Are YOU suffering from dry skin? Top dermatologist reveals the four different types of dryness - and the common error that could be making your condition worse
Are YOU suffering from dry skin? Top dermatologist reveals the four different types of dryness - and the common error that could be making your condition worse
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Feeling dry? It's the worst time of year for tight, parched and flaky skin, as central heating and bitterly cold weather dehydrate and irritate our faces. If nothing seems to help, it could be because there are supposedly four types of dryness – all with distinct treatments.
![[There are supposedly four types of skin dryness – all with distinct treatments]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/30/11/94674513-14338593-There_are_supposedly_four_types_of_skin_dryness_all_with_distinc-m-18_1738238075184.jpg)
'Many people don't know skin dryness comes in different guises,' says consultant dermatologist and founder of Self London, Dr Anjali Mahto. 'The default is to slather on rich creams, without realising this could actually be making things worse.'. Whatever is happening to your skin, there are a few steps to start with.
![[Aestura Atobarrier 365 Cream costs £34 and offers '100 hours' of relief without greasiness]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/29/15/94642821-14338593-image-a-2_1738166289909.jpg)
Dryness is worsened by a defective lipid barrier, the layer that keeps moisture in and irritants out. To repair it, ditch bar soap (use a gentle facial cleanser such as Weleda Cleansing Oil, £13.95, instead) and alcohol toners. Next, ease up on acids and retinol, which can blast holes in the barrier. Then top up hydration with a moisturiser suited to your skin. To find out what else your dry-skin type needs, read on...
![[The INKEY List Ectoin Hydro-Barrier Serum is just £15 and soothes skin with hyaluronic acid, postbiotic ectoin, ceramides and oats]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/30/09/94642855-14338593-image-a-1_1738230998284.jpg)
Consultant dermatologist Dr Anjali Mahto is the founder of the Self London clinic. There are supposedly four types of skin dryness – all with distinct treatments. Skin that's dry all year, says Dr Mahto, lacks sufficient oil production. 'It tends to feel rough, tight and flaky despite using moisturiser,' she says. 'Often genetic, dry skin can also develop due to external factors.' For example, ageing reduces the skin's oil production, while medications and illness can do the same. Living in cold climates or using harsh cosmetics, soaps and hot showers can turn skin dry by stripping its natural oils.
![[Ilia Barrier Build Skin Protectant Cream is priced at £64 and uses oatmeal, ceramides, calcium and algae to calm and shield drier areas]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/29/15/94642853-14338593-image-a-3_1738166296034.jpg)
