What is dry skin?

In essence, dry skin plays thrifty: it doesn’t function optimally and does not produce enough lipids to make your skin feel comfortable and supple. Dry skin signifies that the skin’s hydrolipidic film is disturbed or altered, leaving the skin ‘exposed,’ which means it can easily become dehydrated (because without its protective shield, the skin can no longer retain water). Therefore, dry skin can quickly lack hydration, leaving it not only deficient in fatty acids (lipids) but also lacking in water. Dry skin can also become very sensitive, again due to its compromised lipid barrier and disrupted skin cell structure.

What are the causes of cutaneous dryness?

This feeling of discomfort can stem from a number of factors:

- External aggressions, such as cold, wind, pollution (and especially free radicals), weaken the epidermis.

- But an inappropriate routine can also be the cause of your dry skin problems. For example, excessive exfoliation (using mechanical scrubs or resulting from dermatological peels) or the use of a toner that is too harsh or irritating can also dry out the skin and, as a knock-on effect, lead to skin dehydration.

- In addition, natural ageing is an unavoidable factor that can increase the dryness of your skin. Over the years, the natural collagen and elastin fibres found in the skin, as well as the skin’s natural sources of hyaluronic acid, diminish. The epidermis loses its substance, becoming thinner and more fragile.

- Finally, a diet deficient in vitamin A, trace elements (minerals) and fatty acids can have a negative impact on the skin.

What to do about dry skin?

Luckily, there are a few good steps you can take to help quickly solve problems related to very dry skin. At Oh My Cream, we’re convinced that 3 basic essential steps can transform your skin: double cleansing, exfoliating and moisturising. 

In our opinion, double cleansing is the most effective and gentle cleansing method, and a great way to help defend against signs of ageing. Clean skin enables better oxygenation, and oxygen is essential for the cellular functions and biological processes that keep skin looking youthful! Start by removing makeup with a softening and nourishing oil or balm, that supplies your skin with much needed fatty acids. Dry skin lacks lipids, so lipid-rich formulas are perfect.

Then, use a rich cream or gentle cleansing milk, that will soothe and nourish your skin, to more thoroughly cleanse the face.

The second essential step is exfoliation, which is just as key for dry skin. Exfoliating eliminates excess dead cells, allowing nourishing active ingredients to better penetrate the skin. It also helps soften the skin and optimise the effectiveness of your skincare products. Just be sure to choose a product that is adapted to dry skin, forgoing mechanical exfoliation with coarser, grained scrubs (in order to avoid irritating the skin) and favouring gentler exfoliation alternatives instead.  

Finally, hydrate and protect the skin with an indulgent moisturising cream or facial oil that’s suitable for dry skin. Rich in essential fatty acids and nutrients, hydrating skincare can help repair skin, leave it feeling softer and more comfortable, and boost radiance.

Dry Skin DOs & DON'Ts

The DOs

- Mix a few drops of oily serum with your moisturiser to replenish the skin’s protective hydrolipidic film.

- Include SPF in your daily routine, especially when exposed to the sun. The hydrolipidic film also partially acts as a barrier against UV rays, meaning a disrupted barrier can result in reduced protection.

- Focus on super-nutritive night care products that will recharge the skin with fatty substances and, in turn, help boost hydration.

The DON'Ts

- Forget foaming cleansers saturated with irritating surfactants that can dry out and aggravate the skin, amplifying discomfort: opt for gentle soap-free cleansing bases and favour milk or cream textures.

- Avoid showers that are too hot, as this can impact the hydrolipidic barrier and make skin drier! Moisturise post-shower too.

- Avoid dry air, air conditioning, heating or pollution; external aggressions have a real impact on skin lipids.

- Limit alcohol and drink plenty of water.