Take your skin from dry, flaky and compromised to plump, dewy and protected. When it comes to dry skin, we know how to help, what ingredients to look for and how to factor them into your daily routine.

How to tell if I have dry skin?

Dry skin is a skin type, just like oily or combination skin. Dry skin is genetic and is caused by a lack of oil or lipids produced. These oils and lipids are key players in the skin’s barrier function. Without them, the skin cannot function at its best, causing the skin to become vulnerable to environmental stressors, and easily losing moisture. If your skin feels rough to touch, red and itchy, you may be experiencing dry skin. While there isn’t necessarily a ‘cure’ to dry skin, with the right skincare you’ll be able to replenish and strengthen your skin barrier while improving the appearance of it.

How to fix dry skin 

You want to opt for rich, creamy textures in all areas of your routine from cleansers, exfoliants, to creams & oils. When choosing products, think about nourishing and repairing. Try using a combination of antioxidants, humectants and emollients like Aloe Vera, AHA’s, Hyaluronic Acid, Peptides, Niacinamide, Hemp Seed Oil, Rosehip Oil, Argan Oil, fatty acids, Shea Butter to:

• Restore the skin barrier
• Soften and smooth the skin
• Protect against environmental stressors
• Lock in moisture
  
  

Rethink your cleanser 

Cleansing balms are notably more moisturising than any other type of cleanser. Many cleansers dry out the skin but cleansing balms deliver a boost of hydration. They’re made with hydrating ingredients like butters and oils, making them especially great for those with dry or sensitive skin.

Saya’s balm-to-oil cleanser has multiple skin-friendly benefits. Not only will it hydrate the skin but it decongests, tones and deeply cleanses impurities. It’s formulated with ingredients like Chamomile, Macadamia Oil, Cocoa Butter and Shea butter - a cult favourite to soothe and hydrate rough and dry skin.

Exfoliation is key

When the complexion is dry, you will have a build-up of dead skin skills on the surface. With dry skin, being gentle is the key - look for products that exfoliate as well as hydrate the skin. Using AHA’s and enzymes are great ingredients to incorporate into your routine to effectively remove dead skin cells (and flakiness) without further irritation. 

Rich creams are your friend

Opt for a luxurious barrier cream to maintain and protect your skin barrier, preventing it from drying out (especially during winter and dry weather). Our Intense Night Repair is a perfect fit for those looking for a heavier cream to restore and repair. 

Top everything off with an oil

To make up for what your skin’s not naturally producing, facial oils are a must. Most oils have emollient and occlusive properties which means that are able to support the skin barrier and seal in moisture, protecting your skin from dryness, dry air and harsh temperatures. Not only that, facial oils balance, nourish and replenish - giving your skin a boost of glow. Our secret? Layer hydrating serums, moisturisers and oils to lock in moisture!

Always apply products to damp skin

Humectants (Hyaluronic acid, Peptides, Niacinamide) can be dry skin's best friends or their worst enemy. When there is little humidity in the air, humectants steal hydration from the deeper skin layers, which can dry out the skin. That’s why they should always be applied when the skin is still damp, helping products easily absorb into the skin. Hot tip? In between each step, spritz the skin with a hydrating mist.

SPF, always

SPF is an important step for every skin type, (and crucial if your skin barrier is damaged). Just like your skincare, it should be formulated with antioxidants to help defend your skin against free radicals. Look for a sunscreen that provides much-needed moisture and hydration in addition to sun protection.

Your skin might be dehydrated.

Dehydrated skin means it’s lacking water, rather than oil. Since dehydration is a skin condition (rather than a skin type) every skin type can be dehydrated. Think you might be experiencing a mixture of both? Learn more here. 

Don’t forget to take care of your body! Read on to find out which products you should be adding to your body routine.