Summer Skincare Routine for Dry Skin

Cue the hydrating cleanser

The first step before you apply anything to your skin is to cleanse with lukewarm water and apply a gentle cleanser to your skin that targets dry skin.

Remove dirt, leftover makeup and other environmental pollutants such as chlorine or seawater, washing away the day and starting off fresh.

Choose a hydrating cleanser that won't upset the skin's natural moisture barrier and contains active ingredients specifically for dry skin.

A face wash can also help to gently cleanse the skin before a light exfoliation to remove dead skin cells leaving the skin feeling smoother for days.

Be tempted to tone

You have probably heard of toners before and wondered if they really were THAT important...

So it may or may not surprise you when we say that toning is a crucial step in your dry skin routine and here is why!

What does toner actually do?

• A toner will help remove dirt and any makeup that you may have missed
• It can help to remove excess natural oils, allowing your other skincare products to absorb better
• It will work to close up any gaps in the skin cells, which can help keep impurities out (and make your pores appear smaller)
• The right toner for dry skin will work as a secondary cleanser
• A toner can deliver hydration, anti-aging and brightening benefits

Head over to the skin quiz to answer a few simple questions to find the perfect toner for your skin type.

Hit the target

This step can help you to target any specific concerns for your skin type. 

The skin on your face maybe even, if you’re genetically gifted, but for most of us, our skin may have specific areas of concern or a combination of skin concerns. 

Targeting specific concerns allows you to treat problematic areas of your skin rather than your face as a whole. For example, you may have a few fine lines around your eyes that you want to target or a dry patch near your nose.  This would require specific skin care products that you may only want to apply to the specific area of concern, and not all over.

Map out your concerns

With a few easy steps, you can complete a basic face map for yourself, giving you a better understanding of your skin and allowing you to determine your areas of concern to achieve better results. 

Every now and then it is good to get up close and personal with your own skin, to give you a starting point of what you want to achieve. 

1. Take a photo or draw your face 
2. Circle or outline any specific problem areas (not related to an overall skin concern such as sensitive or dry skin, for example, fine lines around the eyes)
3. Write a list of the areas you would like to target and list them in order of priority
4. Use the askbella Skinalyser™ to find the perfect product for your target area of concern

Never miss the moisturiser

As the name suggests, a moisturiser adds moisture back into the skin leaving the skin healthy and hydrated.

Daily moisturisers (also known as ‘day cream’) can help you to maintain moisture levels and protect the skin's natural barrier. They can also protect against external factors (such as wind, cool temps or artificial heat) and replenish the skin's lipid barrier to give you a soft and supple complexion.

When you apply moisturiser, massage it into your face in gentle, short circular motions and don't forget to extend the coverage down to your neck also.

It's in the eyes

As part of your routine for dry skin, make sure you focus on the area under your eyes with a high-quality eye cream. It is super delicate skin that is susceptible to dark circles and fine lines, so pay special attention when choosing an eye cream to ensure that it will nourish and firm the skin.

It pays to be sun safe!

Gone are the days of heavily scented tanning oils and years of preventable sun damage to maintain the perfect tan.

The best skincare routine includes protecting your largest organ (that's a fact!) from harmful UV rays, not just in summer, but all year round.

Slip, slop, slap

Sunscreen can help protect your skin from UV rays which can leave the skin feeling tight, uncomfortable and flaky. Not to mention the instant damage that the sun can do to your outer skin layer leaving you with redness and an awful burning sensation.

These days, sunscreen has come a long way, so you don't need to worry about it ruining your daily skincare routine. You can find a sunscreen that is lightweight and won't ruin your makeup or clog your pores. You can even find one that has hydrating ingredients whilst maintaining a broad spectrum of SPF. Amazing, right?

Most people can find some level of SPF in their facial moisturizer but to have the ideal skincare routine, it is best to add another layer of protection with at least an SPF of 30.

When applying sunscreen, be sure to apply liberally and reapply every 2 hours to maintain its protective benefits.

Beauty sleep in the form of a skincare routine

Beauty sleep is essential for dehydrated skin to replenish, but it also is the perfect opportunity to apply hydrating moisturizer or hydrating serums that can add moisture and hydrate while you catch your zzz's.

Night-night cream

A night cream can be applied before bed as part of your skincare routine to give your sensitive skin the love it deserves and repair the skin's protective barrier for the ultimate skin hydration.

Preventing dry skin in summer

It's not just about skincare routines and skin care.

There are a few things you can do to protect your skin and retain moisture whilst still enjoying the summer sun.

Hydrate

Hydration comes from within. 

Sure, that face cream and serum will help, but ensure you drink plenty of water throughout the day and before bed to give your skin the best chance at maintaining moisture levels.

Stay in the shade

Limiting your time in the sun can prevent your skin from drying out regardless of your skin type. A hat and sunglasses can help to add an extra layer of protection at the beach to protect your skin - and a beach umbrella will ensure complete protection!

Consistency is the key

Starting a new skincare routine can take a while to get used to. In fact, it can take up to 30 days before you begin to see results.

Your skin will need time to adapt and respond to the new products you are using, so for the best results in summer, be sure to get on top of your routine a month or so before so that you are sure to have healthy skin from the start.

Consult a healthcare professional

If you are worried about your skin when it comes to severe dryness, flaking or damage from the sun, it is always best to consult a trusted healthcare professional to see if you require a skin check or a referral to a dermatologist.