Great Tips and Products for Dry Skin from Drugstore to DIY

If, like me, you suffer from dry skin you will know how annoying and problematic this can be, especially if you wear makeup on a daily basis and suffer from dreaded dry patches.  After a lot of trial and error, I have finally found methods and products which work fantastically for me.  This blog post will focus on my favourite products for tackling dry skin, most of which can be purchased from the drugstore and also includes a DIY guide.

SOAP AND GLORY SCRUB YOUR NOSE IN IT

Over the years I have tried tens, if not hundreds, of facial exfoliants.  This product by Soap and Glory is my all time favourite facial scrub.  The scrub helps refine large pores and also prevents blemishes while also doubling up as a face mask.  The product helps exfoliate, clean and purify the skin, removing dead skin cells,  The scrub has a good sized exfoliating grain, which is a must when you suffer from dry skin.  The directions advise to apply to a damp t-zone (I use it all over my face) and massage for minute before rinsing away and recommends the scrub is used twice a week.  I would advise, if your skin can handle it, to use this every day if you suffer from very dry skin or perhaps every other day, until you get the dryness under control, and then reduce to twice weekly usage.  As mentioned, the scrub doubles as a face mask, which soaks up excess oils and helps stimulate fresh oxygen to your face.  Apply a layer of the scrub to the skin and leave for a few minutes before rinsing off.  After using the scrub, I apply a little more and leave this on the skin for 3 minuets before rinsing away.

SANCTUARY WARMING MICRO - BRASION POLISH & 5 MINUTE THERMAL DETOX MASK

                                     

I would recommend alternating your facial exfoliator once in a while, as the skin can get used to a product, thereby making the product not as effective as it once was.  I love Sanctuary's Warming Micro-Brasion Polish.  Again this exfoliant has a good sized grain for exfoliating and getting rid of dead skin cells.  This polish is a favourite at London's Covent Garden Sanctuary Spa and it is easy to see why.  Apply the scrub to a damp face and massage in circular motions.  The scrub will heat up on contact with damp skin, opening the pores, drawing out impurities and stimulating circulation.  You can remove this scrub by simply rinsing or using a muslin cloth (not provided) as per the directions of the product.  I enjoy using this product in conjunction with the Sanctuary 5 Minute Thermal Detox Mask.  After exfoliating, leave skin damp and apply a thin layer of this clay like mask.  The mask also heats up on contact with damp skin, helping to open pores, which in turn enables the charcoal and kaolin clay draw out impurities from deep within the skin.  You leave the mask on for 5 minutes and rinse.

SUPERDRUG DEEP ACTION EXFOLIATING DAILY WASH

This exfoliator from Superdrug is excellent for those on a budget or for those who suffer from acne.  Again, the exfoliant has a good sized grain for removing dead skin cells and is gentle enough to be used on a daily basis.  This product contains the maximum concentration of Salicylic acid, which helps with acne and other skin conditions such as eczema.  Great for those on a budget this scrub retails for under £3.00.  The directions for use are fairly straight forward.  Apply to a damp face and massage in circular motions before rinsing.

DIY EXFOLIATOR - LEMON AND SUGAR

Make your own facial exfoliator.  Cut a thick slice of lemon and cover with sugar (you could also use salt but I wouldn't recommend this, as if you have any little cuts it will sting).  Rub the sugar coated lemon slice in circular motions over the face.  The combination of the sugar grains and the citric acid in the lemon will help to remove dead skin cells and can also help to reduce skin pigmintation.  Can be a bit messy but great for those on a budget and well worth a try.

FACE CLOTH

Everyone has probably heard of the famous 'hot cloth' polishes which are very popular at the present time.  A hot cloth polish, for those who don't know, is basically an exfoliator which contains a piece of muslin cloth, which you rinse under hot water and use to remove your exfoliator.  This aids the exfoliating process.  I agree with the theory behind these products. However, I would advise you to purchase a simple face cloth.  Rinse the cloth under hot water and wring out.  Place the cloth over your face for a few seconds and then simply wipe away your exfoliator with the hot face cloth.  This method definitely assists your exfoliator and I would highly recommend it.

NO7 BEAUTIFUL SKIN HYDRATION MASK

This mask, from Boots' No7 range, is designed for dry or very dry skin.  It is a whipped creamy mask which gives skin an intense moisture boost.  I apply it after exfoliating.  You can leave it on the skin for 3 minutes or for extra hydration leave on the skin for 10 minutes (which is what I would recommend).  The mask can then be simply wiped off and the face rinsed.

ELIZABETH ARDEN 8 HOUR CREAM

This wonder cream is a firm Makeup Artist and celebrity favourite and is fantastic at relieving dry skin.  I apply it to dry patches at night and in the morning they have gone.  It is also perfect for multiple purposes such as chapped lips, minor skin irritations, use on the cuticles and is also great as a skin highlighter on the high points of the cheeks. I would advise you to warn the product on the back of the hand before application.  If you are on a budget, good old Vaseline is a great alternative.

NSPA DEEP HYDRATING FACIAL OIL

Facial oils are very popular at the moment and this one from the nspa range, available at Asda, is a great budget buy and extremely effective.  The oil comes with a dropper, which prevent waste and allows you to apply precise amount of the product.  Simply drop 3 to 4 drops of this oil into the palm of your hand, rub hands together vigorously to warm the oil and then press into the skin until absorbed.  Apply prior to your favourite moisturiser.

L'OREAL COLLAGEN RE-PLUMPER MOISTURISER

At this point apply your favourite moisturiser.  My current favourite is the L'Oreal Collagen Re-Plumper Day Cream.  The anti-ageing cream contains Boswelox which helps rejuvenate facial contours and reduces the appearance of fine lines, crow's feet and expression lines.  The formula is rich and easily absorbed and also provides UVA and UVB protection against the sun.  It is also available as a night cream.·

CETRABEN EMOLLIENT CREAM

Cetraben Emollient Cream is a medicated cream which can be purchased and is also available on presciption.  It contains white soft and liquid light paraffin which are emollients that rehydrate the skin, forming an oily layer on the skin which helps it retain moisture.  The cream is primarily used to treat dry skin and conditions such as eczema and psoriasis.  It is a fantastic all over moisturiser which can also be used on the face.  Leave it to absorb into the skin for approximately 10 minutes before applying makeup.

Bowl of Water Trick

In colder weather, when the central heating is on, place a bowl of water in your bedroom.  This prevents your skin from drying out while you sleep.

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