The ultimate dry skin survival guide: expert advice for every body part
SKINCAREFlaky skin is particularly hard to ignore when it’s on your face, but dryness takes a toll on all areas of your body. Maintaining healthy skin means keeping your body hydrated for a soft and natural glow. In this guide, we’ll give you a few expert tips to address common dry skin concerns in all seasons. Nourish and moisturise dry, flaky skin – from head to toe – using our top tips.
Understanding dry flaky skin
Most of us know what dry skin feels like. It can be tight, itchy, and even sore. A serious lack of moisture leads to flaky skin with scaling, peeling, and even bleeding in the most severe cases.
Dryness goes hand in hand with a lack of natural lipid oils, which work to retain moisture leaving your skin hydrated and soft. It can be caused by simple dehydration or a lack of other natural moisturisers like lactic acid. This may relate to environmental factors like a dry climate and excessive sun exposure. It can also be due to lifestyle factors – from taking long, hot showers to using harsh soaps. The key to fending off dry flaky skin is to pinpoint these causes and tweak your routine accordingly.
Restore moisture to dry lips
Soothe and soften dry lips by restoring moisture to the skin’s natural barrier. This barrier, also called the stratum corneum, is even more delicate on your lips which makes them especially prone to water loss. Use a nourishing lip balm as part of your everyday skincare routine, applying morning and night before any other products. If you’re headed outdoors, reach for an SPF-enriched balm like our Butterstick Lip Treatment SPF 30 to shield lips from UV rays. And for extra hydration, the Buttermask For Lips works overnight to plump up your pout by morning.
Treat a dry body from head to toe
Frequent bathing strips your body of moisture just as aggressive hand washing does – especially if you take hot showers or baths. And it’s not just hot water that leads to dry patches on skin. Cold weather also calls for a good everyday moisturiser. The best lotion for dry skin should be applied after each shower or bath. Look for lightweight lotions like our Crème de Corps that are quickly absorbed and won’t rub off.
For a hit of intense moisture, choose body butter. These are thicker moisturisers made with a higher percentage of oil and natural butter to seal in moisture. Body butters are ideal for those rough patches on your skin, like your knees and elbows. Exfoliate first using a good body scrub to slough away dead skin cells, leaving your body silky soft. And don’t forget the sun cream! UVA and UVB rays quickly dehydrate all skin types, leading to roughness and flaky patches.
Lifestyle and dietary tips for avoiding dry skin
When properly hydrated, skin looks plump and smooth. While you can apply lotions and creams to restore moisture from the outside, the best way to avoid dry flaky skin is with some lifestyle changes.
1. Avoid hot showers and baths
While we love the restorative powers of a long, hot shower, try to limit these as they strip the skin of its essential oils. Try turning the temperature down a smidge and apply lotion to your damp skin after to moisturise.
2. Drink plenty of water
Dry patches on skin are often due to dehydration. Aim for at least two litres of water a day, while limiting caffeine and alcohol that can dry skin out.
3. Add healthy fatty acids to your diet
A healthy diet shows. Eat plenty of dark, leafy greens along with foods packed with antioxidants to protect skin from UV damage. Healthy fatty acids like Omega 3 are great for skin, restoring its barrier with the building blocks it needs.
4. Avoid irritants
If your skin’s feeling dry and itchy, the culprit might be your laundry detergent. Switch over to non-scented, non-irritating detergents and powders to keep your skin happy.
Conclusion: keep it consistent
Soft, luminous skin starts with your diet and lifestyle. By staying hydrated and following a healthy diet, you’ll keep your skin plumped up and inflammation-free. Apply the best hand creams and body lotions every morning and night, while showing lips a little extra TLC with hydrating balms. And if our lifestyle advice isn’t doing the trick, it’s always worth consulting with your dermatologist for more targeted tips.
