Dry Skin

I have combination skin (an extremely oily T-zone and dry cheeks) and find it hard to get products to combat both problems without aggravating one particular area.

In a way I think dry skin is worse as it makes covering up acne with make-up almost impossible as it causes the skin to flake and look patchy!

Skin can be dry for a number of reasons:

• Air conditioning and indoor heating cause the skin to become dry, so if you spend a lot of time indoors keep moisturiser with you at all times to help combat dryness.
• Alcohol and caffeine both dehydrate the skin, if you drink either excessively they are most likely stripping your skin of the natural oils it requires to stay healthy!
• An unhealthy diet that lacks fruit and vegetables (they have high water contents) causes the skin to dry out!
• Smoking robs the skin of oxygen which makes it become dry.

Other than our genes (which, unfortunately, we have no control over) the main causes of dry skin are due to our own habits! So try and improve your lifestyle to get healthier skin!

If you have dry skin you should swap your regular cleanser for an oil cleanser, as they help restore the skin's natural oils. Oil cleansers are more effective because they lock in moisture and stop water evaporation from the skin!

For extra dry skin you should invest in a moisturing balm with ingredients like petroleum (Vasline products contain this and can be used all over the body!), glycerin, and/or shea butter as they are specifically used to fight dryness and create a smoother skin texture.

Often balms created to combat dryness can leave the skin feeling sticky but it's worth persevering with as it will help improve your skins texture!

- Natalie