

Remember your whole body

It’s easy to forget entire areas when establishing a moisturising routine, leaving certain areas over exposed and susceptible to dryness. Take care to moisturise your hands, feet, elbows and knees as these areas are particularly prone to becoming dry and rough. Perhaps, most delicate and vulnerable of all are the lips. Make sure to regularly use a protective lip balm to keep the area moisturised and protected.