old weather combined with the central heating being switched on means parched skin is all too common at this time of year.
Although it's easy to write off a dry complexion as one of the effects of cold weather it can plague almost any skin type and it's not just caused by the change of season.
Everyday pollution and stress can also disrupt skin's hydration leading to sensitivity and a loss of radiance.
Other factors to consider include soap and fluctuating hormones.
Even cholesterol-lowering medications, drugs for high blood pressure and diuretics can make moisture retention difficult for the skin.
If you find yours becomes very dry after starting medication and this is causing discomfort talk to your doctor as you may be better on a different dose or brand.
Skin also becomes drier with age as lipids, the waxy substance that creates a barrier against water loss, start to break down during the menopause.
Most of us tend to slather on moisturiser thinking it will do the trick but your usual cream might not be the answer.
You may need one for dry skin with the right consistency and very often thicker is best.
Usually the cheaper, stalwart brands shine through when it comes to treating flaky skin and a good old blue pot of Nivea Crиme at just Ј1.49 is perfect.
Strictly star Fiona Fullerton and actress Alison Steadman both swear by this classic as their secret weapon for keeping skin youthful and moist.
Lifestyle changes can make a difference too, combined with the right product ingredients and treatments to help boost moisture inside as well as out.
Here are my tips to keeping your skin moist.
Although it's easy to write off a dry complexion as one of the effects of cold weather it can plague almost any skin type and it's not just caused by the change of season.
Everyday pollution and stress can also disrupt skin's hydration leading to sensitivity and a loss of radiance.
Other factors to consider include soap and fluctuating hormones.
Even cholesterol-lowering medications, drugs for high blood pressure and diuretics can make moisture retention difficult for the skin.
If you find yours becomes very dry after starting medication and this is causing discomfort talk to your doctor as you may be better on a different dose or brand.
Skin also becomes drier with age as lipids, the waxy substance that creates a barrier against water loss, start to break down during the menopause. Most of us tend to slather on moisturiser thinking it will do the trick but your usual cream might not be the answer.
You may need one for dry skin with the right consistency and very often thicker is best.
Usually the cheaper, stalwart brands shine through when it comes to treating flaky skin and a good old blue pot of Nivea Crиme at just Ј1.49 is perfect.
Strictly star Fiona Fullerton and actress Alison Steadman both swear by this classic as their secret weapon for keeping skin youthful and moist.
Lifestyle changes can make a difference too, combined with the right product ingredients and treatments to help boost moisture inside as well as out.
Here are my tips to keeping your skin moist.
LIFESTYLE RULES
- Avoid alcohol.
It is seriously dehydrating and causes small blood vessels to widen, producing flushed skin and broken veins.
Drink plenty of water instead and cut back on caffeine as well, as this can also have a dehydrating effect on the skin.
- Keep showers and baths short and always make sure that the water isn't too hot.
- Turn down the central heating.
A humidifier will keep the air moist at home or leave a bowl of water by the radiator.
- A supplement containing astaxanthin, a natural antioxidant derived from algae, can help boost skin softness as well as help treat age spots and wrinkles.
Fish oil and cod liver oil capsules may also be helpful.
SKINCARE SAVIOURS
- Apply an emollient cream when the skin is moist to lock in the hydration.
Look for ingredients that bind moisture to the skin such as glyceride and aloe vera.
- Be gentle when cleansing the skin as scrubbing can cause further irritation.
Gently exfoliate once a week to unblock pores and get rid of dead skin cells.
Choose a glycolic product rather than a scrub.
- Try a product which contains hyaluronic acid.
It keeps skin smooth and plump due to its ability to hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water.
- Avoid creams containing harsh ingredients such as benzoyl peroxide or too much salicylic acid, alcohol and perfume which can be drying.
- Add an extra layer to your skincare routine, such as a serum, primer or facial oil to give skin extra support.
- Don't forget the rest of your body.
Your chest, arms, legs, feet and hands all need protecting too.
TOP TREATMENTS
Teosyal redensity
Ideal for tired, dry skin which lacks radiance, this is a new concept which combines dermal fillers with mesotherapy to boost skin brightness and radiance.
It combines ultra-fine injections of filler mixed with skin repairing and brightening ingredients applied just under the skin's surface.
You'll need three treatments for the best results, which last up to six months.
From Ј200 a session (020 7436 4441).
Biomimetic mesotherapy
This involves having lots of tiny injections of a powerful cocktail of peptides directly into the skin to rejuvenate and to increase moisture naturally.
Biomimetic peptides mimic the natural function of growth factors which act as messengers in the skin allowing the epidermis and dermis to communicate more efficiently, a process which decreases as we age.
A course of six treatments will rejuvenate, rehydrate and tighten the skin, as well as target wrinkles and age spots.
Results are long lasting with a top-up treatment recommended after one year.
Each treatment costs Ј350 (020 7436 4441).
Oxygen facial
Pressurised oxygen blasted over the skin can help those in need of a moisture boost as it can aid the absorption of targeted products.
Results are instant but if the skin is extremely dry a course of four, at a rate of one a month, is recommended.
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Tel 08002425255 
renttoownproperties@consultant.com
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