Coarse, rough, extremely dry skin... The face is a sensitive area exposed to external damage that tends to alter the skin barrier. Are you wondering how to moisturise dry skin naturally? In this article, learn how to tell the difference between dry skin and dehydrated skin. Discover natural solutions for nourishing your skin. Finally, find easy-to-implement tips, simple recipes and the natural ingredients you need to prevent dry skin.
Protective
Anti-ageing
£8.50
50 ml
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Dry skin: what is it?
Dry skin, also known as ‘cutaneous xerosis’, is a condition where the skin doesn't produce enough natural oil or sebum.
Decreased sebum weakens the skin's lipid barrier. This also leads to an increase in the permeability of the stratum corneum, allowing irritants to penetrate more easily which is more likely to result in feelings of skin discomfort more often.
What is dehydrated skin?
Dehydrated skin is characterised by a lack of water in its superficial skin layers, mainly in the epidermis. This often stems from the skin's inability to retain water on its own. The hydrolipidic film, made up of sebum and water, which acts as a protective barrier, is thus altered. This increases transepidermal water loss, leading to skin dehydration.
Skin dryness and dehydration have different causes.
Environmental factors: climatic changes, such as cold, lack of humidity, wind, high temperatures and chronic exposure to the sun, contribute to water evaporating from the epidermis, encouraging dehydration. Hard water is also a factor in skin dehydration. By accumulating on the skin, limescale forms a barrier that reduces the skin's ability to absorb and retain water. This water loss contributes to skin dryness. Similarly, the build-up of limescale prevents the naturally-occurring sebum from being properly distributed, weakening the hydrolipidic barrier.
Poor skincare routine: dry skin can be caused by the use of harsh cleansing products, such as alkaline soaps, certain surfactants and bubble baths. Applying the wrong skincare routine also removes oils and sebum from the skin, making it drier.
Hormonal variations: last but not least, skin ageing and hormonal variations, particularly during the menopause, cause a drop in oestrogen levels. This hormonal decline has an indirect impact on sebum production and skin thickness, amplifying the sensation of dryness and causing more signs of ageing.
Lack of hydration: not drinking enough water can have a direct impact on the skin and serum production. That's why it's important to drink at least 1 litre of water a day, which can also include supplements in it.
Genetic factors: don't forget heredity, as some people have naturally dry skin because they produce less sebum. In fact, you need to follow an appropriate skincare routine to provide your body and skin with enough water.
Dry skin: symptoms
No shiny, open pores: particularly on the face's T-zone.
Uncomfortable: dry skin can cause feelings of tightness, tingling and itching, particularly in dry, cold weather.
Dry or rough to the touch
it often has a cracked appearance : patches of dryness reminiscent of snakeskin or dead skin.
The skin is thinner: it tends to wrinkle easily, especially around the eyes, and can look older.
Dehydrated skin: symptoms
Dull complexion: the skin is tight and superficial fine lines of dehydration in the thinner areas may appear.
Increased sensitivity : the skin shows occasional redness and appears more sensitive.
Signs of roughness or uneven complexion may appear: the skin may also retain its shine, particularly in the T-zone.
Facial dryness can be classified into three stages, depending on the severity of the symptoms.
Mild dryness: this stage is characterised by mild dryness of the skin, often accompanied by slight itching or tightness. The skin may appear a little dull or dehydrated. There is usually no cracking, chapping or severe redness.
Moderate dryness: at this stage, the symptoms of dry skin are more pronounced. Skin may appear flaky, rough and cracked, and itching may be more intense. There may be redness and irritation.
Very dry skin: this is the most advanced stage. The skin is extremely dry, rough, cracked and even chapped in certain areas, such as the lips. The skin feels itchy and there is a burning sensation. It is advisable to consult a dermatologist if you find yourself in this situation.
Squalane
Emollient plant-derived olive squalane is a restorative and protective active ingredient that is perfect for restoring the skin's lipidic film and protecting against dehydration. A softener, it has an excellent affinity with the skin and improves dry skin.
Plant ceramides
Relipidising and protective, plant ceramides help to regenerate the skin's natural lipid film, which helps to combat aggression and prevent flaking. They promote good skin hydration, keeping skin supple and soft.
Organic aloe vera powder active ingredient
Known for its moisturising and soothing properties, aloe vera can easily be incorporated into all types of homemade water-based skincare products. It contains polysaccharides, which form a protective film on the skin and help retain water, promoting hydration and reducing water loss. Aloe vera provides effective moisturising for dry skin and encourages cell renewal, which can be disrupted when the hydrolipid balance is disturbed.
Plant collagen active ingredient
A natural extract, this active ingredient is made up of glycoproteins with properties similar to those of the collagen naturally present in the dermis. Plant collagen is ideal for softening, smoothing and protecting all skin types, especially dry and dehydrated skin.
Plant-based butters and oils
Wheat germ carrier oil
Nourishing, rich and highly emollient, wheat germ carrier oil reinforces the hydrolipidic film. Rich in omega-6, it is very beneficial in cases of intense dryness and leaves the skin feeling soft when rough.
Organic raw plant-based shea butter
Rich in karitene and phytosterols, plant-based shea butter protects the skin from drying out due to the sun and soothes rough skin that feels tingly and tight. It intensely nourishes and helps regenerate scaly skin.
Organic sweet almond carrier oil
Sweet almond carrier oil is very mild, perfect for soothing delicate face skin prone to tingling. It softens cracked and rough skin, nourishes the skin and protects it from drying out.
Serums
3.5% hyaluronic acid serum concentrate
With a dosage of 3.5%, our hyaluronic acid serum concentrate is one of the most concentrated on the market. It contains 4 different molecular weights for optimum smoothing, moisturising and plumping effects on all skin types. It is formulated with 100% ingredients of natural origin and available as eco-refills.
Moisturising cream
Moisturising face and body cream
This face cream, enriched with aloe vera and peppermint hydrosol, has moisturising and refreshing properties and keeps your skin moisturised intensely for up to 8 hours after application. It can be used pure or customised with other active ingredients to target a specific skin problem.
Age-defying cream
Formulated with powerful lipid-replenishing active ingredients, age-defying cream is a real boon for dried-out faces lacking in softness. Rich in rosehip, wheat germ and sweet almond carrier oils with regenerating and nourishing properties
Plum and oat make-up remover oil
This 3-in-1 treatment cleanses, effectively removes make-up and nourishes the skin in a single step to remove make-up and impurities without drying the skin.
3.5% hyaluronic acid serum concentrate for intense moisturising. This 3.5% hyaluronic acid serum concentrate is ideal for dehydrated skin. Thanks to its ability to attract and retain up to 1000 times its weight in water, it is a valuable ingredient for restoring the skin's hydrolipid balance
Age-defying cream
Age-defying cream soothes dehydrated skin, relieving discomfort and itching from very dry skin by nourishing it.
Organic precious facial oil (evening)
In the evening, to seal in moisture. Our precious facial oil is a must for combating dehydrated skin and protecting the face from feeling uncomfortable. It restores dry skin's elasticity and helps regenerate damaged skin.
Here are our tips to help you keep your skin hydrated and avoid the cracked skin effect.
Moisturise regularly: choose products that are rich and moisturising enough to nourish deep down, protect against water loss and relieve the feelings of tightness and discomfort that can occur when skin is too dry. Opt for skincare products that are high in active moisturising ingredients, plant-based oils and butters, as well as phytoceramides.
Avoid "aggressive" products and soaps. Cleansers containing soap or aggressive surfactants can be very drying for the skin. So it's important to choose gentle, superfatted, fragrance-free products. It's also advisable not to take long hot baths or showers as hot water can aggravate the phenomenon.
Drink enough water. Remember that moisurising your skin starts from the inside. Internal hydration is essential to keep the skin supple and avoid dehydration, which exacerbates skin dryness.
Avoid dry environments: saunas, exposure to the sun or other conditions that encourage skin dehydration.
Thanks to our recipes, you can make your own cream for very dry skin to suit your every need. It's also a good opportunity to personalise your facial treatments with additional active ingredients or scents that you like.
Melt-in two-phase make-up remover oil for dry skin
0.3 g or 1 drop
1
Putall the ingredients in a bottle.
2
Close the bottle and shake.
Store your bottle away from light and heat.
* Storage: if stored properly and manufactured under optimum hygiene conditions, your product will keep for at least 6 months.
Ultra-nourishing night cream for dry skin
1
Mix the ingredients in a bowl.
2
Pour the mixture into the jar containing the all-purpose cream.
Store your bottle away from light and heat.
* Storage: if stored properly and manufactured under optimum hygiene conditions, your product will keep for at least 3 months.
Dry skin may be a symptom of a more severe skin condition, such as atopic dermatitis or severe xerosis. When in doubt, always consult a dermatologist to establish a precise diagnosis and a suitable skin care routine.
Carrier oils provide deep moisturisation while reinforcing the skin's natural lipid barrier. Unlike mineral oils, carrier oils are rich in essential fatty acids, vitamins and antioxidants, which play an active role in nourishing and protecting the skin. They also help to create a barrier on the skin's surface, locking in hydration and reducing skin's water loss.
Read also: Which facial oil should I choose for my skin type?
Can you get pimples on dry skin?
Yes, you certainly can. If you use a purifying skin care product, opt for a spot-on application (apply specfically to the blemish). This will help your blackhead to disappear more quickly without drying out your skin any further.
I have dry skin with eczema. Which solution is right for me?
Eczema is an inflammatory disease, which means that it is no longer a cosmetic issue. We therefore recommend that you consult a doctor or dermatologist.
What are the best ways to deal with dryness during pregnancy?
To look after your skin, choose moisturising and nourishing products that are specifically suited to you during pregnancy and breastfeeding. You should particularly avoid essential oils and perfumes, and always check product labels to make sure they are suitable for you. If in doubt, don't hesitate to consult a healthcare professional.
Why is my skin dry even though I moisturise it?
If your skin remains dry despite regular application of moisturisers, there may be several reasons for this:
A lack of lipids: dry skin needs to be nourished with fats (oils, butters) to strengthen the skin barrier. Moisturising alone is not enough.
Unsuitable products: some skincare products that contain alcohol or are too light may not be rich enough for your skin.
A poor routine: aggressive cleansing or excessive exfoliation can damage the skin barrier and make dryness worse.
A lack of internal water: dehydrated skin lacks water, so it's essential to drink enough throughout the day.
Adopting appropriate nourishing and moisturising skin care products, cutting down on aggressive cleansing and maintaining good internal hydration are the keys to making your skin feel pleasant again.
What creams and skincare products are needed for oily, dehydrated skin?
Oily skin can also be dehydrated if it lacks water, which can cause tightness and an excess of compensatory sebum. Here are the right skincare products for you:
Light moisturisers: choose gels or creams with hyaluronic acid, aloe vera or hydrosols (rose, orange blossom) for extra moisture without weighing the skin down.
Non-comedogenic carrier oils: such as jojoba or hazelnut oil, which regulate sebum while locking in moisture.
Gentle cleansing: avoid harsh cleansers and opt instead for floral waters or gentle cleansing gels to maintain skin balance.
The aim is to deeply moisturise while regulating sebum for balanced, radiant skin.
Hélène Betoux is a French beauty journalist specialising in web media. Every day she writes tips, advice and guides to help consumers choose the right beauty products. With a strong interest in natural, organic and clean cosmetics, she analyses and shares trends and innovations in the sector.
