Suffering from dull and dry skin can be frustrating. Use the wrong product and you’ll go red and itchy. Overhydrate, and you’ll end up with oily, breakout-prone skin that is just as bad.
The thickness of the outer barrier layer of the skin can vary greatly from person to person.
And as we age, the barrier, known as the stratum corneum, gets even thicker, making our skin look dull. One of the most effective ways to combat this is to apply natural fats to your skin, often through moisturising creams containing cholesterols and ceramides. Drinking plenty of water can also help, replacing the lost moisture that leaves your face and body.
But what other techniques can you try? Below, we’ve put together some of the best ways to hydrate dull and dry skin. Read on, and you’ll have soft, plump, and supple skin in no time…
Shop water-based products
Dry skin is often the result of a poor skincare regime.
Though it’s natural to want to apply thick and rich creams to your face to boost hydration, this doesn’t always work. Instead, you should look for water-attracting ingredients which can hold many times their weight in water and help you to retain it in your face. Look for products containing hyaluronic acid, and opt for water-based products which are not only more hydrating but less harsh on sensitive skin.
You might find that a gel-based moisturiser is best for your needs. Such gels can help to lock in your skin’s moisture and give you a natural glow, brightening up your dull complexion.
Cut back on exfoliation
Although exfoliation is important for removing dead skin from your face and body, be careful not to overdo it. Over-scrubbing or exfoliating will make your skin drier, more easily irritated, and encourage premature ageing. Avoid chemicals such as tretinoin and retinol for a couple of weeks to see whether they make a difference to your regime, and keep it natural. Cleanse twice per day, moisturise, wear suncream, and consider a light antioxidant serum on top.
Take a break from cosmetics
As we’ve just hinted at, taking a break from cosmetics can be good for you. Not only will it give your skin a chance to breathe, but it will help you determine which products are causing excess dryness.
Cut out all of your synthetic skincare products and opt for natural, organic alternatives. Shops like Lush create ‘fresh’ cosmetics made from natural ingredients or make your own cleanser and moisturiser using products like aloe vera, shea butter, and beeswax.
If, at the end of the two weeks, your skin is more hydrated and vibrant, slowly reintroduce your old products and see which have the biggest impact. Or keep it natural – chemicals in our skincare are ultimately bad for us and the environment, but organic alternatives aren’t.
Layer your products
Another skincare technique to consider to hydrate dull and dry skin is to layer products on a morning and evening. Once you’ve applied a cleanser, add your antioxidant serum, then your moisturiser, then your suncream.
Some products aren’t effective when they’re applied randomly, or can dry out your skin when used in isolation. Bringing together some of your favourite products can work in your favour and help your skin stay supple and moisturised.
Avoid caffeinated drinks
It’s important to note that the role caffeine plays in dehydration is often overstated. Drinking caffeinated drinks like sodas and coffees won’t cause fluid loss in excess of the volume ingested. Sure, they may have a slight diuretic effect, but they won’t make you dehydrated.
Having said that, swapping out your caffeinated drinks (which won’t hydrate your body in the same way as a herbal tea or water) makes sense. It’s entirely possible to change your skin’s impedance (that is, the flow of energy through the skin) by drinking plenty of water. Treat yourself to a new water bottle, stock up on lemons and limes for flavouring, and start sipping!
Read also: Here’s why you should be drinking more water
Don’t forget about your eyes
One area of our faces that’s commonly overlooked is our eyes. Our skin around our eyes is the thinnest on our faces, and as we age, it becomes even thinner and dryer. As that skin loses moisture, you can suffer from fine lines and a dry texture which makes you look older than you are. Adding a light eye cream to your skincare routine will ensure this delicate skin is well-hydrated – thus slowing down the ageing process and the chances of Crow’s Feet.
Eat water-rich foods
Finally, adding more water-rich foods to your diet can also ensure you stay hydrated. Though not all dry skin conditions relate back to dehydration, most people will notice a difference as soon as they up their water intake. And let’s face it: it’s easier to add a slice of watermelon to your diet than it is to cut a coffee habit and overnight start drinking three litres of water a day.
Fruits and vegetables are dense in water, like berries, plums, peaches, cucumbers, bell peppers, lettuce, and celery. Plus, they’re packed full of vitamins and minerals that can also help to improve your complexion. Swap out sugary and salty snacks for healthier, water-rich alternatives for a couple of weeks. You should then notice smoother and more hydrated skin.
Once you’ve got your skincare routine in check, consider the Oralift anti-ageing device to help you “turn back the clock” naturally. In a recent study, 80% of Oralift users noticed an improvement in their eyes, jawline, neck and asymmetry of the face, and 100% reported an improvement in their skin, cheeks and ageing triangle. Click here to read success stories and check back to the blog soon for more tips and tricks on looking and feeling your best.