As we transition from summer into the colder months, people with dry skin can feel more than just the weather changing. Sensitive, dry and itchy skin becomes more prevalent, which can add extra stress and extra steps into a beauty routine. Our aesthetic clinician has listed 8 best practices, products, treatments and the ones to avoid if you suffer from dry skin this Autumn:

1. Drink (Lots of) Water

Like every other organ in your body, the skin is made up of water. And without proper amounts of water, it will not function at its best. According to UWHealth.org, “If your skin is not getting the sufficient amount of water, the lack of hydration will present itself by turning your skin dry, tight and flaky. Dry skin has less resilience and is more prone to wrinkling.”

By taking care of your skin, it will take care of you!

2. Use Moisturisers and Humidifiers

Moisturisers use a mixture of ingredients to soften the outermost layers of the skin. For dry skin specifically, heavier, oil-based moisturizers are best. Also, if you have a humidifier at home (although Irish residences probably don’t have a need for one), turn it on while you’re at home or sleeping to put more moisture into the air.

3. Avoid Exfoliators with Grains

While it is tempting to want to scrub dry or flaky skin off, find the right exfoliator first. Any type that uses grains (little beads) can tear at the skin. Also, try not to over exfoliate, limit yourself to once a week maximum (so not to completely deplete your skin). Gentle scrubs or microdermabrasion treatments are great ways to refresh your skin.

Newpark Clinic now offers medical grade microdermabrasion treatments that are perfect not only for for dry skin, but for patchy skin, oily skin, acne, sun damage and fine lines.

4. Add a Serum to Your Winter Routine

Full of a high concentration of active ingredients, serums are super heroes to your skin care routine!

Some serum recommendations specifically for dry skin from intothegloss.com include: “vitamin E (an antioxidant, protects cells from oxidative damage), niacinamide (improves skin elasticity, increases ceramide levels in skin), glycolic acid (gently exfoliates and lightens discoloration), and hyaluronic acid (retains moisture).”

5. Avoid Extreme Temperature Changes

Stepping into a living with an open fire, cranking the air con in the car, putting your electric heater on high or taking long, hot showers may give you temporary relief from the outside temperature, but it can seriously affect your skin. Instead, try moderate temperatures until your body can properly heat up or cool down, or dress in layers so you can easily adjust.

6. Find The Right Cleanser and Make-Up Remover

When it comes to cleansing and removing make-up, stick to a cream cleanser. Gel cleansers are more suited for oily skin/combination skin, which could lead to your Skin drying out even more. A cream based or moisturising cleanser/make-up remover, do the job and leave your skin feeling hydrated.

7. Use a Gommage Once a Week

A gommage is another type of gentle exfoliator that uses enzymes to break down the dry, flaky skin. When you rub the gommage off, the dead skin cells go with it, leaving your skin soft and smooth.

According to tripsavvy.com “the word gommage comes from the French word that means ‘to erase’ because the rubbing action is similar to erasing a word written in pencil.” Our aesthetic clinician recommends to this once a week.

8. The Best Product We Recommend for Dry Skin

Epoince’s Medical Barrier Cream

Providing a surge of hydration, this cream is perfect for very dry, scaly or very sensitive skin types. Epoince is an evidence-based skin care line that uses active ingredients for optimal results.

This cream is paraben and fragrance free and uses key ingredients such as: rosa canina fruit oil, white water lily extract, safflower seed oil, apple fruit extract and meadowfoam extract. It can be used daily or as needed. Currently, we have this product available at our clinic for purchase.