The Best Skincare Routine for Dry and Aging Skin

Creating the perfect skincare routine can be an overwhelming process and one that may involve many trials and tribulations.

The important thing to remember is that hydration is the key to healthy skin and it’s never too early or too late to help prevent the signs of aging.

So to help you on your way to become the glowing goddess that we know you are, our beauty experts have put together a simple and easy to follow skin care routine for dry skin.

Plus a few hot tips on what to look for when choosing products if you want to create a more personalised skin care routine.

How Do I know If I Have a Dry Skin Type?

If you have dry skin than your skin probably feels tight after showering and can get flakey, itchy and red. Environmental factors play a big part in impacting your skin and if you live in the city then pollution is an arch nemesis when it comes to drying out and aging skin.

What Causes Dry Skin to Show First Signs of Aging?

As we get older our skin's natural oil, or sebum, production slows down so does the natural rate of exfoliation or cell turnover. During our late 20s, our skin stops producing as much collagen and this is when we start seeing early signs of aging such as dark spots, fine lines and wrinkles. This means that your 20s is the perfect time to start taking your skin care routine a bit more seriously.

What is in a Simple Anti-Aging Skincare Routine for Dry Skin?

• Our Tip: the best cleansers for dry skin are gentle cleansing lotions or gels as these are better suited to dry or sensitive skin. Avoid foaming cleansers and cleansers that contain irritants such as sodium lauryl sulfate which strips skin of its natural protective layer.

• Our Tip: For those with dry skin, you'll want to look for formulas that contain hydrating factors such as Hyaluronic Acid. To help prevent signs of aging, you should be looking for products which contain Vitamin C and Retinoids which help to create a brighter complexion and reduce the visibility of fine lines and wrinkles.

• Our Tip: As our skin ages, our natural sebum production rate slows down which can lead to dryness and dehydration, so it's important to look out for moisturisers with hydrating ingredients. Nourishing oils such as Evening Primrose Oil and Shea Butter help compensate for the natural decline in your skins sebum production. Hyaluronic Acid works to absorb water deep into the surface of your skin and also helps to plump up the skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines.

• Our Tip: One of the most crucial steps to help prevent early signs of aging is to protect your skin from harsh UVA and UVB (especially seeing as we deal with some of the harshest rays here in Australia). So it is vital you use sunsceen everyday. You may want to use a separate sunscreen and moisturiser, otherwise there a few moisturisers with SPF which can be used everyday.(Make sure you have enough coverage, not all moisturisers with SPF provide enough coverage) Alpha-H Daily Essential Moisturiser SPF50+ is another great moisturiser which contain SPF. It is formulated with a nourishing combination of Pomegranate Seed Oil and Mango Seed Butter to boost hydration, this unique formula is designed to substitute your morning moisturiser as it works to hydrate and protect at the same time.

• Remember, SPF is only one part of sun protection! Always seek shade, and wear sunnies, a hat and protective clothing. Use sufficient sunscreen for all unprotected areas and reapply sunscreen as directed. Frequent re-application or use in accordance with directions is required for effective sun protection. Always read the label. Prolonged high-risk sun exposure should be avoided.

Most moisturisers with sunscreen are usually not hydrating enough for dry skin so you want to look for formulas with hydrating factors such as Vitamin B & Vitamin E.

Our Tip: Although it's not always necessary to have a separate cleanser for morning and night, you may want to include one into your routine depending on your skins specific needs. For example if you are wearing a fair amount of make-up most days then you may want to invest in a separate night-time cleanser which helps to remove makeup.

• Our Tip: Depending on your specific skin care needs, you may want to include a separate moisturiser for the night time into your skincare routine. If you choose to use the same moisturiser for mornings and night, it's important to remember to apply a sunscreen every morning after moisturising.

• And Remember: Drink plenty of water! Hydration is the key to healthy skin.

*SPF is only one part of sun protection! Always seek shade, and wear sunnies, a hat and protective clothing. Use sufficient sunscreen for all unprotected areas and reapply sunscreen as directed. Always read the label.