Best stuff for dehydrated skin?

[PoorMegHopkins]

Just looks sort of parched and horrible. Not flaky dry - still get the odd spot. Middle aged but not wrinkled really, just Sahara like!

Water

Well yes. I assumed that. I drink lots though. I thought style and beauty might have some routine recommendations…

Something from La Roche Posay. They have different formulations for various skin issues and it’s all really good.

The only way I've found to address the parched look is to use heavy occlusive cream, which creates at least the illusion of plump, gleaming skin. I'm currently using astral, I use Avene serum under it.

First you need a chemical exfoliant to get rid of any dead, dry skin that will impede the efficacy of any actives you use. (The Ordinary or Inkey List Glycolic toner is fab.) You need a combination of hyaluronic acid applied while the skin is still damp from cleansing. (You can try both of the previous brands, but Hada Labo is better.) Then something with ceramides. (Can’t go past Curel here… It’s gorgeous and effective.) You MUST always use a moisturiser over the hyaluronic acid serum or your face will dry out more.

Lots of water
Eat fish, avocado, good fats

I also go back to the old school when my skin is like this and smother it with heavy duty moisturiser at night. Astral/blue Nivea/, sometimes on top of facial oil (give it a good massage in) and I even let it soak in a bit and then apply a second layer.

A plumping sheet mask is a good quick fix, too. The Garnier ones are better than any of the fancy ones I’ve tried.

Thank you.

CeraVe-the wash and the moisturiser

I have always suffered from very dry skin and my go to is E45 and Nivea cream, which I purchase in large tubs, but also smaller tubes which I carry around. I slather it on a few times a day. I also use CeraVe hydrating facial wash and their moisturising cream. Tbh I do not find their moisturising cream heavy enough for my face and when I use it I find myself having to top up with Nivea or E45.

A good hydrating moisturiser (any by cereve or la roche posey or the Ordinary Natural Moisturising Factors) followed by Eucerin face moisturiser with 10% urea which holds the moisture in.

I find too much cleansing dries out the natural oils in my skin so I only cleanse at night. Usually with argan oil. I use a rich overnight moisturiser. In the day I just apply sunscreen then let that soak in before your day moisturiser. I only exfoliate once a fortnight if that. Drink tons of water, eat a good diet oily fish, lots of citrus fruit, avocados etc.

@Fraaahnces

First you need a chemical exfoliant to get rid of any dead, dry skin that will impede the efficacy of any actives you use. (The Ordinary or Inkey List Glycolic toner is fab.) You need a combination of hyaluronic acid applied while the skin is still damp from cleansing. (You can try both of the previous brands, but Hada Labo is better.) Then something with ceramides. (Can’t go past Curel here… It’s gorgeous and effective.) You MUST always use a moisturiser over the hyaluronic acid serum or your face will dry out more.

Nadine Baggott in her skincare videos only uses HA. She says she doesn't need a moisturizer as well.

@PAFMO - it was Nadine Baggott’s YouTube channel that taught me the particular plan of attack that I suggested. I think you need to rewatch and see all the other non-HA items she suggests.

Thank you everyone- some great ideas.

When my skin gets dry I use Neal's yard rose beauty balm as a mask in the bath, or overnight as a moisturiser, I also use a little for cleansing/removing make up. It's also great for dry lips or elbows... Ok I might have a slight addiction.. I also like their almond moisturiser as a day cream in winter you do have to let it soak in for a few minutes though, I usually put it on after a shower, then get ready then do my make up

I have to say, good old fashioned blue Nivea. Lashings of the stuff.