Dry skin

Does your skin often feel tight, rough or uncomfortable? If so, it is quite likely that it is short of moisture, of oils, or of both. Dry skin is common and can develop at any age, although many women notice that their skin changes as they grow older. Fortunately, there is plenty you can do yourself to help your skin feel comfortable, supple and healthy again.

Why your skin sometimes falls out of balance

Your skin has a natural protective layer that helps to hold on to moisture and keep out external influences. When this layer is not working as well, the skin loses its moisture more quickly. As a result it can feel dry, sensitive or tight. Several factors can play a part here. Think of age, hormonal changes, the weather, stress or the use of skincare products that do not really suit your skin’s needs. Dryness often comes not from a single cause, but from a combination of factors.

What can make your skin feel drier

The condition of your skin is constantly influenced by both internal and external factors. As we grow older, the skin’s natural production of oils decreases. This makes it harder for the skin to hold on to moisture, so it can dry out more quickly. Cold, wind, dry indoor air and frequent cleansing can also contribute to less comfortable skin. Hormonal changes, such as during the menopause, can have a considerable effect on the amount of moisture and oils in the skin as well. Sometimes it is well-meant skincare products that cause extra dryness. A cleanser that is too harsh, or a product with a high level of active ingredients, can disrupt the skin barrier and cause the skin to lose even more moisture.

The difference between dry skin and dehydrated skin

The terms dry skin and dehydrated skin are often used interchangeably, although they mean something different. Dry skin is a skin type. The skin naturally produces less sebum and therefore has fewer oils available to protect itself. Dehydrated skin is a skin condition. Here the skin is short of moisture, whatever the skin type. Even combination or oily skin can be dehydrated. This distinction matters, because the approach differs. Skin that is short of oils needs different support from skin that is mainly lacking moisture.

Why a lack of moisture affects the condition of your skin

Moisture plays an important role in almost every process in the skin. When moisture levels fall, the skin can feel less supple and function less well. Fine lines can become more visible, the skin feels tight more quickly and it can react more sensitively to outside influences. The skin also tends to recover more slowly when the moisture balance is not at its best. A healthy moisture balance contributes to a strong skin barrier, a comfortable feeling and a fresh look.

Which factors dry out your skin without you noticing

Some causes of dryness are less obvious than you might think. Indoor air, for example, can play a large part, particularly in the winter months when the heating is often on. Long hot showers and frequent cleansing can also cause protective skin oils to disappear more quickly. Stress, lack of sleep and hormonal changes affect the skin’s ability to recover too. As a result the skin copes less well with the demands of everyday life and falls out of balance more easily. When several of these factors are present at once, the signs can become more pronounced.

What you can do to help your skin feel comfortable again

Helping skin that feels dry begins with supporting its natural skin barrier. Gentle cleansing, enough hydration and nourishing ingredients often form the basis. It also helps to take a critical look at your current routine. Sometimes doing less is more effective than continually adding new products. Skin that is out of balance usually needs, above all, calm, support and consistency. Lifestyle plays a part too. Enough sleep, relaxation and protection from the weather can all contribute to more comfortable skin. Would you like to know which ingredients and skincare products best support your skin? Then What helps with dry facial skin offers practical tips you can put into use straight away.

Which active ingredients can offer support

Some ingredients are known for their ability to hold on to moisture or support the skin barrier. Think of hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, glycerine and ceramides. These ingredients help the skin to hold on to moisture better and support its natural recovery process. Which ingredients suit best depends on the condition of your skin and any other concerns you may have. For everyday use, hydrating serums and moisturisers that help hold on to moisture are especially valuable additions to a routine for dry skin.

When a treatment can be a valuable addition

Sometimes the skin needs more than an adjusted skincare routine alone. A professional treatment can help to support the skin more intensively and bring it back into balance more quickly. At Babassu we look not only at the visible concern, but at the skin as a whole. Based on your skin condition, your stage of life and your wishes, we give personalised advice on care, active ingredients and treatments that suit your situation. A treatment can be particularly worthwhile when dryness goes hand in hand with sensitivity, redness or signs of ageing. Intensively hydrating facial treatments can support the skin when it needs extra nourishment, energy and comfort.

Personalised advice for skin that feels dry

Every skin is different. What works well for one person need not be the right solution for another. That is why it is important to look not only at the symptoms, but also at the cause behind them. By gaining insight into what your skin needs, you can make more targeted choices about products and treatments that genuinely contribute to healthy, comfortable skin. For extra support you might also look at repairing serums and repairing masks.

Frequently asked questions about dry skin

Can dry skin recover on its own?
Sometimes the signs improve by themselves when a temporary cause disappears, such as cold weather or the use of an unsuitable product. When the skin is persistently out of balance, recovery usually calls for targeted care and support.

Which active ingredients suit dry skin?
Ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, ceramides, glycerine and niacinamide are often used to hold on to moisture and support the skin barrier.

When is a treatment worthwhile for dry skin?
When the skin feels dry, sensitive or uncomfortable for a long time, a professional treatment can help to support it more intensively and speed up the recovery process.

Do you have questions about your dry skin, or are you unsure which approach suits you best? You are always welcome to call or drop by one of our boutiques for personalised skin advice.

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