10 Common Questions About Dry Skin

Dry skin is characterized by an insufficient amount of water in the topmost layer of the skin called epidermis. Our skin is made up of nearly 90% water which provides strength and elasticity but various external factors can exacerbate the loss of water by disrupting the skin's natural moisture barrier. Finding the cause helps you choose the right care. There are many causes linked to dry skin, but here we focus on caring for dry skin with your skincare routine.

Click here to find out all about dry skin and how to differentiate it from dehydrated skin.

Symptoms and Issues

Symptoms associated with dry skin are:

A feeling of skin tightness
Skin that feels and looks rough
Itching
Flakiness and peeling
Fine lines or cracks
Gray, dull skin
Redness
Deep cracks that could bleed

Related issues:

Redness
Itching
Lines & Wrinkles

What Causes Dry Skin?

Dry skin can be caused by many factors such as weather, environment, cosmetics, soaps, and detergents, diet, hormonal and medical issues, or central heating and cooling. A Canadian winter combines both: cold, dry air outside and dry, heated air inside. The natural oils found in our skin progressively and naturally diminish throughout the day, stripping the natural moisture protection the skin needs to stay healthy. Without the necessary moisture, your skin’s protective barrier degrades, which allows for more moisture to escape.

How to Hold the Moisture?

First and foremost, by adding moisture to the air with a humidifier. Excess cold and warmth are both detrimental to dry skin, thus keeping humidity levels normal will add temporary moisture to the skin. Next, are the use of moisturizers that are formulated to rehydrate the skin's top layer and lock in the moisture. Look out for good humectants and emollients. Water-based moisturizers (including aloe vera based) are best used on damp skin to seal in moisture and replenish nutrients. Unlike heavy oils, water-based textures won't clog pores. This is why we favor water-based formulas at Fey to suit all skin types. Finally, carry a facial mist for a couple of mid-day boosts to soothe, refresh and rehydrate the skin.

What Should the Routine Be Like for Dry Skin?

Contrary to popular beliefs, the routine should be simple but consistent. Opting for the right formula is key for healthy skin. The daily routine should incorporate regular cleansing (using a mild cleanser), toning, and moisturizing. We have an entire post dedicated to creating a skin routine for dry skin.

Is Hyaluronic Acid Helpful Against Dry Skin?

In skincare Hyaluronic acid works as a humectant. Humectants minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by plumping up the skin. Hyaluronic acid pulls moisture from the surface of the skin into the skin to equilibrate the balance between the deep and top layers of the skin. Yes, the topical application of HA can be beneficial for dry skin. It improves skin hydration and elasticity. In addition, topical application of low-molecular-weight HA was associated with a solid reduction of wrinkle depth. To ensure Hyaluronic acid's great performance, it is important to keep humidity levels normal. It is also recommended to combine Hyaluronic acid with a moisturizer (in case humidity levels are too low) so that the humectant does not soak up the moisture from the deeper level of the skin.

What Are the Most Recommended Ingredients for Dry Skin?

Oils rich in fatty acids to improve the skin's lipid barrier. Olive oil, jojoba oil, sunflower seed oil, evening primrose seed oil, borage seed oil, meadowfoam seed oil, and grapeseed oil are all outstanding options to consider when it comes to calming and revitalizing dry skin. Rosehip oil and palmarosa essential oil help hydrate dry skin and reduce the look of fine lines and dehydration. Look for ingredients with high antioxidant properties to protect the skin from environmental stress which is also a cause of dry skin. A natural exfoliant (and gentler than AHA's), honey is a fantastic humectant that attracts moisture and keeps it locked.

Plant butter such as shea butter and cocoa butter are essential emollients and will replenish and nourish dry, cracked skin.

Are Showers Bad for Dry Skin?

Long and hot showers are very likely to dry out and irritate the skin as excess heat can weaken the epidermis, the outermost layer of the skin. This can result in itching and redness. For dry skin, choosing shower and body care products with a neutral pH value (from 5 to 7) are highly recommended. Avoid scrubs and bar soaps which remove a lot of lipids. Scrub brushes and bath sponges are also to put aside. Short and lukewarm showers are acceptable, preferably not on a daily basis. Apply an ointment or cream within a few minutes after a shower or bath to lock the existing moisture to the skin. Do not rub your skin dry, instead blot it gently with a towel.

How Can I Care for Blemish-Prone Dry Skin?

First and foremost, avoid harsh, drying peels, cleansers, washcloths and brushes made for oily, blemish-prone skin. Most of these formulas are abrasive and will only make dry skin feel more irritated. Favor soothing, gentle formulas without alcohol, menthol, witch hazel or fragrance: mild products won't upset the skin's protective layer. Your cleanser and toner should feel calming and replenishing. Choose your serum and moisturizer carefully: a greasy, extra-rich cream can clog pores, yet your products still need to be hydrating enough to nourish dry skin. If you use a targeted blemish product, pick a low-strength formula and ask a pharmacist or dermatologist which one suits dry skin.

What Products Should I Use?

At FEY Cosmetics, we recommend ACQUA, our hydrating and plumping serum, for dry skin. ACQUA deeply hydrates and helps relieve the feeling of dryness, tightness and itchiness, and reduces the look of redness. It is packed with antioxidants and plumping ingredients: aloe leaf juice soothes skin that feels dry and itchy, and lemon verbena helps skin feel more supple and look calmer.

Shop Dry Skin Care

Start with ACQUA. To hydrate face, body and hair, the All-in-One Hydration Duo pairs it with a BRUME hydrating body and hair mist and saves you 25%. You can also browse our dry skin collection. FEY skincare is made in Montréal, Canada.

Dry skin is often sensitive too. If yours reacts easily, explore our skincare for sensitive skin, with gentle formulas that help comfort the skin.