Dear Dermalogica Lady: I’m at a loss as to what to do and, needing advice, I immediately thought of you. My fiancé and I are planning an early spring wedding and everything’s going along spectacularly…with one exception: I have dry alligator-like skin. Right…it may not be THAT bad, but it IS flaky and itchy and not at all attractive (to me, anyway).

My husband-to-be declares that it’s no big deal but it’s quite noticeable. The condition worsens in the winter. Even after slathering my face and hands with Vaseline, I don’t see improvements. 

Am I destined to walk down the aisle while lifting my veil up as little as possible, or do you foresee relief for me with a Dermologica product? 

Signed,

Bride-to-be in Hampshire

Dear B-to-B:

Barring a more entrenched condition such as dermatitis or eczema (which should be diagnosed by your doctor or a dermatologist), it’s fair to say that the winter weather is stripping your skin pretty severely. There’s no reason you should have to put up with dry skin…and certainly not on your wedding day!

Of course Dermalogica has the cure for chapped, dehydrated skin! 

But first, we’ll have to split hairs for a moment. It’s helpful to determine whether your skin is indeed dry…or just thoroughly dehydrated. Dry skin is lacking oil secretion in the areas where there are generally not many glands (like the eye, cheek and upper lip areas.) Your hands have these glands, too, although not in the palm area. 

Dehydrated skin needs to rehydrate on a massive scale—and lock in moisture. Both dry and dehydrated skin can itch and appear inflamed.

(There is yet another category: prematurely ageing skin, but although you didn’t state your age, I’m venturing to guess this might not be something you need to be concerned with right now.)

If your skin is dry, it might manifest as rough to the touch. What you need to do is cut down on the washings and avoid very hot water. 

Dermalogica’s Essential Cleansing Solution is a good choice for you. It’s a rich and creamy lotion that gently lifts impurities from the skin without stripping your skin of its essential oils.

This non-foamy cleanser leaves the essences of plant extracts and replenishing vitamins on your skin’s surface. Your skin will literally drink these nourishments in.

Follow this up with Dermalogica Skin Smoothing Cream, which, with its soothing botanicals and antioxidants, locks in your skin’s moisture level. This combats the dehydration factor. Your skin will be supple, with improved texture. Fine lines and tiny wrinkles will be smoothed away and your skin will be protected from free radicals and airborne pollution. 

Finally, if your skin is raw or peeling due to excess friction, try Dermalogica Climate Control. Think of it as a first line of defense…to be used on areas that appear damaged. This balm glides easily over skin that is sensitive or under environmental assault (like cold, bitter wind and/or the effects of central heating), reducing the injury of further friction on the epidermis.

A word of advice: keep your hands from your face. Avoid the temptation to pick at or peel off abraded areas of the skin. Your fingertips contain the most microscopic of germs—held in place by oils and wax. Think of how many times you reach up and pat your hair or touch your hairline…both areas that contain sebaceous glands, and fats and wax secreted by these glands. Your skin could do without either of these.

Calm down and everything will sort itself out…including your damaged skin. Enjoy your special day and remember…all brides are beautiful. Envision yourself as the image of loveliness you are, as you head down that aisle to say your “I Do’s”. Your guest (and husband-to-be) will be sure to share that vision

A good skincare regime for combination skin can be very simple and easy to maintain.  You should wash your face gently but thoroughly twice a day using a mild but effective cleanser.   If you wash your face less than twice a day then excessive oil and dirt can clog your pores in the greasier areas of your face and this will lead to breakouts.  On the other hand, if you wash your face more than twice a day moisture from your skin will be depleted and this can lead to skin drying out in the drier areas of your face and irritation and redness occurring.  

After cleansing you should apply a gentle toner or astringent, which is formulated for combination skin, on the greasier areas of your face.  On the drier areas of your face you should apply a moisture rich lotion or cream to keep the skin supply and nourished, such as Dermalogica’s Skin Smoothing Cream which is a medium weight cream that is free of artificial fragrance and colour.  It contains antioxidant vitamins together with soothing botanicals to maintain skin’s moisture balance, and it improves skin texture, helping to restore tone and suppleness.

Products containing Vitamin A, Retinols and Alpha Hydroxy Acids help to promote balance in the skin.  Vitamin A  nourishes the skin, counteracts inflammation and protects cell membranes and structures within the cells from damage caused by free radicals.  Retinols work on a molecular level and repair and rejuvenate the skin.  AHAs slough away dead skin cells so that new skin can appear.  Incorporating a gentle exfoliator into your skincare regime will also have the same effect - if dead skin cells aren’t sloughed away regularly skin can look dull and lifeless.    

The most essential factor in having good skin is having a healthy lifestyle.  Having a nutritious, healthy diet and drinking plenty of water so your body is well hydrated are vital to be healthy both inside and out.  Cut out the junk from your diet, hydrate your body, avoid smoking, limit your alcohol intake and get plenty of sleep and you’ll find that, together with a good skincare regime for your combination skin, your skin will be healthy, smooth and well balanced!