Some of you may have noticed that although skincare is one of the main subjects we chat about over here, I’ve never done a skincare routine. To be honest, I didn’t think I ever would. For me skincare routines aren’t the typical I use this product then that one, it’s more about steps and stages. I have that many products on rotation it’s quite rare that something makes every day use status. Although there are a couple, it’s more about the order in which different kinds of product are layered.
Layering
That’s a big thing for me, even though I have dry and dehydrated skin (we’re going to get to the difference in a second), I’m not a huge fan of richer creams. I do have some that I love but I tend to use them on lazy days when I can’t be bothered with a full routine. I typically find I get the best results from my skincare when I use lighter layers of different products. For me, the most effective formula I’ve found is the hyaluronic acid sandwich routine. Rather than opting for one heavier cream with hydrating and moisturising benefits, my routine is hydrating serum followed by an oil, finishing with a hydrating gel.
Step by step
- Cleanse – this is straight forward and doesn’t change seasonally or depending on skin type, I prefer balms. Emma Hardie is my go-to, not a lot to talk about here.
- Exfoliate – this isn’t for everyday but if I’m doing it, it’s straight after a cleanse. I’m loving this one from Peter Thomas Roth right now.
- Hydration – My skin is dehydrated all year but with the seasonal changes and that awful feeling central heating leaves on the skin I notice the benefits of this way more now than I do in summer.
- Moisture – While skin is dehydrated it can also be dry, which is again worsened at this time of year so after a hydrating serum I like to go in with a facial oil to add some moisture to my dry patches. The Pai on is one of my favourites, it’s quite thick which feels lovely on dry skin but this one is also good for oilier skin types.
- Hydrating Moisturiser – Now I know we’ve already done hydration and moisture so this should be surplus to requirements. But when winter flake face hits this is my default method to waking up looking fresh and glowy. It feels like the extra layer of hydration just locks* in everything previously applied and keeps skin nice and plump.
*not at all scientifically accurate but you know what I mean
There’s also eye cream which for best results should be applied after the hydrating serum but is realistically applied at whichever point I remember to pick it up. My under-eye area is where I get my worst dry patches so I love the Kiehl’s avocado eye cream for its rich texture.
Dry or Dehydrated? Or both?
I notice a lot especially around this time of year that these words are thrown around a lot, often interchangeably, when in fact they are totally different. Dry skins are lacking in oil, it’s a skin type, something you suffer with all year although people with normal skin can get dry skin in winter. Dehydrated skin is lacking in water and your skin can be lacking water even if your body is not. Dehydration is a skin condition, something that can come and go and often not something you have all year (some people do though, like yours truly). They present themselves in similar ways so are often confused with each other. The confusion comes when oily skin starts to feel ‘dry’ when it is dehydrated. People suddenly wonder why that gloriously thick cream is giving them acne but the ‘dry’ patches still aren’t budging.
|
Dry |
Dehydrated |
Both |
|
Small pores |
Pores can be any size |
N |
|
Skin feels tight |
Skin can feel tight but look oily |
Y |
|
Lack of plump/ fullness |
||
|
Skin appears dull |
Skin looks ashy | Kinda similar but different |
|
Skincare doesn’t always absorb well |
Absorbs products quickly |
N |
|
More likely to be sensitive/ easily irritated |
||
|
Makeup can go patchy throughout the day as skin absorbs the water from it |
Read Your Labels
If you’re recognising things from the first column opt for skincare products that contain words such as ‘nourishing’. Relate more to the second one? Products that say ‘hydra’ anything are more likely to work for you.
Has your skin started to feel a little tighter this season?
Hi, thanks for sharing this helpful info on skin care that I sure many will find helpful, I have sensitive skin and eczema so stick to one brand and regime.
This was actually such a beneficial post, all this time I’ve assumed that I have dry skin but going by your chart, I actually could possibly have dehydrated skin instead. I swear by the Clinique moisture surge intense, my soaks that up like a sponge! Thanks for sharing and I’ll be sure to get this checked out
Great choice. I’m obsessed with the entire moisture surge range. Always a staple in my collection x
Sophie
This is such a helpful post! Especially with winter here, my skin care routine needs a bit more love and attention!
Jessica & James | http://www.foodandbaker.co.uk
I always like reading about others skin care routines. I have quite dry skin and often moisturise but never seemed enough so was quite nice to read your post and see how I could remedy that. Thank you for an informative post!
It’s not my cup of tea beauty etc, but I wanted to leave a comment to say keep up the great work!
That’s really sweet of you, thank you! x
This was a very informative post, loved reading it. I’ve actually heard amazing things about hyalirovic acid and really want to try it out! Also, i’m pretty sure I have dry skin and I love going in with facial oils aswell! Recently, I’ve been using coconut oil before going to sleep and it works wonders! xx
It’s one of the best instant fix ingredients! I’m slightly jealous, my skin reacts really badly to coconut x
Sophie
This is a great post. Really helpful. Also very timely with the change of temperature
Thanks! My skin has been suffering a lot the last week or two x
Okay I’m using your chart as a go-to for seeing what my skin type is. Keen to try out the products in this post! Monica @ http://www.thewongblog.com
This was extremely informative! I really like the table you’ve included! My skin gets quite dry when it’s cold so I found this post really beneficial.
Glad you found it useful! x
Sophie
I hadn’t realised that there was a difference between dry and dehydrated skin. I have quite oily skin and I always drink masses of water (OK, Ribena) because I get headaches if I don’t. So fortunately I don’t usually get dry patches, except on my lips, but that’s another story … Thank you for such an informative post, and that table at the end is fab! x
Lisa | http://www.lisasnotebook.com
I’m really jealous of anyone with oily skin, the world’s best natural moisturiser. My lips are horrific right now and I imagine with the way the weather is going they’re only going to get worse. Glad you found it useful x
I love layering products, it’s been famous in Korea for years!
They have a really big skin care regime and can be up to ten steps! I currently do about 8 steps.
I’ve noticed ah huge difference in my skin since I started it too!
Kelly
http://www.thiswayandthatway.com/2017/11/choosy-lip-mask-honey.html
I didn’t list everything in this post and I’ve just had a little count and I believe my current routine is 7 or 8 steps depending on the night. I love Korean skincare, been a big fan for the last few years. I actually have an East vs West sheet mask post planned for next month, currently collecting all of the ones I want to feature. Can’t wait to use them all! Which are some of your favourite brands? I’d love to know x
Sophie
This is great I definitely have dry skin and have been told facial oil would be good thanks for showing the difference between dry and dehydrated
I love a good facial oil! The Clinique smart oil is incredible for really dry skin in winter! x
Sophie
I am determined to improve my skincare routine, so I’m going to look through all your recommendations and use your table, and add some skincare bits to my Christmas Wishlist..
Amazing! If you’d like any more information about any products/ brands etc feel free to ask. Happy shopping! x
Sophie
This is really helpful and I love your step by step guide! It is perfect timing with the winter weather here as a good skin care routine is so important. Thank you for sharing xx
Bexa | http://www.hellobexa.com
Thank you! I’ve definitely upped my game with the oils the last couple of weeks, I feel like winter really crept up on me this year! x
Sophie
Thank you for sharing this, it’s so helpful, my skin has been so problematic this Winter and so dehydrated so I’ll definitely need to try a few of these products! X
Winter skin is awful! I feel like I need to be applying product constantly! x
Sophie
What a helpful post! That Pai oil is one of my favourite at the moment, it works wonders!
PaleGirlRambling xo
It’s definitely one of my top three! I can’t believe I just said that so easily…
Glad you found it useful x
Sophie
This is so useful! I get such dry skin when it’s winter!!
This is so useful! I like the little table comparison you did in the end! I have oily/combination skin but I basically follow the same steps. I really want to try the eye cream
You won’t regret it, it’s been a holy grail item for 3/4 years now! x
Sophie
Okay that chart showing the difference between dry and dehydrated skin is soooo helpful! I really need to invest in some better moisturizing creams and serums, so I will check out the ones you recommended here! Great post 🙂
Amazing! So glad you found it helpful. Thanks for stopping by x
Sophie
I love the Emma Hardie cleanser balm as well!! Great post xx
Oooh I totally agree about layering. Since I have been layering product my skin is much happier and my dry patches are far reduced. I have been using a few of The Ordinary products and would highly recommend. Great step by step too. Really handy for those new to this skin care business!
Amy
http://www.missamyrach.com
I totally agree with the dry patches improving with layers. Sadly I didn’t get on with The Ordinary, such a shame as I thought they would be great and such amazing value x
Sophie
Wow this is an incredibly detailed post! Very helpful, I love the dry of hydrated chart. I have combination skin and I find face mask and exfoliating really helps. Xx
Exfoliating makes such a big difference! It’s one of my most important steps. I’m glad you liked the chart x
Sophie
This was such a helpful post. I’m not very good at taking care of my skin, but seeing how easy it is it definitely has to become a priority this winter.
Establishing a routine can be challenging but once you have one it becomes second nature. I actually have a post coming soon about establishing a routine so look out for that if you’re interested! x
Sophie