A few weeks ago we were speaking about treatments for oily skin; today we are going to focus on treatments for dry skin. Remember that different skin types require specific treatments. As such, the starting point for applying the right dermo-cosmetic treatment is to identify which type of skin you have in order to give it what it really needs.
Dry skin is characterised as generating few lipids, which means skin produces little sebum or oil (the opposite of oily skin). The first symptom of dry skin is lack of moisture. The skin feels tight and rough and noticeably lacks moisture.
Moreover, if this dryness persists and we do not treat it correctly, it can reach a new level: very dry skin. This type of skin is characterised as very tight, flaky, chapped and itchy. These effects contribute to the premature aging of the skin and wrinkle formation.
Another symptom we see is that dry skin is more likely to be sensitive, reactive or intolerant. We find that skin of this type requires a lot of moisturising but we have to be careful with the products we treat it with.
Finally, we have dry and dehydrated skin. This is skin which, as well as generating little sebum or oil, contains a very low percentage of water. Skin of this type is very common, as because there is only a small area of oily skin, water is lost more quickly.
Step 1: Daily facial cleansing is essential
It is important to wash your face twice a day: morning and night. You should also avoid washing only with water as this does not get rid of lipophilic particles adequately. Continuous application of water can dry the skin and lead to the aqueous content of the stratum corneum evaporating. Oil-based face wash solutions are the most highly recommended for this type of skin. In MartiDerm’s Essentials range you can find the micellar cleansing oil, which you can use to eliminate impurities and make-up, as well as moisturising and nourishing the skin without it feeling greasy afterwards.
Step 2: Moisturise, moisturise and moisturise!
Products used to moisturise dry skin differ from others in that they work by leaving on the surface and outer layers of the skin substances that aid retention of the water the skin needs inside, and give it a softer, more flexible and smoother texture.
It is important to use moisturising solutions that help you. Among MartiDerm’s ampoules for this skin type we recommend PROTEOGLYCAN ampoules, which moisturise intensively, bring brightness, and prevent and reduce wrinkles. Furthermore, if you have excessively dry skin, we recommend that after the ampoule you apply the moisturising cream Vital-Age for dry and very dry skin, which restores the skin’s vitality and elasticity, while moisturising and brightening it.
To maximise moisturising power, we recommend applying a moisturising serum (before the proteoglycan ampoules and moisturising cream). This extra step will help you make up for the loss of water and will make your face lighter and more elastic.
Step 3: Use nourishing face masks once a week
This step is essential. Skin that is dry due to lack of moisture can appear dull in tone and lacking in elasticity. Putting on a nourishing face mask returns to it the brightness it has lost. Within MartiDerm’s product range, for dry skin we recommend applying the Hydro Mask, which moisturises and bolsters, and can be applied a couple of times a week. Find a free slot in your diary each week to fill it with an extra dose of moisturising.
Step 4: Exfoliate the skin every other week
Getting rid of dead skin is the best step towards a healthy, cared-for face. However, it is not recommended to exfoliate excessively often for dry skin. But don’t forget to exfoliate your face every two weeks to aid skin regeneration.
Step 5: Choose the right make-up
Finally, take precautions with make-up. Some make-up powders can make your face even drier.