If your skin is feeling tight, dry, itchy and flaking or peeling, here we round up some tried and tested, effective ways to address dryness, flaking by replenishing your skin with the moisture it needs to leave it soft, smooth and hydrated. 

Dry, flaking skin can occur as a result of using strong ingredients such as certain preservatives, fragrances, retinols or exfoliating acids like alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs). Immediately stopping use of these ingredients while you are on a replenishing skin routine can help - then slowly add them back into your skincare routine by rotating use and see how your skin adjusts. 

Cold weather and high heat from air conditioning can also suck moisture out of your skin and rapidly dry it out. Opt for a hydration mist to spritz over your makeup and skin on the go, for a quick easy way to instantly boost skin with moisture. 

1. Cleanse with an oil cleanser as part of the double cleanse method

If you have dry, flaking skin, ensure your cleanser is fragrance free, sulfate free and mild. The key is to retain as much of your skin's natural oils as possible.

One of the best ways to cleanse skin without stripping it dry is by using an oil cleanser as part of the double cleanse method.

Oil cleansing does the heavy lifting by dissolving away impurities and heavy layers of makeup and SPF sunscreen without stripping your skin dry of its natural oils.

Follow with a water-based, mild and fragrance free cleanser to wash off remains and residue.

As waterproof makeup, layers of foundation and SPF are designed to stay on your skin,  oil cleansing will cut through them layer by layer so you are able to remove them effectively without drying your skin out. 

Your first cleanse will help your second water-based cleanser work its magic on your skin more effectively as you are not relying on one cleanser with heavy ingredients to do all the hard work which can wreak havoc on your skin barrier!

This leaves your skin cleaner and for better product absorption as well as reduced congestion/breakouts. 

Clean, balanced skin is the essential foundation for glowing skin!

2. Use soothing, hydrating, anti-inflammatory ingredients like Hyaluronic Acid and Niacinamide

Look for soothing ingredients that can help repair your skin's barrier and replenish it with the right amount of moisture.  

A hyaluronic acid serum applied on damp skin immediately after cleansing or showering will help lock in moisture to soften and smooth skin. Hyaluronic acid is an incredibly beneficial ingredient for both dry and oily skin types because of its impressive ability to draw moisture into skin and is compatible for even the most sensitive skin concerns. It is oil-free, won't clog pores or leave behind a heavy residue yet at the same time hydrates skin and keep it balanced.

Niacinamide is also one powerhouse ingredient beneficial and well tolerated for all skin types. It hydrates, soothes, strengthens your skin barrier and reduces inflammation.

Look for Niacinamide in concentrations of between 2% to 5% for maximum tolerable effectiveness on all skin. Studies have shown levels of Niacinamide at higher than 5% can start to cause sensitivities.

Studies also show that Niacinamide can help balance oil production to reduce appearance of large pores and address signs of ageing by reducing appearance of fine lines and pigmentation for brighter, smoother skin complexion. 

Our Clearing Rescue Serum contains both both hyaluronic acid, niacinimide and soothing willow bark to help deliver the perfect amount of hydration from this serum while looking after your skin for a dewy, healthy glow. 

3. Reach for a 'cream' instead of a 'lotion' 

Lotions contain a higher percentage of water in the formulations so look for creams that have more oils, butters and ingredients that deliver essential fatty acids for your skin. 

The 3 types of ingredients to look for in a really good moisturising cream are

• Humectants - That help to draw moisture into your skin eg. glycerine, hyaluronic acid, honey, sodium lactate
• Emollients - Soothing ingredients that fill the cracks in your skin cells with fatty substances called lipids to make it skin smooth and soft. Eg. Glyceryl stearate, plant and nut oils like sweet almond oil, jojoba oil; and shea butter, cocoa butter etc. 
• Occlusives - These ingredients form a protective seal over your skin surface to prevent loss of moisture. Eg. Olive squalane, Cetyl alcohol, stearic acid, beeswax, lanolin, lecithin, 

For dry flaking skin concerns, we suggest applying a layer of Dream Cream over  Clearing Rescue Serum, then sealing in with Balancing Face Oil or Night Therapy Oil. 

Dream Cream is an incredibly nourishing and hydrating cream yet very lightweight without leaving your your skin feeling greasy. With skin-loving ingredients of olive squalane, jojoba and shea butter, it delivers the right kind of moisture to balance, smooth, hydrate and soften skin.

4. Add a rich facial oil to your skincare routine 

Facial oils are rich in essential fatty acids and antioxidants - all the necessary goodness to help nourish and repair your skin's barrier which will in turn protect it from dryness and flaking. 

Look for richer oils such as sweet almond oil, olive squalane, jojoba and blueberry seed oils to really deliver a good dose of hydration to your skin. 

Don't be afraid of using oils - the right kind will not clog pores and will work to balance your skin instead!

How to use a facial oil? Facial oils are incredibly versatile - you can use alone with your moisturiser, mix a few drops in with your moisturiser, or layer it as the last step to seal in over your moisturising cream. 

Balancing Face Oil is a hydrating facial oil with balancing and calming skin ingredients that work by smoothing out dryness and works to balance your skin complexion. Best applied over damp skin for maximum results. 

If you want to take the hard decision-making out of deciding what to get for your dry skin concerns, check out our Essentials Bundle for dry skin or our Winter Bundle. Everything handpicked in a routine to work for maximum results.