Dry skin

For as long as you can remember (or almost), your skin has felt tight… Feeling comfortable in your skin has never been easy. It constantly seems short of oils: it literally drinks up the serums and creams you apply in no time. The fact is, dryness is an inherent characteristic of your skin. But it doesn’t have to stay that way… With the right products, even very dry skin can feel comfortable and look radiant again.

What is dry skin?

This skin is economical with its resources: it works more slowly and does not produce enough oils to keep it comfortable and supple. Its hydrolipidic film is absent or impaired, and without that protection, this skin type can easily become dehydrated (because it can no longer retain water). Dry skin can therefore easily become dehydrated, leaving it short of water as well as oils. It can also become very sensitive, again because its surface barrier is in poor condition and the bonds between skin cells are weakened.

How can you recognise it? 

• My skin feels uncomfortable. It feels tight all the time, and dry, flaky patches are a daily occurrence in winter.

• I’m starting to notice signs of sensitivity (redness, tingling and tightness) in delicate areas, such as my cheekbones.

• My complexion looks dull and lacks radiance.

• My skin doesn’t feel soft; it feels rough, and my pores are almost invisible.

• I have a few fine lines that are starting to become more noticeable.

What causes dry skin?

This discomfort can have a number of causes:

• External stressors such as cold, wind and pollution (particularly free radicals) weaken the epidermis.

• But an unsuitable routine can also cause these problems. For example, over-exfoliating (with a physical scrub or an overly strong professional peel) or using a toner that is too astringent or irritating can dry out the skin and, in turn, lead to dehydration.

• In addition, natural ageing is an inevitable factor that can make skin drier. Over the years, collagen and elastin fibres and hyaluronic acid become less abundant. The epidermis loses substance, becoming thinner and more fragile.

• Finally, a diet lacking in vitamin A, trace elements and fatty acids can negatively affect the skin’s natural beauty.

What can you do about dry skin?

A few good habits can quickly help address the concerns of very dry skin. Follow our 3 essential steps to help your skin feel healthy and comfortable again, without that tight feeling!

To get the best results, I add a few carefully chosen steps to my routine. A nourishing face mask, an ultra-gentle lotion, a comforting eye cream and an extra-cocooning moisturiser… I choose from these targeted products to create the most complete routine possible for skin that feels tight. Want to know more? Our moisturiser shopping guide can help.

The DOs

• Mix a few drops of oil-based serum into your moisturiser to help restore the skin’s protective barrier.

• Apply a day cream with SPF every day, especially when spending time in the sun. The skin’s hydrolipidic film also offers a little protection against UV rays; without it, that protection is lost.

• Choose deeply nourishing night treatments to replenish the skin’s oils and indirectly support its hydration too. Take time to massage them in to stimulate the sebaceous glands, which produce sebum. Soft skin after a few nights’ sleep!

The DON’Ts

• Avoid foaming cleansers packed with irritating surfactants that can dry out the skin and make discomfort worse. Choose gentle, soap-free cleansers instead, preferably with a milky or creamy texture.

• Avoid showers that are too hot, as they can strip away the skin’s hydrolipidic barrier and dry it out even more! Remember to apply body lotion after every shower, too.

• Avoid dry air, air conditioning, heating and pollution ; environmental stressors can have a real impact on the skin’s lipids.

• Avoid alcohol and drink plenty of water.

Need a clearer picture? Take our skin diagnostic or read our guide to make sure you know the difference between dry and dehydrated skin.