At this time of the year, dry, dehydrated, spotty skin is a common dilemma. Editor Trudi Brewer discovers the fastest way to hydrate your skin is with oil. Here's a simple solution to correct these age-old beauty conundrums.
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What is dry skin?
Oils alone are not moisturisers, and should not replace them, but they are integral to healthy skin. Beauty oils act like a sealant that keeps moisture in and dehydration out. Dry skin is alipidic skin that means it’s not producing any natural lipids (oils). When skin stops producing its own natural oil (sebum), it lacks protection, and that impacts on how it looks. Fine lines, roughness and flakiness, are prominent, worse still, once the skin becomes very dry, it damages the barrier function, which increases the risk of sensitivity. Begin your routine by switching from your regular cleanser to cleansing oils, these pull dirt and grime from the skin swiftly, without leaving it parched.
Tip
Oils are lipophilic, meaning they are naturally attracted to other oil, like your skin's natural oil (sebum), and oil-like ingredients in makeup. They dissolve makeup quickly, softening the skin at the same time.
Cleansing oils
Avène Xeracalm Lipid-Replenishing Cleansing Oil, $41. Shiseido Perfect Cleansing Oil, $70. Elizabeth Arden Ceramide Replenishing Cleansing Oil, $73. La Roche-Posay Lipikar Huile Lavante Cleansing Oil, $37.
Facial oils
As a night treatment, serums target specific skin concerns, such as hyperpigmentation and wrinkles, whereas oils nourish and hydrate the skin. Used together, you have a brilliant winter skin rejuvenator.
Tip
Press a few drops of facial oil into the skin before you apply foundation, this doubles as an excellent skin primer and will help your makeup stay in place all day.
Facial oils
Clarins Santal Face Treatment Oil, $65. Dermalogica Retinol Clearing Oil, $151. Lancôme Absolue Precious Oil, $395. Estée Lauder Revitalizing Supreme+ Nourishing And Hydrating Dual Phase Treatment Oil, $143.
Tip
Don't discount using oil if your skin is oily, especially one loaded with salicylic acid and retinol, such as the new Dermalogica Retinol Clearing Oil, (above). These ingredients boost cell turnover, which brightens the skin, and clear up acne, minus any irritation.