Suffering from dry, tight, seasonal skin already? I know the feeling! Until the age of 29 I had easy, low-maintenance skin that needed little to no effort. Then last winter the ageing process hit (sad face), and I woke to find my skin had become really dry overnight. As anyone with dry skin will tell you, moisturiser alone is ineffective in tackling the problem. In fact, it took a complete skincare overhaul to return my skin to normal. If you have dry, tight, flaky skin, here’s the products I used and tweaks I made to solve the winter skin woes:
1. Try Hyaluronic Acid
If there’s one product and one product only I recommend for parched skin, it’s Hyaluronic Acid. This skincare staple has been a game-changer for me and basically restored my dry and tight skin overnight. But what is it? Put simply, Hylauronic Acid is a gel-like solution that holds tonnes of water molecules which give your skin ‘a big drink’. I couldn’t be without mine and apply it each morning underneath my day cream for an extra boost of moisture. I found it cured the dryness moisturisers just couldn’t touch. The best part? There’s a product for every pocket, with The Ordinary’s Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 costing just £6. I have also tried pricier versions and they are worth the extra dollar if your budget can stretch - Glossier's Super Bounce Serum is less sticky, whilst SkinCeuticals Hydrating B5 seamlessly blends into skin, it’s the perfect formulation but it's also an eye-watering £65.
2. Use A Moisture Mask
ESPA make a highly effective Overnight Hydration Mask that I like to sleep in 1-2 times a week during the winter months. The formula goes on creamy white, then dries to an invisible layer on the skin (don’t worry it doesn’t leave any mess on your pillows!) When I wake up after using this my skin has a lovely ‘plumpness’ to it, yes this stuff isn’t cheap but it really does work.
3. Water, Water, Water
Don’t forget to hydrate from the inside out. You can slap on all the moisturiser in the world, but if you’re dehydrated it’s only going to do so much. The recommended intake is 2 litres of water a day which I do try to consume, however the downside is you will pee a lot (!)
4. Facial Oil
Another beauty routine I swear by is a nightly massage with a facial oil. Pro make-up artist Lisa Eldridge has a really great Youtube video that I watched to learn the basics of a good facial massage. In terms of facial oils there are lots out there, my current favourite is a budget buy - The Ordinary's 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil. If you’ve got dry sky this oil is ideal as it’s pretty thick, mine drinks this stuff up.
5. Moisture Mist
Whilst working on fashion shoots I picked up a great industry trick from the make-up artists on set which was to mist skin regularly with a moisture mist. Not only does this freshen up make up, it also hydrates skin from the outside in, keeping complexions fresh and dewy. I like Clinique Moisture Surge Face Spray, however, a simple mist of filtered water from a spray bottle will also do the trick!
6. Exfoliator
As experts will tell you, it’s essential to exfoliate and shift dead skin as this allows your moisturiser to reach the healthy skin underneath. That said, a gentle exfoliator is recommended as gritty, cheap products can irritate sensitive skin further. This is where an acid based-liquid exfoliator comes in. My best beauty discovery of 2018 is undoubtedly REN’s Ready Steady Glow Daily AHA Tonic, which - put simply is super-charged toner packed with gentle but effective natural acids that work to exfoliate skin without a singular speck of grit. In short, this product is a miracle worker; I always had dry and flaky skin around my nose and this is the only exfoliator I have found to eradicate it completely. Use each morning post-moisturising for a bright complexion.
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