Keeping my extremely dry skin hydrated has been a battle I’ve been fighting my whole life. No matter what dewy foundation or how much highlighter I use, these can’t give my dehydrated skin that ‘glowing’ complexion. The fact I’ve had to face is that skin that’s lacking moisture can’t be hidden or ignored, it’s so important to keep your skin healthy and hydrated.
From just a baby I have suffered with eczema and even to this day stress will provoke flare ups, which is something I’ve had to learn to deal with. Especially with the levels of stress I manage to think my way into. Working with numerous doctors, I’ve learnt that there’s only so many creams and potions that can be prescribed and that if I wanted to see better results it would take my own trial and error through researching for alternative solutions.
When you type into google “how to keep my skin hydrated” the first obvious answer that always comes up is ‘drink plenty of water’. Personally, I could drink 8 gallons of water a day and my skin could still feel like the Sahara Desert. So it became by mission to find the skin care that was right for me. I’ve tried every recommended moisturiser and have been sold so many skin care products by every beauty counter going. I will continue to regularly try new products however here are my top 5 current dry skin life savers.
1. Let’s start with my current go to moisturiser, La Roche-Posay Nutritic Intense Moisturiser Riche, £16.50
This super-rich face moisturiser for very dry and sensitive skin has become the answer to all my prayers, with its undeniably thick texture I know that it is going to give me hours of hydration. Its formulated to reinforce the skins natural barrier function, replenish dry skin and reduce irritation. As soon as I apply this product I can instantly feel hydration and my skin feels so unbelievably soft.
2. Another moisturiser I have loved is the Clinique Moisture Surge 72-Hour Auto-Replenishing Hydrator, £36
This moisturiser already has a huge reputation for itself and was one of the first products I was recommended and tried. With its gel like formula it feels a lot lighter weight than other moisturisers that are targeted for dry skin. However I’m not sure whether it gives ‘72-hour hydration’ as with many moisturisers I’ve tried they barely last the whole day and with this it was no different. However even for the price, it’s absolutely one of the best moisturisers out there.
3.The Liz Earle Skin Repair Moisturiser- Dry/Sensitive, £17.60, is another great moisturiser.
It easily absorbs into the skin and has great natural ingredients like avocado, plant oils and vitamin E which all help to nourish my skin. Even with all the natural oils, i don’t find it greasy or oily, which is common for moisturisers targeted for my skin type. It feels really smooth when it goes on and always makes my skin look great.
4. The Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream Skin Protectant, £28, is a must have!
This definitely isn’t a new product, it was actually created in the 1930’s, so i’m guessing you’ve probably heard of it. But if you haven’t, think of this product as a healing cream, I use this on my chapped lips, dry patches, and cuticles but you can use it just about anywhere. When my skin gets really dry and its definitely overdue a face mask, this is great and gives more than enough hydration. Wearing a layer of this overnight really does work wonders for my skin.
There is definitely some mixed reviews about the 8 hour cream which i think is mainly because people don’t like its unique smell, however having worked next to the Elizabeth Arden counter for over a year i don’t even notice the smell anymore. Plus a smell couldn’t put me off of its amazing heeling properties. I think it was working next to the counter that got me addicted to using it in the first place, on the shop floor it was my go to whenever my lips got dry or my skin looked patchy. I’m pretty sure i have about 3 tubes lying around the house and i always keep a tube in my handbag too.
5. Right now Coconut Oil is my go to for removing my makeup, I found a lot of face washes and makeup removers dry out my skin and not only does this keep my skin soft and hydrated, it also is amazing for taking off all make up quickly and easily (even waterproof mascara). It can also be used as a nourishing hair mask too! I use the Neal’s Yard Organic Virgin Coconut Oil however any organic coconut oil will do.