How to keep dry skin at bay

Claire Davies gets some expert tips for hydrating your skin through the seasons

The changing of the seasons can bring with it a host of temporary but annoying skin conditions, especially dry skin on the face and body. Our natural stores of Vitamin D are lower coming out of the winter, and existing conditions such as eczema and rosacea can also be aggravated. So what can be done about this?

Dr Ejikeme, medical director at Adonia Medical Clinic ( adoniamedicalclinic.co.uk), an aesthetic clinic in Maida Vale that offers advanced treatments in skincare, shares her top tips for keeping dry skin at bay. The first step is simple enough to incorporate into your daily life…

“To keep your skin supple, it is essential to re-hydrate constantly,” advised Dr Ejikeme. “Drink at least two litres of water per day and eat water-rich foods such as cucumber and grapes. If you’re a fan of hot drinks such as tea and coffee, swap them for de-caffeinated alternatives – caffeine is known for causing frequent urination and, eventually, dehydration.”

Cleansing and moisturising your face and body are other ways to banish dry skin, but did you know that long baths can deplete moisture levels? “Showering with a cream-based wash may feel moisturising but it can strip your skin’s natural oils. Showers and baths can contribute to dry skin if you’re in there for more than five to 10 minutes, so keep them short and make sure you moisturise afterwards.”

Facials are another invaluable aid for nourishing your skin, as Dr Ejikeme explains. “Combining a mixture of masks, cleansers, scrubs and moisturisers, a facial is the full works, tailored specifically to your skin type. Taking the time to be pampered makes all the difference.”