Expert tips for helping dry skin
Our therapist, Lisa Ellice talks to us about her dry skin savours to keep skin radiant, plump and glowing over the cooler months.
How long have you been a skin therapist, and what made you decide to work in the industry?
I have been a skin therapist for about six years now. My mum was actually my source of encouragement to get into beauty & skin therapy. She’s always been the one to push me!
Dry skin is incredibly common these days, especially during the colder months. Why do you think this is?
Like any skin condition, there’s always a few factors at play with what can cause or exacerbate dry or dehydrated skin. My rule of thumb with anything skin, is what you put in is what you get out; so, if you’re feeding goodness into your body, you’ll get goodness out & vice versa. Particularly in the winter months, I find that we’re drinking a lot less water than we do in Spring & Summer so we’re missing that internal source of hydration that our bodies still require just the same all year round.
We also spend a lot more time taking hot showers & baths as well as sitting in a lot more warm, heated areas. Naturally, warmth causes perspiration which expels water out of the body. If we’re not drinking as much or replacing that water content in our bodies, our skin can suffer & become dry or dehydrated over time.Â
Dry skin is a gnarly one because it builds up on the skin in layers. This is an issue if we aren’t exfoliating frequently enough because it will create a barrier & stop goodness or hydration from getting in!
What are the best skin care products for dry skin?
Hyaluronic acid! This is such a powerhouse ingredient for all skins but especially magic for dry or dehydrated skin. It’s an acid that naturally occurs in our skin & bodies so this means our skin receives it with open arms when applied. The long & short of it is that it’s like giving our skin a giant drink of water.
Get your glow back with products that provide an intensive moisture infusion like the Hyla Active Masks from Dp Dermaceuticals or the O Cosmedics 3D Hyaluronic Serum, the perfect solutions for all dehydrated skins. I also can’t get enough of the O Cosmedics Youth Activating oil, a corrective serum which restores the skins lipid composition to that of a healthy 22 year old!
Exfoliation is also key, I love O Cosmedics Exfoliating Cleanser or Multi-Functional Peel by O Cosmedics, to keep your skin plump, radiant and glowing. Our skin is designed to get rid of dead skin cells often so the act of gentle exfoliation a couple times a week keeps dry skin in check. A few other hydration station ingredients you’ll want to use are ones like jojoba oil, glycerine & lactic acid. All of these are humectants which means they draw water to themselves.
Why is internal health so important for nourishing the skin from within?
My saying sticks so well here – what you put in is what you get out! Anything that happens within the body will generally be shown on the skin. Whether it’s a stress rash or a monthly hormonal breakout, the same goes with hydration in the body. Our skin is protected by an oil (good oil!) & water barrier & because this process of balance takes place within the body, it’s important for us to nourish that action with things like Essential Fatty Acids. A mixture of Omega 3, 6 & 9. Taking EFA supplements helps to keep that healthy protective barrier on our skin. The knock on effect of this is that it keeps our skin balanced in hydration & less likely to be vulnerable to external factors that might deplete that. At the spa, we love Kiki Health Krill Oil, a naturally occurring antioxidant for keeping that youthful glow.
Kiki Health Krill Oil
KIKI Health’s Krill Oil is encapsulated in Licaps capsules, which offers faster product release and in turn speed the absorption of the oil ensuring prompt delivery to the brain, heart and eyes.
What are the most effective in-clinic treatments for dry skin?
There are many options but my personal favourite is an O Cosmedics Pro Dermal Planning Peel. It’s the perfect targeted facial treatment without losing the relaxing ambience that a traditional facial offers. I would recommend a monthly peel with tailored homecare specific to your skin concerns & needs to ensure you’re unlocking maximum hydration potential. Taking care of your skin means taking care of your wellbeing and taking a much needed hour all to yourself. That’s all the reason you really need!
Dermaplaning Facial
A very popular procedure, dermaplaning removes the outer most layers of dead skin cells, leaving the skin immediately smooth, supple and vibrant.Â
