Dry Skin After Moisturising? Here's the Solution.

Feeling frustrated that no matter how much moisturiser you slather on, your skin still feels dry, itchy, and tight? You’re not alone-it's a common struggle, especially during this time of year. 

The good news is that dry skin can be managed with a few simple adjustments to your routine. By making small, targeted changes, you can soothe and nourish your skin, restoring that soft, supple, and glowing appearance you’ve been missing. 

Keep reading to uncover skincare tips from the true skincare experts that we work with at SKINICIAN on how to revive dry skin and give it the comfort and hydration it truly deserves.

Reason one: Extreme Temperatures Strip Your Skin of Moisture

As temperatures drop, both indoors and outdoors, as tempting as it is to turn up the heating and indulge in hot showers or use warmer water when cleansing, this can be harmful to your skin. Excessive heat strips away your skin's natural oils, leading to dryness, irritation, and inflammation. Cold weather is also a major culprit. The drop in temperature reduces humidity, causing your skin to feel dry and tight. Additionally, heating systems and artificial heat dry out the air, further depleting your skin's moisture.

The Solution for Extreme Temperatures: Maintain Your Skin's Natural Moisture Balance

To counteract dry heat, consider investing in a humidifier to restore moisture to the air. Layer your clothing instead of blasting the heating, and turn down the temperature in your bath and shower-your skin will thank you for it!

SKINICIAN co-founder Shelley adds, "When washing your face, we understand what is best for your skin, which is why we prioritise educating our customers with clear instructions to use tepid water (slightly warmer than body temperature - neither too hot nor too cold). This is important to maintain your skin’s natural moisture balance, preventing dryness."

Reason two: Drying Ingredients Can Strip Away Natural Oils

Many lower-grade or mass-produced skincare products contain harsh, drying ingredients that strip the skin of its natural oils, especially as temperatures drop. Common culprits include alcohols, parabens, sulphates, synthetic fragrances, and mineral oils, which can lead to irritation and increased dryness. Mineral oil, in particular, is a petroleum derivative that can clog pores and hinder the absorption of hydrating ingredients.

As SKINICIAN co-founder Shelley points out, “What we’re seeing in the industry with mass-produced skincare products is an alarming prevalence of drying ingredients like alcohols and parabens. That’s why we wanted to make a change by formulating products that prioritise gentle, nourishing ingredients that truly benefit the skin.”

The Solution for Drying Ingredients: Choose Gentle, Skin-Friendly Formulations

To counteract the effects of drying ingredients, opt for skincare products that use gentle, skin-friendly formulations. As Shelley explains, “At SKINICIAN, we’re committed to using only A-Grade and skin-loving ingredients. That’s why you won’t find alcohols, parabens, sulphates, or mineral oils in our products.” Furthermore, SKINICIAN products are formulated with natural or fragrance-free options, staying true to our dedication to gentle care.

Instead of harsh chemicals, look for calming and nourishing ingredients like chamomile and green tea in your skincare routine. For example, the Revitalising Cleanser is rich in grapeseed oil, providing your skin with essential fatty acids and leaving it feeling nourished and replenished," explains skincare expert Lindsey Fenwick.

 

Reason three: Ineffective Exfoliation Can Lead to Dry Skin

Dry skin can result from ineffective exfoliation, whether due to not exfoliating at all, using the wrong type of exfoliator, or not exfoliating frequently enough. Without proper exfoliation, dead skin cells build up on the surface, creating a barrier that blocks hydrating products from penetrating effectively. Physical scrubs or exfoliants with harsh minerals can also damage the skin barrier by causing micro-tears, worsening dryness and irritation.

The Solution for Ineffective Exfoliation: Embrace Gentle Chemical Exfoliants

To allow hydration to reach deeper layers of the skin, choose a gentle chemical exfoliator 2-3 times a week. Chemical exfoliants, using AHAs, promote healthy cell turnover and help fresh skin cells rise to the surface. This ensures that hydrating ingredients can penetrate more effectively. Avoid harsh physical scrubs, which can harm the skin barrier, and instead focus on gentle exfoliation to smooth your skin and boost hydration.

Reason four: Choosing the Wrong Treatment Masks Can Worsen Dryness

Selecting the wrong treatment masks can contribute to dryness and irritation. It's best to avoid trendy sheet masks or those that harden on the face. While they may seem appealing, these products often contain ingredients that can worsen dryness. For instance, sheet masks can leave the skin feeling tight and dehydrated after removal, especially if they lack adequate hydrating ingredients. Masks that harden can also create a barrier that traps moisture but may lead to discomfort, causing a tight feeling on the skin-particularly problematic for those with dry or sensitive skin.

The Solution for The Wrong Treatment Masks: Opt for Hydrating Masks That Don't Harden

Instead of trendy options, choose an emollient-based repair mask that delivers hydration without hardening. These masks are specifically designed to nourish and soothe, making them ideal for dry and sensitive skin. Look for key ingredients like Allantoin and Shea Butter, which actively repair skin barrier damage while calming and soothing irritation. This approach ensures your skin receives the moisture it needs without compromising comfort.

Reason five: Insufficient Hydration Can Leave Skin Feeling Parched

A lack of proper hydration can leave your complexion feeling parched and rough. Many skincare products may not include the right ingredients to effectively replenish moisture, which is essential for maintaining a soft and supple appearance. This lack of hydration can lead to a loss of plumpness and elasticity, making your skin feel tight and uncomfortable, which can also contribute to a dull and aged look.

The Solution for Insufficient Hydration: Choose Products with Key Hydrating Ingredients

To effectively boost hydration, seek out products containing key ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin. Incorporating a dedicated hyaluronic serum into your routine, applied both morning and night, can provide an extra layer of hydration. Hyaluronic acid works to instantly replenish moisture and, over time, helps maintain a healthy skin barrier. Glycerin, a powerful humectant, attracts and retains water in the skin, ensuring it remains soft, supple, and hydrated throughout the day. Together, these ingredients offer long-lasting hydration and promote overall skin health.

As industry skincare expert Lisa Padmore emphasises, “Some ingredients you really need in your skincare routine, one of which is hyaluronic acid. Since we naturally produce it in our bodies, hyaluronic acid mimics its benefits, helping to enhance plumpness and elasticity in the skin.”

Choosing the right moisturiser for your skin type

When it comes to choosing the right moisturiser, it’s essential to think about your skin type and seek out specific ingredients that target your skin’s unique needs. For example, if you have dry, sensitive, or tired skin, look for moisturisers with ingredients that offer intense hydration and soothing properties.

That’s why we formulated the Revitalising Day Moisturiser with Botanical B Glucans and Saccharide Isomerate, which work to deeply hydrate and lock in moisture for up to 12 hours (clinically proven). We also included Aloe Vera to calm redness and irritation, making it ideal for sensitive skin. Plus, with encapsulated SPF 30, you get full UV protection without the need for an additional sunscreen-another reason this moisturiser is a great all-in-one solution.

 

Similarly, if ageing is your concern, look for ingredients that boost hydration and protect the skin barrier. The Advanced Time Delay Cream contains Hyaluronic Acid and Hydra Advance™ for enhanced hydration, while Regenacell™ helps reduce visible signs of ageing and supports skin renewal. As Lisa Padmore, trusted skincare expert, highlights, “The yeast extrac featured in the Revitalising and Time Delay Cream will really help to work on collagen production and fine lines and wrinkles.” With its SPF 30 protection, this cream is ideal for those looking to slow down the signs of ageing while maintaining hydrated and protected skin.

 

For those in need of even more protection from environmental aggressors, we recommend the Daily Defence SPF 50. It’s packed with Gossypium Herbaceum, Niacinamide, and Vitamin E, offering broad-spectrum and blue-light protection. This formula not only hydrates but also calms skin irritation, making it an excellent choice for sensitive or dry skin types.

 

Everyone can benefit from a night moisturiser, as our skin naturally loses moisture while we sleep. A good night cream replenishes hydration and supports skin repair during this crucial time. Our Restoring Night Cream is enriched with Botanical Beta-Glucans to provide deep moisturisation while sealing in essential hydration overnight. Additionally, it features the powerful Regenacell™, which aids in cellular regeneration and boosts skin resilience. Look for night creams with hydrating and barrier-repairing ingredients to ensure your skin stays nourished and revitalised while you rest.

 

As SKINICIAN co-founder Shelley explains, "When creating our products with experienced cosmetic chemists and formulators, we focused on including ingredients like Botanical B Glucans and Glycerin because they provide the hydration and protection your skin needs as well as calming ingredients. Each product is carefully designed to target specific skin concerns, so you can feel confident in achieving the best results for your skin."

 

How the right moisturiser changed Carol’s skin forever!

When Carol reached out to SKINICIAN, she was struggling with dry, sensitive skin and the early signs of ageing. Frustrated by her skin's persistent tightness and occasional stinging from certain products, she sought a solution that would deeply nourish her complexion.

At the heart of her personalised treatment plan were two key moisturisers: the Time Delay Cream and the Restoring Night Cream. The Time Delay Cream provided intense hydration, formulated with potent ingredients like hyaluronic acid and vitamin E to repair and protect her skin. This rich cream ensured that moisture reached the deeper layers of her skin, delivering lasting comfort and vitality.

To maximise the effectiveness of these moisturisers, we introduced the Pro-Radiance Enzyme Cleanser into her routine. Formulated with AHAs, this gentle cleanser helped to exfoliate her skin, allowing hydrating ingredients to penetrate more effectively.

To further enhance her hydration and comfort, Carol incorporated the Advanced Calming Serum, designed to soothe and nourish her sensitive skin.

At night, the Restoring Night Cream worked wonders, replenishing the moisture lost during the day and supercharging her skin overnight. With consistent use, Carol woke up to a glowing, plump complexion, experiencing the transformative power of the right moisturisers.

 

The results speak for themselves! For Carol's full transformation journey, click here.

 

Lifestyle changes that can help dry skin

Hydrate from the inside out: It may seem obvious, but sometimes dry skin is actually dehydrated skin. Dry skin refers to a skin type characterised by a lack of natural oils, leading to rough texture and flakiness. In contrast, dehydrated skin is a temporary condition caused by insufficient water, often resulting in tightness and dullness. To combat this, drink plenty of water and consume water-rich foods like fruits and vegetables. Additionally, avoid drying ingredients such as alcohol and synthetic fragrances in your skincare products, and instead look for nourishing and hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin.

Get consistent with skincare: Establish a regular skincare routine looking for those products featuring hydrating and nourishing ingredients. Apply moisturiser immediately after cleansing to lock in moisture.

Using humidifiers in dry environments: Utilise humidifiers, especially in winter, to maintain humidity levels indoors and prevent moisture loss from your skin while you sleep.

Exfoliate: Gently exfoliate 2-3 times a week using chemical exfoliants to remove dead skin cells, allowing hydrating products to penetrate more effectively and improve skin texture.

For more articles on dry skin, read:

• Winter Skin SOS: Top Tips and a Winter Skincare Routine for a Healthy Glow
• All you need to know about your skin barrier & how to look after it
• Carol’s Dry Skin Journey to Happy, Healthy Skin