Dry Skin Care: Which Ones to Choose?
Lucas PINOS
6 min
Summary
Dry skin is primarily characterized by a lack of lipids, which makes it fragile, uncomfortable, and vulnerable to dehydration. In this article, we explore dry skin care . You will (finally) understand the difference between dry and dehydrated skin and how to take care of dry skin deeply so that it becomes soft and comfortable again. 🚿
Differentiate between dry skin and dehydrated skin
Before we bring out the big guns, let's start at the beginning: understanding the difference between dry skin and dehydrated skin . This will help you avoid using the wrong products.
Hydrolipidic film and skin problems
The hydrolipidic film is the protective barrier located on the outer layer of the skin, the stratum corneum. It is mainly composed of:
Water rising from the deep layers of the skin.
Sebum produced by the sebaceous glands.
The role of this barrier is, among other things, to protect the skin from external aggressions, and to maintain its hydration by retaining water. When the hydrolipidic film is unbalanced, it no longer plays its protective role and that's when skin problems begin!
Dry skin
Dry skin primarily lacks lipids , or fats. When the sebaceous glands don't produce enough sebum to create a balanced and effective protective barrier, the skin dries out. The result? Dry, thin, rough skin that feels tight and peels.
To restore comfort to dry skin, you need:
Fat to maintain its hydrolipidic film.
Hydration to compensate for water loss.
Rebuilding this protective layer will also limit water evaporation and maintain skin hydration. This is what we call a virtuous circle!
Dehydrated skin
Dehydrated skin is primarily a lack of water . All skin types can be dehydrated, so it's not a skin type, but a temporary condition. It manifests itself as a dull complexion, a feeling of tightness, and sometimes fine lines that appear, particularly around the eyes.
If your skin is dry and dehydrated, it needs lipids and water. If your skin is oily and dehydrated, provide it with hydration, but not lipids. Your sebaceous glands are already producing too much sebum.
Special facial care routine for dry skin
Now that you know what's wrong with your skin, let's move on to solutions! With our special dry skin routine, you'll bring your skin back to life. 💧
Gentle cleaning
Say goodbye to cleansers that foam too much, are too harsh, and dry out your skin even more! Opt for a gentle cleanser that preserves your skin barrier:
Natural oils,
Makeup remover oils or balms,
Cleansing milks,
Etc.
Daily hydration
Hydration is the heart of your dry skin care routine . Opt for rich, highly nourishing creams , favoring those that contain emollients.
These superfatting agents, such as vegetable oils and butters with fatty acids, provide your skin with the essential lipids it needs. They help restore your skin's protective film and maintain its hydration throughout the day.
Also consider the hydrating power of hyaluronic acid, which retains water in skin cells:
Hyaluronic acid creams and serums attract and retain moisture in the upper layers of the skin.
Hyaluronic acid in dietary supplements increases the body's ability to retain moisture in skin cells.
Nutritional serums and boosters
Serums are the superheroes of your routine. They penetrate deep to deliver essential nutrients. Opt for serums containing:
Ceramides , fatty acids naturally present in the skin;
-
Squalane , derived from squalene, a lipid that makes up human sebum;
Natural oils , for a shield effect, which will help to maintain the skin's hydration. 😊
This lipid intake will help strengthen the skin barrier of dry skin lacking sebum. If you are worried about spots , choose avocado or squalene, which are non-comedogenic .
Gentle exfoliation
Just one piece of advice: go easy! Choose gentle exfoliation once or twice a month at most with enzymatic exfoliants , which eliminate dead cells without irritating your skin.
Nourishing masks
After exfoliating, treat your skin to a nourishing mask to deeply revitalize it. Masks containing avocado, honey, shea butter, or hyaluronic acid are particularly effective at nourishing and hydrating dry skin.
Sun protection
Sun exposure damages the skin and worsens dryness. Don't neglect sun protection, even in winter. Choose a moisturizing sunscreen that protects your dry skin from UV rays while providing extra hydration.
Finally, choose natural products , without allergens, alcohol, or any other chemicals. Download the INCI Beauty app and subscribe to 60 million consumers and you'll never make the mistake of putting oil on your face again!
Our DIYs for taking care of dry skin
Why spend a fortune when your kitchen is brimming with solutions? For those who enjoy playing apprentice chemist, homemade dry skin care can work wonders. Here are some simple and effective DIY recipes to take care of your dry skin.
Natural oils to add to your dry skin protocol
Sweet almond oil, coconut oil, and avocado oil are all treasures for nourishing dry skin. Add a few drops to your night cream to deeply nourish and regenerate your skin.
Be careful, coconut oil is comedogenic, so avoid it if you tend to get blemishes. |
Homemade mask for dry skin
There's nothing like a homemade mask to give your skin a boost! Mix ripe avocado with a spoonful of honey and a spoonful of plain yogurt for an ultra-nourishing mask. Apply to your face, leave on for 15 minutes, and rinse with warm water. Your skin will thank you!
Well-nourished skin is happy skin. But remember that every skin is unique, so listen to it and adjust your skincare accordingly.
