How to spot dry skin

“Dry skin is skin that feels tight, rough, flaky and sometimes itchy,” explains Sabau.

“Dryness starts with a damaged skin barrier. When this protective layer is compromised, it becomes much easier for foreign invaders to get into the skin. As a result, skin can become more sensitive to the environment and it can become leaky and lose water.”

These tell-tale signs of dryness can become particularly noticeable during the winter months.

What causes dry skin?

“Aside from sun exposure, very hot or very cold and dry weather, harsh cleansers or soap can also lead to dryness by stripping the skin’s natural layers,” says Sabau.

“Dryness doesn’t just occur due to damage to the skin’s barrier. We also know that, over time, hyaluronic acid in the skin decreases. This means that the skin is less able to hold water. All of this adds to skin dryness.”

Regardless of skin type, many of us find our faces becoming visibly dry, irritated and itchy on account of being attacked on two fronts during winter: the cold weather outside and the dry heat inside.

It’s important to note that medical conditions can also result in dry skin, so the causes are wide-ranging but not impossible to combat.

How to treat dry skin

The best course of action for dry skin is to keep it hydrated in order to support the skin barrier.

“Follow a gentle skincare regime to keep the skin’s protective layer healthy. Avoid harsh cleansers that strip protective oils from the skin, moisturise the skin regularly with a nourishing cream and incorporate products containing hyaluronic acid or ceramides into your regime,” advises Sabau.

Powered by a blend of ceramides, niacinamide and adaptogens, No7’s Derm Solutions™ 100HR Hydration Cream for dry skin is the ultimate hydrator, supporting the skin’s moisture barrier and leaving the skin feeling comforted and soothed.

Worried that your cleanser is stripping your skin? The Derm Solutions™ Comforting Cream Cleanser for dry skin has you covered. It gently cleanses the skin and removes make-up and impurities while maintaining that all-important moisture barrier. Plus, it’s non-comedogenic and fragrance-free, making it the perfect daily cleanser for dry skin.

And if you’re in need of a complete set, the Derm Solutions Skincare Bundle for Dry & Sensitive Skin is just £44.95 and includes the 100HR Hydration Cream and the Comforting Cream Cleanser. It also includes the Derm Solutions™ Skin Balancing Serum, which is formulated with green tea, vitamin C and vitamin E to help the skin feel smoother.

The perfect routine for dry skin

Start with the Derm Solutions™ Comforting Cream Cleanser, seal in that moisture with the Skin Balancing Serum, layer up with the 100HR Hydration Cream and kiss uncomfortable dryness goodbye.

Here’s your expert-approved skincare guide according to your skin type