5 myths about dry skin

When dealing with dry skin, our first instinct is often to slather on the thickest cream and hope for the best.

In truth, this could be causing your skin more harm than good! 

1. Dry skin is a winter issue

Although it’s especially common in the winter months, when humidity is at its lowest, dry skin can occur all year round.

In the summer, air conditioning, sun exposure, salt water and chlorine can all contribute to scaly, tight skin.

The warmer weather can also cause your skin to dehydrate from the inside out – so it’s especially important to up your fluid intake when you’re on holiday or if you live in a hot country.

2. You need to drink more water

That said, drinking gallons of water is not a cure-all for truly dry skin which loses moisture because its protective barrier isn’t functioning properly.

Making sure you drink about 2 litres of water a day (alongside eating water-rich foods like cucumber and watermelon), will help to maintain the skin’s essential functions, but it makes the biggest difference for dehydrated, not dry, skin.

3. You need a heavier moisturiser

Not only are greasy creams unpleasant to use but, if your skin is more dehydrated than dry, they can also cause congestion and breakouts.

Avoid heavy ingredients, like silicone and mineral oils, in favour of moisturisers that actively support the skin’s natural barrier.

Our Avocado & Jojoba Hydrating Day Cream includes Jojoba Oil, which is similar in composition to the skin’s natural oils, and plenty of water to provide long-lasting hydration without a greasy or suffocating feel.

4. Exfoliating makes dry patches worse

Although exfoliating with a harsh scrub can damage the skin’s barrier, making dryness worse – skipping exfoliation altogether can stop your skincare working effectively.

Exfoliating 1-2 times a week with a gentle exfoliator, like our Kukui & Jojoba Bead Skin Brightening Exfoliator, helps to remove dead skin cells and so other products can sink in properly.

5. Dry skin just needs more oil

While dry skin stems from a lack of natural oils, it also needs moisture – something Facial Oils alone can’t provide. To make sure skin get a balance of hydration and nourishment, we recommend using a Moisturiser in the morning and an Oil at night.

Feeling confused about what’s best for your complexion? Get in touch with one of our skincare experts on support@paiskincare.com or using our live chat feature our website.