Revive your skin
Dry skin happens to the best of us, but it doesn’t have to define you. We asked a dermatologist for her tried-and-tested moisturising solutions
Whether you’re naturally prone to dryness or it’s triggered by environmental factors, such as low air moisture or pollution, dehydrated and flaky skin can hide your healthy glow and leave you feeling tight, itchy and over it. We spoke to dermatologist and head of digital for the British Society of Medical Dermatology Dr Cristina Psomadakis to crack the code on how to combat dryness and find out why Vaseline should be your new secret weapon to restore smooth, supple and radiant skin.
CONSIDER YOUR ENVIRONMENT
‘Some people are born with dry or sensitive skin that reacts easily to things like harsh fabrics or temperature changes,’ says Dr Psomadakis, who’s currently completing a Masters Degree in Skin Ageing and Aesthetics at the University of Manchester. ‘More commonly, however, the issue develops due to environmental factors, such as over-washing, too-hot showers, exposure to the elements or using too many harsh products. All of these can impact your skin barrier and leave skin feeling dry, tight or sensitised.’
GO BACK TO BASICS
‘When skin is suffering from dryness, the most important thing is to strip back your routine to the gentle, nourishing basics. That means steering clear of heavily fragranced products, swapping out soaps for moisturising cleansers, and avoiding over-exfoliation. Applying body lotion when your skin is still damp helps the product absorb better and seals in much-needed hydration. Thicker textures are also usually better for very dry and dehydrated skin.’
BECOME AN INGREDIENT DETECTIVE
‘Look for moisture-boosting ingredients, such as glycerine, ceramides, petrolatum, dimethicone and hyaluronic acid, to support your skin. Dermatologists agree that one of the best things for dry skin is products that contain Vaseline Jelly, which is why I recommend the Vaseline Expert Care range, with its hydrating barrier repair complex. Vaseline has been shown in research studies to soften hard skin, protect the outer layer against irritation and prevent moisture loss. It’s an effective ingredient that’s extremely well tolerated by a variety of skin types.’