Dry, uncomfortable skin can affect anyone at any age. It may feel tight, rough or flaky, and can sometimes appear dull or lack its usual softness and suppleness.
While dry skin is often associated with the colder months, there are many factors that can contribute to dryness throughout the year – from environmental conditions and hot water to the natural ageing process.
The good news is that with the right skincare routine and a little extra care, dry skin can feel more comfortable, nourished and beautifully soft.
What Causes Dry Skin?
Dry skin occurs when the skin lacks sufficient natural oils, which help to support the skin barrier and prevent moisture from being lost.
There are many possible causes. Cold or windy weather, low humidity, central heating and air conditioning can all contribute to dryness, while frequent exposure to hot water and harsh cleansing products can strip the skin of its natural oils.
Dryness can also become more noticeable as we age, as the skin naturally produces less oil over time.
Certain medical conditions, including eczema and psoriasis, can also cause very dry skin. If you are experiencing persistent, extremely dry, cracked or irritated skin, it is important to seek advice from a healthcare professional to establish the underlying cause and appropriate treatment.
Dry Skin or Dehydrated Skin – What's the Difference?
Although the terms are often used interchangeably, dry and dehydrated skin are not quite the same thing.
Dry skin is a skin type or condition associated with a lack of natural oils, or lipids.
Dehydrated skin is a temporary skin condition caused by a lack of water within the skin. It can affect any skin type, including oily or combination skin.
Dry skin can appear rough, flaky and uncomfortable, while dehydrated skin may feel tight and look dull, with fine lines appearing more noticeable.
Understanding the difference can help you choose the right skincare approach.
How Can I Improve Dry Skin?
The key to caring for dry skin is to support the skin barrier while helping to replenish and retain moisture.
1. Choose a Gentle Cleanser
Cleansing is an important part of every skincare routine, but dry skin benefits from a gentle approach.
Avoid harsh cleansers that can strip away the skin's natural oils. Instead, look for a nourishing cleanser that removes impurities without leaving the skin feeling tight or uncomfortable.
Pevonia's CleanRefresh Foaming Oil Cleanser is designed to cleanse thoroughly while helping to moisturise and protect the skin. Its creamy lather leaves skin feeling soft, supple and refreshed rather than stripped.
2. Moisturise While Skin Is Still Slightly Damp
After cleansing or bathing, gently pat the skin dry rather than rubbing. Applying moisturiser while the skin is still slightly damp can help lock in moisture.
For the face, choose a moisturiser formulated specifically to nourish dry skin and support a comfortable, supple complexion.
For the body, apply moisturiser generously after bathing or showering, paying particular attention to areas prone to dryness such as the elbows, knees and legs.
3. Avoid Very Hot Water
A long, hot bath or shower may feel wonderfully relaxing, but very hot water can strip the skin of its natural oils and leave it feeling drier.
Keep water comfortably warm rather than hot and try not to spend too long in the bath or shower.
4. Consider Your Environment
Central heating, air conditioning and low humidity can all contribute to moisture loss from the skin.
If the air in your home or workplace is particularly dry, a humidifier may help to add moisture to the environment.
During colder weather, remember that your skincare routine may need a little extra nourishment and protection too.
5. Look After Your Skin From Within
Healthy-looking skin starts with good overall care.
Drinking enough water is important for general health, while a balanced diet containing a variety of fruit, vegetables, healthy fats and essential nutrients can help support normal skin function.
Foods containing omega fatty acids, such as oily fish, flax seeds and hemp seeds, can also form part of a balanced diet that supports healthy skin.
Ingredients to Look For When Your Skin Is Dry
Certain skincare ingredients are particularly valuable when the skin feels dry, tight or uncomfortable.
Hyaluronic Acid
A naturally occurring substance found within the skin, hyaluronic acid is well known for its ability to attract and retain water, helping the skin feel hydrated, plump and supple.
Honey Extract
Honey is a naturally moisturising ingredient that helps to soften and smooth the skin while providing nourishing and soothing benefits.
Royal Jelly Extract
Rich in naturally occurring vitamins, sugars, proteins, lipids and minerals, royal jelly helps to nourish the skin and support its resilience while helping to maintain moisture.
Squalane
Squalane is a lightweight emollient that helps to soften and smooth the skin. Its skin-friendly properties make it particularly useful in nourishing skincare formulations.
Vitamins A & E
Vitamins A and E are valuable additions to skincare designed for dry and mature skin. Vitamin E is known for its antioxidant properties and helps to nourish and protect the skin, while Vitamin A supports the appearance of smoother, healthier-looking skin.
Pevonia Skincare for Dry Skin
At Pevonia, we believe that caring for dry skin should be a pleasurable ritual rather than a chore.
Our Dry Skin Collection combines nourishing textures with carefully selected ingredients to help leave dry skin feeling comfortable, soft, smooth and beautifully conditioned.
CleanRefresh Foaming Oil Cleanser
A gentle, non-greasy oil cleanser that transforms into a creamy lather to remove impurities without leaving the skin feeling stripped.
It helps to maintain the skin's natural balance while leaving dry skin feeling clean, soft and refreshed.
A lightweight facial mist that delivers an infusion of moisture whenever your skin needs a little refresh.
It helps to relieve feelings of dryness and tightness while leaving the complexion feeling fresh, supple and comfortable. It can also be used throughout the day whenever skin needs an instant moisture boost.
A deeply nourishing moisturiser specifically formulated for dry skin.
Enriched with hyaluronic acid, royal jelly, honey and vitamins A, C and E, it helps to replenish moisture and leave the complexion feeling soft, smooth and nourished.
A highly concentrated, non-greasy facial serum packed with nourishing oils and antioxidant vitamins.
Containing squalane, vitamins A and E, azulene and mandarin orange oil, it helps to comfort dry skin while leaving it feeling smoother, softer and more supple.
For an extra-special moment of self-care, De-Stress Escape Aromatic Oil combines skincare with aromatherapy.
Its luxurious blend of skin-friendly oils helps to nourish and moisturise dry skin while the beautiful aromatic fragrance encourages a feeling of relaxation and wellbeing.
Massage a few drops into the skin as part of your evening ritual, allowing yourself a few peaceful moments to unwind.
Give Dry Skin the Care It Deserves
Dry skin often benefits from a little more nourishment, a little more moisture and a little more time devoted to self-care.
By choosing gentle cleansers, replenishing moisturisers and moisture-loving ingredients, you can help your skin feel softer, smoother and more comfortable.
And sometimes, the best skincare ritual is one that encourages you to slow down, switch off and enjoy the experience.
Discover Pevonia's Winter Escape Ritual – The Dry Skin Collection, a beautifully curated selection of skincare designed to bring a little extra nourishment and comfort to dry skin this Christmas.
