Dry facial skin can be really frustrating, can’t it? It can feel itchy, tight and sometimes even flaky. But don’t worry – I’ve gathered the best tips and tricks to help you bring your glow back. In this article, you’ll discover what causes dry skin and how to care for it using simple, natural methods. Let’s tackle dry skin together!
How to recognise dry facial skin
Dry skin often feels tight and uncomfortable, especially after cleansing. It can appear rough and flaky, and sometimes even red or irritated. Fine lines and cracks may develop, and make-up can be hard to apply evenly, often looking patchy. Sounds familiar, doesn’t it?
What causes dry facial skin?
You might be wondering why your skin is so dry in the first place. There are several possible causes:
- Environmental factors: Cold winter air and dry indoor heating can strip moisture from the skin.
- Skincare habits: Harsh cleansers and hot showers can damage the skin’s natural barrier.
- Diet: A diet low in essential fatty acids and vitamins can lead to dehydration from within.
- Genetics: Some people are simply more prone to dry skin due to their genetic makeup..
- Age: As we age, the skin produces less sebum, which can result in dryness.
Dry skin in women and men: is there a difference?
Interestingly, women are more likely to experience dry skin than men. There are a few reasons for this:
- Hormonal differences: Women’s hormone levels fluctuate throughout the menstrual cycle, during pregnancy and the menopause. These hormonal changes can affect the skin barrier and lead to dryness.
- Skin structure: Women generally have thinner skin than men, meaning their skin barrier can be more easily damaged and retains less moisture.
- Cosmetic products: Women typically use more cosmetics and skincare products, and some may contain aggressive ingredients that dry out the skin.
- Ageing: Sebum production decreases more rapidly in women than in men, especially after menopause, often resulting in drier skin.
Although men are less frequently affected, they can also suffer from dryness – especially when using harsh shaving products or spending time in extreme weather conditions.
What can you do to combat dry skin?
There are many ways to treat and care for dry skin. Here are a few effective tips:
- Gentle cleansing: Use mild, moisturising cleansers that won’t strip your skin of its natural oils.
- Hydration: Apply a rich moisturiser regularly, ideally right after showering or cleansing.
- Protection: Shield your skin from extreme weather – use a nourishing cream in winter and sunscreen in summer.
- Humidifier: Using a humidifier in your bedroom can do wonders, especially during the colder months.
- Stay hydrated: Aim for around two to three litres of water a day to hydrate your skin from the inside.
Natural remedies for dry facial skin
Sometimes the best remedies can be found right in your kitchen. Here are a few tried-and-true home treatments:
- Avocado: Packed with healthy fats and vitamins. Mash half an avocado and mix it with a little olive oil. Apply as a mask and leave on for about 15 minutes.
- Coconut oil: A true skincare hero. Gently massage it into your skin and let it absorb overnight.
- Aloe vera: Its soothing and moisturising properties make it perfect for irritated, dry skin. Apply directly to the affected areas.
Foods that nourish your skin from within
You are what you eat – and your skin shows it. These foods can help restore your natural radiance from the inside out:
- Nuts and seeds: Almonds, walnuts and chia seeds are rich in omega-3 fatty acids that keep your skin supple.
- Avocado: Not only great as a mask but also as part of your diet – full of healthy fats and vitamins.
- Leafy greens: Spinach and kale are packed with vitamins and antioxidants to keep your skin healthy.
- Sweet potatoes: Rich in beta-carotene, they protect the skin from free radical damage.
- Water-rich fruits: Watermelon, cucumber and oranges provide hydration and essential nutrients.
“
Being beautiful doesn’t mean being perfect. It’s about loving your individuality.
Bobbi Brown
DIY recipe for a moisturising mask
Avocado-coconut
Ingredients:
- 1 ripe avocado
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil
- 1 tablespoon aloe vera gel
Preparation:
- Mash the avocado and mix with the coconut oil and aloe vera gel to form a smooth paste.
- Apply the mask evenly to a cleansed face.
- Leave on for 15-20 minutes.
This mask delivers deep moisture, leaving your skin soft, smooth and beautifully supple.
Your skincare routine for dry skin
The right skincare routine makes all the difference. Follow these five steps for healthy, glowing skin:
- Cleans: Use a mild cleanser morning and evening. Avoid hot water – lukewarm is best.
- Toner: A gentle, alcohol-free toner helps balance your skin’s pH.
- Serum: A hydrating serum with hyaluronic acid provides an extra moisture boost.
- Moisturise: Apply a rich moisturiser suited to your skin type.
- Protect: Don’t forget sun protection – even in winter.
shop
The perfect daily care routine for healthy, radiant skin. This deeply moisturising formula was specially developed for dry skin.
Exfoliation: friend or foe?
Exfoliating can be both beneficial and harmful, depending on how it’s done. A gentle exfoliator can remove dead skin cells and help your skin absorb moisture more effectively. Choose a mild, non-abrasive formula and use it no more than once a week (or every ten days if your skin is sensitive). Over-exfoliating can irritate your skin and make dryness worse, so pay attention to how your skin reacts.
Gentle DIY scrub for dry skin
Oat and coconut exfoliating mask
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon rolled oats
- 1 tablespoon almond milk
- 1 teaspoon coconut oil
Preparation:
- Mix the oats with almond milk and coconut oil in a small bowl.
- Gently massage onto damp skin in circular motions for two to three minutes.
- Rinse with lukewarm water and gently pat dry.
This mild scrub helps remove dead skin cells without irritation. And if DIY isn’t your thing, here’s my personal recommendation:
Recommendation:
The stimulating scrub face & body with natural exfoliating particles from raspberry, blueberry, apricot and pomegranate removes dead skin cells and promotes renewal. Your skin absorbs nourishing ingredients more effectively – leaving it silky and radiant.
Insider tip: night care with jojoba oil
Jojoba oil is a true miracle for dry skin. Technically a liquid wax, its composition closely resembles the skin’s natural sebum, allowing it to penetrate deeply without clogging pores.
How to use jojoba oil (pure and cold-pressed) as night care:
- Cleanse your face thoroughly before bed.
- Apply a few drops of jojoba oil to your fingertips.
- Gently massage into your skin, focusing on particularly dry areas.
- Leave on overnight.
Your skin deserves the best care – and so do you. With a little love and consistency, your skin will soon feel healthy, soft and glowing again. Remember: every skin type is unique, so give yourself time to find what works best for you.
Discover here more about the 12 best foods for beautiful skin.
Disclaimer: This text is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It must not be used as a basis for self-diagnosis or for starting, changing or discontinuing medical treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional if you have any health concerns or symptoms. Greentrinsic accepts no liability for any discomfort or harm arising from the use of the information provided.