Hideous and immediate skin dehydration *cries*

[Nabootique]

My skin is usually combination, but also prone to being a bit dehydrated. I have a good routine and usually this fends off the dehydration (use hyaluronic serum, oils, moisturise, drink loads of water) but the past two days I am looking decidedly crinkled. My skin was even flaking yesterday, which never normally happens. I'm still oily along my T-zone. Not using any new products that could cause this sudden change. I'm baffled. Usually really good with skin! Does anyone know of something I buy quickly to sort this out?

I have combination skin and do from time to time get dry and flaky patches. I am not sure what causes this to happen but I find that a mixture of using a liquid exfoliant to get rid of the dead skin cells, and a much richer day cream (I like Avene's Cicalfate)- which I put on in two thin layers, leaving a few minutes between the layers usually sorts it out for me. I also layer oil and a rich cream in the evening.

Sanctuary time reverse face mask has pepped up my skin no end.

Its positively glowing and smooth.

Thanks rosie. I used to get the patches a lot, but not since hot cloth cleansing and acid toning. I already layer oil and cream, and did you mean acid by liquid exfoliant or a more scrubby one?

Thanks chockbik, I might see if they have that in Boots on my way home. I'm currently looking at an aloe vera mask in the Body Shop as well that looks like it might do the trick.

There's a fabulous Rodial mask that works wonders for hydrating and plumping up skin. You can either use it as a mask and wash off, or apply a thin layer and leave it overnight to absorb.
They sell it at M&S (which often has 20% off beauty products...)
It's called Dragon's Blood Hyaluronic Mask (daft name - nothing to do with blood though!)

Meant to say that Rodial one is expensive, but I only use a very thin layer at a time and it has lasted months so far.

Thank you Lolly. M&S is difficult to get to for me, but I'll have a look next time I'm over there. Love that they're stocking premium skincare now! There's some REN stuff I've been eyeing. Pretty sure dragon's blood is a plant extract. I used to have some incense, and Nip+Fab now have a range with it in.

It might be hormonal?? You could try chaste tree to balance the hormones. Also try shea butter on your face in the evening to really moisturize the skin, you can wipe the excess off before going to bed. Just make sure to get a good quality organic one

Hi Nabootique. I meant a liquid exfoliant. I agree with the other posts and I also use moisture masks for a boost. I like the Liz earle one and its reasonably priced. Rodial is a fabulous range. Not tried the mask but their Glamtox cleansing balm is so so good and leaves my skin glowing and plumped. I am sure Nip & Fab is part of the Rodial family.

I could be hormonal, actually! They changed my pill and my periods have been all over the place since then. I'm going to get them to change it back anyway so that might help. I've always been a bit worried about shea butter as I get acne (should have mentioned that, really!) but I do use it in cleansing balms and accidentally bought a moisturiser with it the other day and no break outs so far so fingers crossed! Will definitely consider a moisture mask. Thanks all.

If you regulate the hormones and try a really goof quality shea butter which will put the moisture back in the skin, you should really see a difference. My favourite shea butter is by Fushi, you can trust the quality is top range, and I wouldn't put anything less than that on my skin!

Hi FabULouse thank you for your concern, however I am disappointed to hear this. After 20 years of trying different natural and regular products on the market, I have come to a conclusion that raw ingredients are the best quality and value. I have found this brand to have the highest integrity, and am only expressing my opinion. This is backed up by many of my clients using my naturopathic suggestions. I will not share my opinion if it is not valued. All the best

Opinions are fine and welcome, infomercials less so.

Ava makes lots of recommendations for natural skin care. I feel like I'm always recommending the same stuff, because I like it and people are asking for advice.

Its easy to filter the infomercials from genuine advice like Ava's. She's clearly a professional in her field and passionate about the brands she uses. I love the same brand too and use it all the time, but won't even mention the name now as seems like we're not allowed to share good information on brands we genuinely love... before being reported to the headmaster! Disappointing.

No need for that.. I am just expressing my opinion on this. Clearly it offended you but that was not the intention.

Woah! Let's all try to get along! This isn't AIBU after all

If anyone is interested, the Bodyshop aqua vitamin E sorbet thingy applied after their vitamin E serum in oil and Hydraluron has sorted my dehydration right out anyway. The moisturiser has shea butter as well and no break outs!