Skip to content Skip to site navigation Skip to footer
Shops
Guest Wishlist
Shops
Sign In / Register
Guest Wishlist
Shops

HOW TO TREAT DRY SKIN

WHAT ARE THE MAIN CAUSES OF DRY SKIN ON THE FACE AND HOW CAN YOU HELP KEEP IT PROTECTED AND MOISTURISED?

Check out our top dry skin tips and find your perfect routine for dry skin with our caring, soothing and hydrating essentials.

Woman smiling rubbing cheeks

WHAT IS DRY SKIN?

Dry skin is a very common skin condition caused by not having enough moisture in the most superficial, outer layer of your skin – the epidermis. This is the body’s first line of defence against the elements, including water and weather. Dry skin can develop on any part of your body. When skin is dry, it can begin to feel rough, tight and itchy and can even start to redden and become more sensitive.

“When skin dries out it stops functioning at its optimum. Dry skin can crack and become irritated, rough, itchy, flaky, less flexible and more prone to developing fine lines and wrinkles. […] Hydration is a universal requirement. No matter your age, stage, gender, ethnicity or skin type, to have healthy skin you need to keep it hydrated by drinking plenty of water and using the right skincare products” – Jennifer Hirsch, Beauty Botanist for The Body Shop.

The skin on your face is more exposed to the elements and the environment than skin on the body, so it’s important to find your perfect skincare routine for dry skin, using gentle, hydrating formulas that won’t strip away its natural moisture.

Man applying face moisturiser

WHY DO I GET DRY SKIN?

Dry skin can be caused by a number of factors. While some people are born with naturally dry skin, external triggers like cold and windy weather, water hardness, hormonal changes, harsh soaps, certain fabrics, long showers that are too hot, and not drinking enough water throughout the day can all contribute to dry skin.

Dry skin can affect anybody. Even when your skin is naturally oily, you can still develop dry skin from time to time. Dry skin is also more common in people with a history of eczema. You’re more likely to experience eczema or allergic contact dermatitis if you or your family have a history of conditions like these.

WHAT ARE THE TOP CAUSES OF DRY SKIN?

WEATHER CONDITIONS & UVA/UVB RAYS

Dry skin is more common in colder and drier climates and during the autumn and winter months when humidity levels are relatively lower. During warmer summer months, higher levels of humidity help stop your skin from drying out and losing its moisture.

Humidity and temperature levels indoors can affect your skin’s ability to retain moisture too. When cold, dry air is heated inside it causes the water in your skin to evaporate, which can lead to skin dryness.

It’s also important to keep skin protected from everyday sun damage. UVA rays, including long UVA rays, reach deep into the skin and can accelerate the signs of photoageing, while UVB rays trigger sunburn and damage your skin’s top layers.

DIET & DEHYDRATION

Eating healthy foods can help keep skin hydrated as well as nourished (just like the rest of your body). Flaxseeds, walnuts and fish like salmon high in omega-3 fatty acids, asparagus and avocado rich in vitamin E, sweet potato (eaten with the skin on!) packed with vitamin A and beta-carotene, cucumber high in water and vitamin C, and cooking with olive oil or coconut oil can all benefit your skin.

When your body is dehydrated, it means skin can get dehydrated too, especially when you sweat more during exercise and warm weather. To help keep you and your skin hydrated, try drinking 2L of water every day. Herbal teas are also great for staying refreshed and hydrated.

AGEING & HORMONAL CHANGES

The elderly are more prone to dry skin than younger people. While dry skin tends to affect men and women equally, older people are typically much more prone to dry skin. This is because the skin of older people can have diminished amounts of the natural skin oils and lubricants that help protect skin and retain its moisture.

Hormonal changes can also affect the condition of our skin, especially during the menopause. As we age, the body produces fewer hormones like estrogen. These reproductive hormones stimulate oil glands in the body, so when our production of natural oils is lower, it can cause skin to become dry and itchy. A healthy diet (see above), sufficient sleep and exercise can all help to restore these hormonal imbalances.

HARSH SOAPS & VERY HOT WATER

Harsh facial cleansers made with fragranced oils and chemicals can cause skin to dry out. Swap your soap for our Aloe Calming Foaming Wash or Drops of Youth™ Gentle Foaming Wash. Both lathering cleaners are formulated for sensitive skin.

Taking too many baths and showers or washing with very hot water can also raise the risk of developing dry skin. To avoid this, try turning down the heat or cutting down your shower time to one epic song each day – your skin will love you for it and so will the planet for saving water and energy!

HOW TO TREAT DRY SKIN

Woman's face

CHECK THE INGREDIENTS

Skin feeling tight and dry to the touch? Fret not. Help quench it with the most deeply nourishing products in our range. Dry skin is notoriously sensitive, so try not to irritate it further. Look for products that help lock in moisture, hydrate and keep skin happy.

Calm things down and gently remove make-up with our Camomile Sumptuous Cleansing Butter and Camomile Gentle Eye Make-up Remover. Cleanse away impurities with our Oils of LifeTM Intensely Revitalising Cleansing Oil-In-Gel. Wake-up to quenched, comforted skin when you slather on a layer of our new Hemp Overnight Face Mask.

WHAT ARE THE BEST INGREDIENTS FOR DRY SKIN?

Field of hemp

HEMP

Our Hemp range has been vigorously hydrating skin for over two decades. Hemp seed oil is known to help restore the skin’s barrier and lock in moisture.

Shop Hemp
Coconuts

COCONUT

Dry skin driving you nuts? Opt for Coconut. Enriched with coconut oil or extracts, our range will leave skin feeling softer and smelling sweeter.

Shop Coconut
Shea nuts

SHEA

Shea Butter is also known for its intensely nourishing effect. Help cocoon yourself in moisture and slather on Shea after (or during) a shower.

Shop Shea
Camomile flowers

CAMOMILE

And because dry skin loves a softly-softly approach, wash away your day with our gentle Camomile range.

Shop Camomile

ESTABLISH A ROUTINE

Rituals and routines help set us up for better days. And having a dedicated day and night skincare routine can help prevent dry skin.

Start your day with a tall drink of water and an intensely nourishing moisturiser. Our bestselling Vitamin E Moisture Cream locks in moisture for all-day hydration and absorbs easily, so you can get ready faster.

DAY TIME ROUTINE FOR DRY SKIN

The Body Shop Camomile

CLEANSE

Cleanse away grime after a good night’s sleep with our Camomile Sumptuous Cleansing Butter. With a soft, buttery texture it’s easy to use, making it a great option for those with irritating dry patches. Is your face looking for a bit more moisture?

Shop now
The Body Shop Vitamin C

TONE

Tone dry skin with our hydrating Vitamin E Hydrating Toner. Enriched with vitamin E and moisturising wheatgerm a quick swipe will leave skin feeling clean, supple, hydrated and ready for your next round of moisturiser. Use as part of your everyday routine to really see results.

Shop now
The Body Shop Vitamin E Moisture Cream

MOISTURISE

While a healthy dose of daily H20 will help keep skin hydrated, a good moisturiser will really give dry skin a drink. Our Vitamin E Intense Moisture Cream is made for dry skin. Made with Community Fair Trade shea butter from Ghana, this stuff will help leave skin feeling silky smooth.

Shop now
The Body Shop Coconut Lip Butter

LIP CARE

Let’s not forget your lips! Windy weather and central heating can make lips feel dry and a bit unhealthy. Pay them lip service and give them some love with our hydrating, freshly-scented Coconut Lip Butter. Infused with Community Fair Trade coconut oil, this buttery balm will help keep lips looking just how you like.

Shop now

THE DRY SKIN ROUTINE

STEP ONE: REMOVE MAKE-UP

To easily remove make-up and leave skin feeling soft and cleansed, massage our Camomile Silky Cleansing Oil into dry skin, add water to emulsify, and then rinse. Enriched with camomile extract from Norfolk, this refreshing and nourishing, all-in-one formula is suitable for sensitive skin.

STEP TWO: TONE

Remove any traces of make-up and cleansers and prep skin for moisturising with our Vitamin E Hydrating Toner. It leaves all skin types (including dry skin) feeling cleansed, supple and hydrated and helps your skin absorb the follow up products in our dry skincare routine.

STEP THREE: TREAT SKIN

First, apply a few drops of our Oils of Life™ Intensely Revitalising Facial Oil onto both palms and gently massage into skin. This lightweight formula is made from 99% ingredients of natural origin and leaves skin feeling revived with radiance and instantly replenished with moisture.

Next, gently massage the skin on your face with our Oils of Life™ Twin-Ball Facial Revitaliser – apply extra pressure where you feel like you need it. This massage helps you relax and unwind while helping you stimulate blood flow and promote lymphatic drainage. This leaves the skin on your face feeling energised and looking radiant.

STEP FOUR: TREAT SKIN AROUND THE EYES

To treat the skin around your eyes, apply Oils of Life™ Intensely Revitalising Eye Cream Gel. It has an airy, smoothing texture that helps dark circles appear faded and makes eye contours look smoother.

Using the Precision Eye Revitaliser, you can smooth on this gel cream formula with the spatula end and then gently massage the skin around your eyes with the rollerball end. This massage helps improve circulation and leaves skin around the eyes feeling refreshed.

STEP FIVE: MOISTURISE ALL DAY

To protect your skin in the day, help restore its natural moisture barrier and lock in up to 72 hours of hydration, apply a dollop of our richly textured, non-greasy Vitamin E Intense Moisture Cream. It’s perfect for dry skin and leaves all skin types feeling fresh and silky soft.

STEP SIX: MOISTURISE OVERNIGHT

To help replenish and recharge skin with moisture at night, you can also apply a few drops of our lightweight, fast-absorbing Vitamin E Overnight Serum-in-Oil. By the time you wake up the next morning, skin feels fresher and looks rested.

STEP SEVEN: MASK

2-3 times a week, treat skin to our gel cream Vitamin E Sink-In Moisture Sleeping Mask. Enriched with Community Trade soya oil from Brazil, it gives skin types an intense moisture boost. Leave on for 10 minutes and wipe away excess with a damp cloth or leave on overnight for a more intensive moisturising treatment.

NIGHT TIME ROUTINE FOR DRY SKIN

As tempting as it is to just roll into bed after a long day, the beauty gurus are right – cleansing and moisturising your skin will help things feel better in the morning. Night time is when skin regenerates and repairs itself. Give it a helping hand with a solid skin recovery routine.

BODY CARE FOR DRY SKIN

When dry skin season descends, give skin some extra TLC with a hydrating body moisturiser. Keep things simple with an uncomplicated routine you can rely on.

STEP ONE: EXFOLIATE DRY SKIN

After cleansing, gently buff away dead skin and leave dry skin feeling refined and smoother with our lightly textured Shea Exfoliating Cream Scrub. For dry, sensitive skin, use our Almond Milk & Honey Gently Exfoliating Cream Scrub.

STEP TWO: CLEANSE DRY SKIN

Lather up with our Almond Milk & Honey Soothing & Caring Shower Cream, Shea Shower Cream or Coconut Shower Cream. These gently cleansing formulas leave dry skin feeling softer and refreshed.

STEP THREE: MOISTURISE DRY SKIN

Moisturise dry, sensitive skin all over your body with a dollop of creamy Almond Milk & Honey Body Lotion. For dry skin, try our Shea Body Lotion, which is now made with three times as much Community Fair Trade shea butter. Find your perfect Body Butter for dry skin below.

To intensely nourish dry skin on your face, body and lips, apply our multi-purpose Shea Butter. It’s packed with the butter of 192 shea nuts.

STEP FOUR: MOISTURISE DRY HANDS

Keep hard-grating hands feeling soft, smooth and protected with our hydrating Hemp Hand Protector or Shea Hand Cream. For dry, sensitive skin, use Almond Milk & Honey Hand Cream. Our hand creams are lightweight and non-greasy so you can just smooth them on and rub your hands together whenever you feel like they need some quick hydration.

STEP FIVE: PROTECT DRY LIPS

To help keep dry lips protected, smooth on our nourishing, multi-purpose Shea Butter.

“Apply the Shea Butter onto your lips and massage in using circular motions. Repeat when needed. It’s perfect for dry skin.”

“You can also exfoliate your lips by mixing one teaspoon of sugar with one teaspoon of Shea Butter until it becomes a paste. Again, gently exfoliate the lips and lip line. When you’ve finished exfoliating, apply pure Shea Butter all over lips.”

Vanda Serrador, Facial & Body Care Expert for The Body Shop.

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE...

The Body Shop Vitamin E products

BENEFITS OF VITAMIN E

Discover the benefits of vitamin E and find out why our bestselling Vitamin E range is so good at locking in moisture and providing hydration and protection for all skin types – including dry skin.

Discover more
Two smiling women

SENSITIVE SKINCARE

When it comes to sensitive skin, it isn’t always that easy! Let us guide you through the the best face wash, cleanser or makeup remover for sensitive skin.

Discover more