How I Maintain a Well-hydrated Skin Texture

LIFESTYLE

This year has been the most testing on my skin. I fought dull, dry, rash stricken skin all winter and stepping into summer with a sickly bare skin just isn’t ideal. Dry skin is uncomfortable and unsettling. Even underneath our makeup, it still looks unsightly. I’ve recently just bought a new set of skincare products and for the first time, I can happily say that I might have conquered my dry spell (no pun intended). Here are the products that are helping restore the healthy texture of my skin:

Pre-wash: Ganier Skinactive Micellar Jelly Water with Charcoal

One of the best properties of charcoal is its ability to work as a magnet for toxins. Squeeze a pump on a cotton pad and gently wipe the face, avoiding the eye area. You can, as many people do, use it after you’ve used a cleanser. I just prefer it prior. This gel formula feels better at preserving the moisture on the skin that the usually thinner, liquid counterpart.

Cleansing: The Body Shop Vitamin E Gentle Facial Wash

A luxurious, creamy-liquid mouse that smells like freshly carved earth. I like that I can double cleanse with it. The first wash is a skin massage, carried out with the attention of an esthetician. The second I use like a hydrating mask. I wear it and leave it on for a few minutes then wash it off. I find that this leaves the skin feeling extra clean and fresh.

Hydrating: Woolworths Beauty Hydrating Gel Moisturizer + Hyaluronic acid

Now this is where the magic happens. Hyaluronic acid is key for maximum moisture retention. However, it is imperative that you wear it correctly. Any product whose leading ingredient is Hyaluronic Acid should first be activated by mixing in water. Wear on damp, bare skin and cover immediately. This W.Beauty one product even feels like menthol on the skin, probably as a reminder that it will evaporate if you don’t cover it.

Moisturizer: Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula with Vitamin E

I haven’t come across such a satisfying moisturizer in a very long time. It is good at locking in a serum which makes it a perfect cover up for Hyaluronic Acid. It glides smoothly on the skin, leaving it with healthy, sun-kissed appearance and feel.

One of the changes I’ve made is significantly reducing my alcohol intake and the use of alcohol containing products. Whether it comes in a martini glass or in a vlogger-approved moisturizer, alcohol dehydrates the skin. Also — and this goes without saying but — use your hands instead of a washcloth. This is how you protect your skin’s natural healthy oils.

For dry skin, as is the case with any skincare concern, there is no beauty elixir. It takes a lot of effort and dedication but, the good news is that is possible. You can have healthy, well hydrated skin. So, give it your best shot, eat the food that loves you back, drink enough water, get more sleep and always, always wear your sunscreen.