Skincare tips to help treat dry skin and get back your radiant glow

Whilst you’re more likely to get dry skin in winter, it can be fairly common to get some form of dry skin all year round. As someone who suffers from those pesky dry skin patches from time to time, I know how annoying it can be- however the good thing is there’s a number of simple tips you can use to treat dry skin. The best thing is virtually all of these tips are completely natural, after all nature is king!

Use warm water

When washing your face make sure you use warm water. Cold water isn’t particularly effective at removing dirt, whilst hot water can irritate your skin. Warm water is the optimal temperature and won’t affect your skins normal hydration oils.

Certain type of cleansers can dry out your skin

Whilst cleansing is a fantastic way of removing dirt and impurities from your skin, certain cleansers contain sulfates that can strip its hydration leaving it feeling dry. The common culprits are cleansers that foam due to the sulfates, so try to look for a cleanser that does not contain this active ingredient. Look for cleansers that state ‘gentle’ or ‘hydrating’ as these are likely to have been made without sulfates. Cleansers with fragrance are also a no no if you’re suffering from dry skin as the fragrance can irritate your skin. Why not try Triology cream cleanser 100ml – it’s completely free of sulfates and is enriched with goodies like almond, carrot and jojoba oil.

Coconut oil is a fantastic moisturiser

Coconut oil is a must have if you want to combat dry skin. It contains essential fatty lipids that helps your skin to repair any cracks and helps to lock in moisture. With regular use the coconut oil will improve your skins barrier function leaving it feeling smooth and hydrated.

Oatmeal moisturiser

The trusty oat is a really versatile ingredient that is fantastic at improving your digestion as well as helping to improve the appearance of dry skin. Oats contain a number of ingredients that help to strengthen your skins barrier, soothe any irritation and hydrate your skin. Aveeno moisturiser is an oat based product that not only helps with dry skin, it can also help if you’re suffering from eczema and psoriasis.

Aloe Vera gel isn’t just great for sunburn

Aloe Vera is one of nature’s little helpers. Whilst you probably only pop it on when you’ve got sunburn, it can actually be used all year round. It contains antioxidants, enzymes, Vitamins A and C which all work together to moisturise and soothe your skin. They also have anti inflammatory properties which means they can be used as an anti-aging product too. Try to avoid over using it though as the enzymes it contains will eventually start to dry out your skin.

Avocado face masks are fantastic for helping to rehydrate your skin.

Avocados are great for your skin as they contain Vitamins A and E which are responsible for keeping your skin moisturised. The avocado goes deep into your skin, hydrating not just the outer layer but the inner core as well. It also helps to get rid of dead skin cells, oil and dirt and will leave your skin looking smooth with a natural glow. Whilst you can buy avocado face masks, you can also try making your own.

Use a Hyaluronic acid serum

Hyaluronic acid is a product naturally found within our skin that helps to provide hydration and plumpness. Levels of hyaluronic acid, like collagen, deplete as we get older which can lead to you losing some of your skins hydration. Using a Hyaluronic acid serum is a great way of adding that moisture back to your skin, but be wary of how you use it. Whilst you can’t see it with the naked eye, the molecular structure of Hyaluronic acid is a lot bigger then the pores in your skin, and as a result it won’t be able to penetrate your skins top layer alone. Also if you’re starting off with dry skin, it can actually backfire and start to suck hydration from deep within your skin leaving it looking even more dry. Make sure you apply Hyaluronic acid on damp skin and then apply a moisturiser on top, thus allowing the acid to draw the moisture deep into your skin.

Exfoliate regularly

Exfoliating helps to remove dead and dry skin from the surface of your face, leaving the fresh new skin underneath. It can also help increase the blood circulation to your face promoting as healthy glow.

Staying hydrated on the inside is one of the best ways to treat dry skin

Keeping your body hydrated on the outside is a must, but it’s also important that you keep your body hydrated on the inside too. It’s recommended that you drink at least 5 glasses of water a day to give your body the best chance of keeping you fully hydrated. If like me you find drinking that much difficult, you can buy water bottles with motivational quotes on which encourage you to keep going. They also break down how much you need to drink into smaller time slots, so it doesn’t seem like you have to drink it all in one go. Alternatively if plain water still isn’t for you, spice it up with squash or even try juice instead.

Taking omega-3 and vitamin E will help treat dry skin from the inside

If you don’t feel you’re getting enough through your diet alone, one way to get those essential vitamins is through a food supplement. Whilst there are a huge amount of vitamins available, there are a few that work specifically in helping to treat dry skin. Omega-3 is a fish oil found naturally in fish and flax seeds. If you’re not getting enough of it your skin may feel dry and irritated. Omega-3 is also great at helping to improve inflammation. Vitamin E is also a fantastic antioxidant that can help protect your skin from further damage. It also works as a anti inflammatory that can help reduce the redness you get with dry skin. You can also apply Vitamin E topically to your skin if you’re not a fan of taking supplements.

They don’t say nature’s best for nothing. It’s often the ingredients found naturally in our skin or the ground that can help repair troubling ailments. Hopefully my tips will help you to treat dry skin and get you back your smooth, glowing appearance.

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