Collection: Skincare For Dry Skin

Dry skin is a genetic skin type that lacks essential oils, lipids, and ceramides needed to keep it hydrated and protected. With a reduced ability to retain moisture, the skin becomes dry, irritated, and uncomfortable.

Common characteristics of dry skin include a flaky, patchy, and dull appearance, visible scaling, and excessive buildup. The texture often feels rough, irritated, and red, with increased sensitivity that can lead to cracking and itchiness.

Several factors can worsen dry skin, including harsh weather conditions, from extreme cold to dry heat, which strip the skin of moisture. Using hot water can further deplete natural oils, while skincare products containing drying or harsh ingredients may exacerbate the issue. As we age, the skin naturally loses its ability to retain moisture, making dryness more common.

To effectively manage dry skin, focus on products rich in emollients, humectants, and barrier-strengthening ingredients that provide both moisture and hydration.

Cleansing Without Stripping the Skin Barrier

Choose a gentle, non-stripping cleanser specifically designed for dry skin. The Cleansing Balm and Revitalising Cleanser effectively cleanse without disrupting the skin barrier, offering soothing properties to help restore balance and comfort.

Hydration & Moisture for Lasting Relief

Dry skin requires continuous hydration, making the fragrance-free Hyaluronic Elixir an excellent addition to your dry skincare routine. Formulated with three molecular weights of hyaluronic acid, it replenishes hydration both at the surface and deeper within the skin for instant and long-term results.

Choosing the Right Moisturiser

Moisturising morning and night is essential. Depending on your needs, there are three excellent options:

• Revitalising Day Moisturiser SPF 30 is a rich formula with Botanical Beta-Glucans and Saccharide Isomerate to intensely hydrate, lock in moisture, and protect the skin barrier.
• Time Delay SPF 30 is ideal for dry and ageing skin, enriched with Hyaluronic Acid and Regenacell™ to boost hydration while reducing fine lines and wrinkles.
• Daily Defence SPF 50 is a  fragrance-free, deeply hydrating formula with Gossypium Herbaceum to soothe, boost elasticity, and reduce redness. Multi-Molecular Hyaluronic Acid ensures deep hydration, while Niacinamide nourishes and strengthens the skin barrier which is ideal for dry skin that is sensitive as well as ageing.

Nighttime Repair & Barrier Strengthening

At night, skin naturally loses moisture as part of its repair process. The Restoring Night Cream, with Botanical Beta-Glucans, binds and locks in moisture while repairing and strengthening the skin barrier as you sleep.

Gentle exfoliation is essential for removing dry, flaky skin buildup and improving the absorption of skincare products. Using an enzyme or mild AHA exfoliator like the Pro-Radiance Enzyme Cleanser once or twice a week helps to resurface the skin without irritation, revealing a smoother, healthier complexion.

Adding Retinol to your dry skincare routine enhances skin renewal and moisture retention, making it an excellent option for combatting dryness while improving skin texture and elasticity.

Best Skincare Sets for Extremely Dry Skin

For those seeking hydration-focused skincare sets, there are two excellent options:

The Mix & Match Hydration Heroes Bundle is designed for extremely dry skin, this customisable bundle allows you to select your preferred cleanser and moisturiser, combined with three powerhouse skincare products: Hyaluronic Elixir for deep hydration, Overnight Retinol Powerbalm to lock in moisture and support skin renewal and Peptide Eye Complex to nourish and protect the delicate eye area.

This bundle provides a comprehensive approach to hydration, moisture retention, and barrier repair, all while saving 15% off RRP.

Dry skin occurs when the body lacks lipids and ceramides, which are essential for maintaining a healthy skin barrier. The stratum corneum (outermost layer of skin) is made up of keratinocytes (skin cells) held together by lipids, including ceramides, cholesterol, and fatty acids. Ceramides act as the “cement” between these cells, sealing in moisture and protecting against external irritants. When ceramide and lipid levels are low, the skin barrier becomes compromised, leading to moisture loss, dehydration, flakiness, and increased sensitivity.

Another key factor is sebum production which is your skin’s natural oil that helps keep it soft and supple. People with dry skin naturally produce less sebum, meaning they lack the protective layer needed to prevent water loss. This results in tight, rough, and easily irritated skin, which is more vulnerable to external stressors like harsh weather, pollution, and temperature extremes.

Additionally, skin naturally contains moisturising factors (NMFs) such as hyaluronic acid, amino acids, and sodium PCA, which help the skin attract and retain moisture. Dry skin has a reduced ability to retain hydration, and without enough NMFs, the skin loses moisture quickly, making it feel tight, flaky, and uncomfortable.

Finally, a weakened skin barrier allows moisture to evaporate too quickly - a process known as Transepidermal Water Loss (TEWL). This leaves the skin more prone to irritation, redness, and environmental damage, further exacerbating dryness.

Drinking plenty of water throughout the day supports overall hydration, but it does not directly fix dry skin. The body only absorbs a limited percentage of the water you drink, and most of it is used for essential bodily functions before reaching the skin. While staying hydrated is important for overall health, skin hydration relies more on its ability to retain moisture rather than internal water intake alone.

To effectively combat dryness, it’s essential to support the skin barrier with topical hydration. Ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and glycerin help attract and lock in moisture, preventing transepidermal water loss (TEWL). Additionally, fatty acids in the diet, such as omega-3 and omega-6, help nourish the skin from within by strengthening its lipid barrier, reducing moisture loss, and improving overall skin health.

For optimal hydration, combine internal hydration, a nutrient-rich diet, and effective skincare to keep your skin soft, supple, and protected.

Hydrating your skin naturally involves a combination of topical care, diet, and lifestyle choices that support moisture retention and strengthen the skin barrier.

1. Look for skincare products with naturally derived ingredients and humectants like:

• Hyaluronic Acid – Draws moisture into the skin for deep hydration.
• Glycerin – Helps retain moisture and improves skin elasticity.
• Aloe Vera – Soothes, hydrates, and reduces inflammation.
• Botanical Beta-Glucans – Strengthens the skin barrier, locks in moisture, and soothes irritation.

2. Nourish from Within

• Drink enough water to support overall hydration, but remember that skin hydration relies more on moisture retention than water intake alone.
• Eat healthy fats (found in avocados, nuts, and seeds) to reinforce the skin’s lipid barrier and prevent dehydration.
• Consume antioxidant-rich foods like berries and leafy greens to protect against environmental damage that dries out the skin.

3. Avoid Harsh Ingredients

• Ditch drying skincare with alcohol, sulfates, and synthetic fragrances, which strip natural oils.
• Use gentle cleansers that clean without disrupting the skin’s moisture barrier.

4. Protect Your Skin Barrier

• Exfoliate gently with enzyme-based exfoliants to remove dead skin cells and allow hydrating ingredients to penetrate better.
• Shield your skin daily with an SPF-infused moisturiser, even on cloudy days, to prevent moisture loss and protect against environmental damage.

5. Maintain a Hydrating Environment

• Use a humidifier to prevent moisture loss, especially in dry climates or winter months.
• Avoid hot showers and opt for lukewarm water to prevent stripping the skin’s natural oils.