Dehydrated skin is a fact of life for many of us at this time of year as we crank up the heating and spend more time inside in dry, overheated environments that suck the moisture out of our skin. The first warning sign that my skin is shrivelling up more quickly than a sun-dried tomato is when the skin at the bridge of my nose gets rough and flaky.
I use the old trick of putting bowls of water under the radiators, but, with four thirsty cats around, I spend more time refilling them than it takes to use a good facial oil to trap moisture in my skin.
It is a misconception that only dry skin becomes dehydrated. Dry skin lacks oil; dry and dehydrated skin lacks oil and water. Oily skin can become dehydrated when it loses water, which is exactly what happens in radiator season. So no matter your skin type, you will still benefit from extra moisture at this time of year.
The first step is to exfoliate properly to get rid of those dead skin cells so that moisture can penetrate new skin effectively. If you have been using moisturiser alone up to now, you will see a difference almost overnight when you add an oil, because dry and dehydrated skin will drink up facial oils and it only takes a couple of drops morning and night to make a real difference.
If you are in the market for a luxury oil, among the best are Sisley Black Rose, Clarins Blue Dahlia and Nude ProGenius; while good mid-market choices include Trilogy Rosehip Oil and Origins Plantscriptions. As demand for facial oils increases, we are sure to see more good-quality oil blends at budget price points; at the moment, Boots Organics is one I really like. There is a lot to be said for good old-fashioned coconut oil, too, and lots of people swear by it.
Although it seems like a contradiction, oily skin needs lots of moisture if you feel it getting tight or flaky, or foundation clings to dry bits and slides off other parts of your face.
Rehydrate by staying far, far away from foaming facewashes and cleansers (avoid anything with a lot of alcohol in the ingredients list) and use an oil-based or cream cleanser instead. Add products with ingredients that trap extra water in the skin such as hyaluronic acid serums. You can still use a facial oil over the top. Steer clear of richer oils such as Liz Earle Superskin; instead try a "drier" type of oil such as Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse or L'Oréal Age Perfect Extraordinary Facial Oil.
Of course, cats and dogs aside, that saucer of water under the radiator will also go some way to putting some moisture back into the atmosphere. Give it a go.
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