TOP 10 TIPS TO COMBAT DRY AND DULL SKIN
The winter months can play havoc with our skin. Harsh outdoor weather conditions and spending long periods of time in centrally heated indoor environments can strip the skin of vital moisture, causing it to become dry and dull.
Here are our top 10 tips to combat dry and dull skin.
1. AVOID HARSH CLEANSERS
Avoid using any harsh cleansers that contain synthetic ingredients, which may strip the skin of its natural oils. Instead opt for a gentle cleanser, which does not damage the fragile acid mantle layer of the skin.
2. HYDRATE, HYDRATE, HYDRATE
It is important that you drink plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated. Make sure that you drink at least 6-8 glasses of water a day.
3. EXFOLIATE
Exfoliate with an enzymatic, non-abrasive exfoliator daily. Gentle exfoliation helps to remove dead skin cells from the surface of the skin to prevent it from looking lacklustre and dull. Choose a gentle non-abrasive exfoliator to achieve a natural radiance without stripping the skin.
4. USE A FACIAL OIL AT NIGHT
Adding a facial oil into your night-time routine can be very protective to the skin. A facial oil will provide the omega fatty acids that the skin cannot make for itself and help stop excess water loss at night.
5. AVOID ANY SKINCARE PRODUCTS CONTAINING ETHANOL
All year round, it is a good idea to exclude products containing ethanol alcohol. Not only does this have a drying effect on the skin, ethanol can interact with the skin’s natural lipids and damage the lipid layer. This reduces its protective qualities and can increase skin’s permeability to pollution.
6. USE A FACIAL SERUM & MOISTURISER
A facial serum and moisturiser are two crucial steps in any skincare routine. Prep your skin with a super hydrating facial serum to quench your skin. Then apply a hydrating facial moisturiser.
7. AIM FOR 7-8 HOURS OF SLEEP PER NIGHT
It is important that you aim for 7-8 hours of sleep per night. Did you know? Most of your skin renewal and repair happens at night.
8. TURN DOWN THE HEAT IN THE BATH OR SHOWER
When you are experiencing very cold temperatures outside, it is tempting to run a hot bath or have a hot shower. Long hot baths and showers can remove the natural protective lipids from the skin and cause the skin to enter a dry cycle. By turning the water temperature down, you can help to reduce the drying effects on the skin.
9. APPLY AN OVERNIGHT FACE MASK ONCE A WEEK
For an instant moisture boost, revive tired, dull and dry skin with a face mask that contains vital minerals, such as zinc, magnesium and copper. Leave on overnight for an intensive skincare treat.
10. USE A HYDRATING MIST
If you are in centrally heated environments for a long period of time, use a hydrating mist that contains Hyaluronic Acid to hydrate the skin.