An error occured on the server, please try later or contact the customer service

You're in offline mode with limited website functionalities. Please check your network connection.

Javascript seems to be disabled in your browser. In order to get the best possible experience please enable Javascript and reload the page.

Find Professional

Main content

Back to Skin Explained Blog

How to Care for Dry Skin

Dry skin is generally an inherited skin condition and is most often recognised by scaling, itching and flaking. Dry skin usually occurs because the outer layer of the skin does not contain enough oil to hold in moisture. Harsh environmental conditions like cold weather or heat can exacerbate symptoms.

What is actually happening in your skin when it’s dry?

The hydration levels of the outermost layer of the skin determine whether it is dry or normal. This layer, called the stratum corneum, is made up of dead skin cells, which form a protective barrier over the living cells below. When the skin is too dry, the skin cells do not have the optimal environment in order to work properly. This means some enzymes can’t do their job and dead skin cells aren’t shed. They accumulate on the skin’s surface giving it an uneven texture. Water evaporates out of the stratum corneum constantly, but factors like extreme heat and cold can accelerate the process. Moreover, skin produces natural oils to help seal in water but using harsh detergents deplete these natural oils.

What causes dry skin?

All sorts of factors can cause dry skin including excess bathing and taking too many very hot baths and showers, sun exposure and climate extremes like heat, cold and wind. Dry skin is generally hereditary and it is more likely to be felt with age, due to the fact that the sebaceous glands are not producing enough oil to lubricate and protect the skin.

How to care for dry skin?

Actions like keeping hydrated as well as bathing and showering in lukewarm rather than hot water can be helpful. Moisturising Regularly morning and evening and especially after bathing when the skin is still damp, will also help. Targeted serums can give skin a much needed boost.

Your recommended regimen

At SkinCeuticals we believe that an effective skincare regimen is based around five fundamental principles — cleansing, prevention, correction, hydration and protection.

1. Cleanse/Tone - Gentle Cleanser & Equalizing Toner
This comprehensive cleansing ritual lifts impurities and prepares skin for optimal product efficacy.

2. Prevent - C E Ferulic
This serum, containing concentrated vitamin C, strengthens the skin against environmental aggressors, which can sap moisture from the skin. It will help reduce the appearance of visible signs of photodamage such as fine lines and wrinkles.

3. Correct - Hydrating B5
Enriched with vitamin B5 this moisture-enhancing gel contains hyaluronic acid, the body’s natural hydrator, and it helps to bind moisture to the skin.

4. Moisturise – Emollience
A rich a restorative moisturizer, with a selection of natural extracts and oils, to nourish and hydrate skin.

5. Protect – Ultra Facial Defense SPF 50
This high factor, broad spectrum sun cream helps to protect against photo ageing and environmental damage.