Dry skin? Discover the causes, myths and natural solutions

Skin that feels tight after cleansing, flaky patches, red spots, fine dry lines or a dull complexion… sound familiar?

Then you probably have dry skin. But what really helps against dry skin?

In this blog I explain what causes dry skin, what you can do about it and which products and routines work best.

I also explain why ignoring dry skin is not just uncomfortable, but can even be unhealthy!

Why do I have dry skin?

There are several causes of (extremely) dry skin: cleansing or showering too much, harsh skincare products, lack of care, low-quality food, cold or heat, stress... All of these factors make moisture evaporate faster than your skin can hold on to it.

This damages your skin barrier. That barrier is a mix of natural fats (lipids and sebum) and moisture-binding substances (such as ceramides) that are essential to prevent dryness!

“Vaseline does NOT help against dry skin!”

Facts & myths about dry skin

FACT: Dry skin is often underestimated and left untreated. Many people simply accept their dry skin because they don’t know how to tackle the problem. But at a microscopic level, dry skin is actually cracked and damaged.

If you looked at it under a microscope, you would see a dried-out lunar landscape! Bacteria and viruses can easily get in through those cracks and openings, which can lead to problems.

The skin can also start to itch, flake and become irritated, which can eventually turn into eczema.

MYTH: “As long as I drink enough water, I won’t get dry skin.”

Unfortunately, that’s not true! You can drink as much water as you like, but if your skin barrier is not intact, that water still evaporates through the skin’s surface.

More facts and myths about dry skin

Myth: “Vaseline helps against dry skin.”

Fact: Vaseline forms an occlusive layer on the skin and stops moisture from evaporating. But it does not actively nourish or hydrate the skin, it seals the skin off instead. For lasting improvement, natural ingredients such as aloe vera or calendula, which calm and repair the skin, are a much better choice.

Myth: “Only people with a dry skin type suffer from dry skin.”

Fact: People with normal or oily skin can also temporarily get dehydrated skin, for example due to changing seasons or using skincare products the wrong way.

The best skincare for dry skin?

It’s a shame, but many people feel uncomfortable about the oil on their skin: sebum. I call sebum the GOLD of your skin!

Sebum hydrates deeply, prevents moisture loss, fights bad bacteria and prevents itching and a tight feeling.

Dry skin usually means too little sebum is being produced. That is due to the causes mentioned above, or simply to getting older, as sebum production slows down.

That’s why it’s a good idea to top up your skin from the outside with a cold-pressed organic oil, or even better: a blend of different natural oils. Oil is the best substance to counter moisture loss at the skin’s surface. What’s more, natural oils are about 95% similar to human sebum. So they are a logical and effective addition to your skin barrier!

Abloom’s Purifying Cleanser cleanses deeply without drying, thanks to a mix of naturally cleansing plant extracts (such as bitter orange) and oils that top up sebum levels (such as its unique saponified olive oil).

As we get older, it’s also important to expand our skincare routine. After 35, a day cream alone really isn’t enough anymore. Use a hydrating toner, a day cream, SPF and a face oil: all products that hydrate, support sebum production and help keep the skin barrier healthy.

At Abloom we only use cold-pressed organic oils that contain all the essential fatty acids (to strengthen the skin barrier), and plant ingredients that support all skin functions and optimise moisture retention.

Besides using a high-quality oil blend (such as in Abloom’s Miracle Oil, with jojoba, rosehip, hemp seed, sesame and sea buckthorn oil, among others), it’s best to cleanse your skin only once a day: in the evening.

In the morning, cold water is enough to remove sweat and waste from the night (and it firms the skin!).

During the day your skin is exposed to pollution, make-up and other influences. You want to remove those thoroughly in the evening. Use a mild but effective cleanser that respects your skin barrier.

Shop here: Miracle Oil, Purifying Cleanser and Hydrating Toner.

Watch out for harsh ingredients

Check your skincare products carefully for harsh, drying ingredients (such as SLS, denatured alcohol and mineral oil).

Mineral oil, also known as Vaseline or petroleum jelly, is still often recommended for dry skin or eczema. But that is actually wrong! This occlusive ingredient seals the skin off completely.

It does help to hold in moisture, but at the same time it stops the skin from detoxifying. Waste builds up, which damages your skin barrier.

Sebum production is disrupted too, because the natural “flow” of sebum production and distribution is blocked.

So Vaseline does NOT help against dry skin!

A natural, cold-pressed oil, on the other hand, lets the skin breathe and detoxify while still helping to hold in moisture. That is the healthiest and most effective solution.

Natural tips for dry skin

• Drink enough water: it is essential to hydrate your tissues (and your skin) from the inside. But don’t forget: use a face oil in your routine to actually hold on to that moisture!
• We spend a lot of time indoors, where central heating dries out the air considerably. Hang water containers on the radiators, like our grandmothers used to do, or choose a modern humidifier to keep indoor humidity at around 50% (you can measure this with a hygrometer, available online from €6).
• Eat a nutrient-rich diet to support all your body’s functions, including those of your skin. A healthy diet strengthens your skin barrier and helps keep your sebum production in balance.
• Don’t forget to eat natural oils too: essential fatty acids strengthen cell membranes (including those of skin cells), making them better able to hold on to moisture. Use oils such as coconut, olive or sesame oil cold on your salads. All natural oils are incredibly healthy!

The best ingredients to combat dry skin

The following ingredients help with dry skin:

• Aloe vera: soothes and hydrates
• Calendula: repairs and soothes
• Chamomile: anti-inflammatory and calming
• Plant oils (such as avocado or jojoba oil): nourish and protect
• Hyaluronic acid: binds moisture in the skin
• Oat extract: soothes itching and redness

In short, this is how you help your dry skin:

• Cleanse your skin only once a day (in the evening)
• Check your skincare for drying, harsh ingredients and mineral oil (we can help you with that!)
• Use several nourishing products in the morning and evening
• Always use a face oil!
• Make sure there is enough humidity indoors and drink enough water
• Eat healthily to keep your skin barrier strong. This is also important for your gut health, which directly affects the skin barrier

Abloom’s solution for dry skin

This bundle is packed with antioxidants, nutrients and nourishing plant ingredients that bring the skin back into balance and give hydration a boost. These essential ingredients help relieve dry or dehydrated skin.

• Bundle contents:
  • Purifying Cleanser (75 ml)
  • Hydrating Toner (75 ml)
  • Day Cream (50 ml)
  • Miracle Oil (75 ml)
• You get 5% off with this bundle
• FREE:
  • 10 ml night cream
  • 1x Enzyme Mask

View the bundle