Putting Your Best Face Forward – Top Tips For Dry Skin

Healthy skin is a combination of both good products, eating the right foods and most importantly, knowing what is best for your skin type. In the third of a five-part series, we take at look at some of the top tips for combating dry skin.    Foods that benefit dry skin   Avocados are a great source of vitamins C, E, and monounsaturated fats, which help your skin lock in moisture. Spinach and other dark, leafy greens are packed with iron, omega-4 fatty acids, and vitamins A, B, and E, which protect the skin. Extra Virgin Olive Oil is packed with vitamin E and good fats, and will moisturize skin both from the inside and out.   Cleansing & Moisturising  Showers and baths can dry out the skin by removing natural oils. Hot water washes away oil faster than warm water, so always use warm water when you cleanse your face and limit shower duration to a short five minutes. When you have dry skin, buy a gentle cleanser with added moisturizers making sure it is fragrance free to avoid irritation. Your skin should feel soft and smooth after cleansing. If the cleanser makes your skin feel too dry, tight, or irritated, try a different one. When cleansing, squeeze a small amount of product into your palm and apply it evenly to your face. Then gently massage it into your skin with your fingertips, using circular motions. Be especially gentle around your eyes. Creams and oils are more effective than lotions for dry skin. Moisturisers don't actually add moisture to the skin they seal in existing water so it doesn't evaporate. Moisturise two or three times a day, using our 3-minute rule: Apply moisturiser within 3 minutes after cleansing your skin.   Homemade Treatment The banana face mask is as simple as it sounds. A banana is full of minerals and vitamins that will moisturise your skin and leave it both looking and feeling softer. Mash up a medium-sized ripe banana into a smooth paste. Using the tips of your fingers gently apply it to your face and neck. Let it set for 15-20 minutes, and rinse of with rinse off with cool water. Pat dry the skin with a clean towel. If you’re feeling adventurous along with the mashed banana add in 2 tablespoons of plain yogurt, and 2 tablespoons of honey. You can also use other ingredients such as egg yolks, olive oil or avocado.   MakeUp Makeup can irritate flakey or dry patches, but the best foundation to use is a liquid or cream based one that contains oil. If you don't need a lot of coverage then a tinted moisturizer would be perfect for you. Be aware that a tinted moisturiser does not replace a regular moisturiser and both must be applied to dry skin. Beauty balms are also good for dry skin as not only do they provide a hint of coverage, but they also contain great hydrating ingredients, such as vitamin B. Avoid powdered makeup as it will set on the skin and appear caked, drawing attention to dryness. Opt for a cream blush and creamy based eye shadow instead. If your lips dry out easily you avoid matte or long lasting lipsticks, as they will contribute to dryness. Look for moisture rich lipsticks or choose a shiny lip-gloss. Always carry Vaseline. Petroleum jelly acts as a barrier and trap moisture, they are one of the best treatments for dry skin.   Other tips Avoid antibacterial soaps, which can be drying. Exfoliate no more than once a week. Fruit scrubs can be harsh so try a scrub with synthetic beads instead.   Check out: Week 1: Oily Skin Week 2: Sensitive Skin