Skincare tips for those who battle dry skin

by Edel Cassidy
Words Edel Cassidy

Although skin types are genetic they can also be affected by factors such as our environment or our skincare routines. Dry skin produces less sebum than normal skin and, as a result, lacks the lipids it needs to retain moisture and build a protective shield against external aggressors. Environmental factors, such as humidity and temperature, also have a profound effect on the amount of water retained in the epidermis, the surface layer of the skin.

Symptoms and signs of dry skin include tightness, redness and discomfort. When this naturally fragile skin is exposed to central heating, wind and cold in the winter, or sun, sea salt and chlorine in the summer, it requires products that provide exceptional levels of hydration and comfort. Here are some products that are instantly soothing, refreshing and moisturising.

L’Occitane

Aqua Réotier Mineral Moisture Mask

You can use this lovely light-feeling mask in two ways – either as an overnight hydration hit or as a ten-minute mask when your skin is really thirsty and needs a quick moisture boost. A key ingredient is thermal spring water from Réotier in the Hautes Alpes region. This water, which filters through layers of dolomite and gypsum, is rich in calcium bicarbonate, a mineral essential for healthy skin. It also contains hyaluronic acid that binds water to the skin where it needs it most. When removed, the mask leaves a veil of moisture and the skin feeling soft, comfortable and full of vitality. Visit L’Occitane website

My Clarins Re-boost Conforting hydrating cream

My Clarins

RE-BOOST Comforting Hydrating Cream

While dry skin is usually linked to ageing, it can occur at any time. My Clarins is a vegan-friendly line for younger skin, presented in packaging made from recycled materials. Everyone knows that skin needs to be protected from damaging UV rays but the sun is not the only enemy! High Energy Visible Light from screens can penetrate even deeper into the skin. The trouble is that there are no warning signs, like redness and burning, so it’s sneaky and super harmful. My Clarins has three ‘RE-BOOST’ moisturisers, including a comforting hydrating cream for dry skin that nourishes it from morning to night and makes flaky patches and redness go away. All three moisturisers are packed with natural ingredients, such as goji berry extract, fig extract, shea butter and acerola seed extract, that help nourish, soothe and energise young skin. Visit Clarins website

Sisley Soin Velours cream

Sisley

Velvet Nourishing Cream with Saffron Flowers

There are few natural components that can improve our complexion as much as saffron. It has been used to treat skin inflammation for decades, and is known to stimulate blood circulation, thus improving the texture of dry and dull skin, leaving it smooth and glowing. That’s why I’m delighted that Sisley has included it in this newly launched Velvet Nourishing Cream, suitable for both day and night. Other key ingredients include a trio of oils rich in Omega 6, 7 and 9 (cottonseed, macadamia and sunflower). Buckwheat seed extract provides daytime protection while at night shea butter supports and repairs. This cream has a wonderful natural scent and velvety texture with a non-shiny finish that allows make-up to be applied immediately. Visit Sisley website

Reform Skincare Hyaluronic Acid

Reform

Hyaluronic Acid Serum

To achieve a skin that’s hydrated, plump and glowing, this is a product that anyone who suffers from dryness should own. Hyaluronic acid can hold 1000 times its weight in water, giving it exceptional hydration properties. This serum absorbs quickly and provides for new cell growth. It also promotes firmness and elasticity, and softens fine lines and wrinkles, plumping the skin. A luxurious product, it feels like velvet on the skin. With regular use you should see a real difference in your skin’s texture and hydration levels. Visit Reform website

Green Angel Pure Organic Seaweed Collagen Face Cream

Green Angel

Seaweed and Collagen Face Cream

This cream contains botanical collagen, which promotes elasticity and helps to slow down the rate of water loss from the skin. It also combines four types of hand-harvested organic Irish seaweed, which together offer amazing hydration, anti-ageing and anti-inflammatory benefits. It leaves the skin looking smooth, firm and more radiant. Green Angel is an exclusive range of seaweed and essential oil-based skincare, spa and haircare products, handmade in Ireland. The company was founded by husband and wife duo Chris and Mary Mitchell following extensive research on the restorative powers of seaweed and the extraordinary healing and therapeutic benefits of natural plant oils on dry skin. Visit Green Angel website

Caudalie SOS Vonisource

Caudalie Vinosource

SOS Intense Moisturising Cream

Vinosource is a collection that takes its key active ingredients from the vine and grapes. Organic grape water, thanks to its soothing trace elements and minerals such as potassium, magnesium and calcium, stimulates the skin’s natural irrigation system. Grape seed polyphenols provide powerful antioxidants, and Vinolevure® stimulates cellular activity, increasing the skin’s defence capacities and preventing dehydration. This luxurious cream has a silky texture and leaves the skin succulent, comfortable and ultimately hydrated. It can be used morning and night, or as a mask for a more intense result. Drinking wine in moderation is often touted for its health benefits, and I can definitely say that this cocktail of natural wonders confirms the beauty benefits of the miraculous grape. Visit Caudalie website

Skin Ceuticles Phyto Corrective Mask

SkinCeuticals

Phyto Corrective Masque

This lightweight gel masque hydrates and plumps the skin, leaving it with a beautiful glow. Our pale Celtic skin may be the envy of many, but our porcelain complexions can be prone to hypersensitivity, with visible symptoms of redness, irritation and dryness. Phyto Corrective Masque contains highly concentrated botanical extracts, a calming dipeptide, and hyaluronic acid to intensively soothe and deliver immediate hydration. It’s extremely effective after a workout, a hot bath, exposure to sun or other environmental aggressors such as windburn. It’s also effective at hydrating and calming a delicate complexion following intensive treatments such as laser, extractions or peels. Leave on overnight for extended replenishment. Visit SkinCeuticals website

  • ‘Skincare tips for those who battle dry skin’ is published in Anthology Volume 10. Read more features from this volume or buy it now.
  • Browse more in beauty.
  • If you were inspired by this feature, we’d love it if you would share it!

KEEP READING