Starting to feel the change of season on your skin? Poorly hydrated skin is unable to maintain a healthy barrier, which can leave it vulnerable to acne, eczema, rosacea and even ageing. Here’s how to tell how dehydrated your skin really is — and how to inject it with some serious H2O love.
My Skin Is… Dry
How it feels: Your skin feels rough and has flakes. This skin type lacks oil and water and is primarily determined by genetics.
Hydration Hack
Lower your shower temp (hot water can melt away moisturising lipids) and make sure to slather on a rich cream with butter-based ingredients, like cocoa or shea.
My Skin Is… Dehydrated
How it feels: Your skin looks scaly and fine lines are emphasised. This is a temporary skin condition that signals a lack of water (point the finger at the weather or your lifestyle).
Hydration Hack
You want to protect your skin’s barrier, which allows it to hold on to water better. Stick to gentle, non- stripping cleansers and limit the use of scrubs and acids.
READ MORE: 6 Ways To Get Rid Of Dry, Peeling Skin Fast
7 Skin Hydrator Heroes
FYI — Healthy skin is so in! Here are the products that are going to give you that juicy glow (and keep your face feeling extra fresh).
1. Mist
Sisley Floral Spray Mist (R1 275)
All the good stuff is included in this luxury mist: cornflower to soothe, witch hazel and orange blossom to tone and rose to freshen. It will rejuvenate your skin in the morning and calm it at night and it can even help set make-up. Use it anywhere, anytime.
2. Anti- ageing Cream
Lancôme Rénergie Multi-Cica Anti-Ageing And Reinforcing Cream (R980)
Enriched with a combination of pro-vitamin B5 and plant-extracted madacassoside, which helps to restore moisture to the skin and reinforce barrier function, this cream is suitable for even sensitive skin – it’s got a lightweight texture and is fragrance-free.
3. Eye Patches
Sensai Cellular Performance Extra Intensive 10 Minute Revitalising Pads (R2 085)
The under-eye area has fewer oil glands than other parts of the face so sometimes it needs a bit of help. Increase your moisture supply with these patches.
4. Cleansing Oil
Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Botanical Cleansing Oil (R650)
Remove make-up and impurities without over-drying your skin. This cleanser is enriched with a blend of oils, such as squalane, a highly- effective emollient and natural antioxidant, evening primrose oil and lavender oil. This formula will leave skin balanced and soothed – it’s soap, sulphate and mineral oil-free.
5. Cleanser
Sorbet Hydro Skin 3-in-1 Foam Cleanser (R80)
Not one for oils? Foam up with this hydration solution that contains hyaluronic acid, omega-3 and 6 and vitamins A and E, which draw moisture into the deeper layers of the skin, optimising 5 moisturisation, improving texture and relieving irritation.
6. Mask
Clarins SOS Hydra Mask (R550)
Skin loses moisture when you sleep, so pre-empt a.m. dryness by slathering on this gel-cream face mask that’s ultra-refreshing. It helps skin find its ideal moisture level in just 10 minutes.
7. Sheet Mask
WBeauty Hydrating Sheet Mask (R55)
Pat this on – it’s filled with hyaluronic acid and vitamins A, C and E to help with intense moisturisation for smooth, soft skin. After 10 minutes your skin will feel so good!
