Do you have dry or dehydrated skin?

 

At this time of year a lot of our clients are telling us their skin feels dry. As a skin therapist when we look at your skin we assess – is it oil or water dry? We then determine a clinic treatment and homecare plan to fix your dryness. 

An oil dry skin has small pores with little lipid flow, skin can feel rough and uneven. When you apply your moisturiser it can feel like you need to re-apply it.

A dehydrated skin lacking in water has a crepe-like look to it – when you smile you may see fine lines around your eyes that look like crepe paper. These skins often feel tight.
 
It is very common this time of year as we use extra heating and don't drink enough water for skin to get dehydrated. Your skin will only get 5 per cent of the water you drink so it's extra important in winter to be using the right moisturiser that will penetrate deep into your skin and correct your water or oil balance. 

It also makes sense to use a gentle face exfoliant. This removes the dry skin cells allowing your serums and moisturisers to penetrate deeper. We recommend you exfoliate once a week. 

As a skin therapist we assess the condition of your skin and also look into the cause of any skin conditions so that we can give you the best advice. If you have any concerns with your skin it is really important that you get the right advice so that you buy what is best suited to you. If you would like to have a chat about your skin health and what you can do for it, we are happy to work out a plan that fits in with your time and gives you a healthier skin.

 Alex Donald is owner of Pure Essence Face & Body Clinic and has worked in the beauty industry for 20 years. Online pureessence.co.nz.