Anyone concerned with beauty knows the benefits that radiant skin has on one’s overall appearance. Skin care is a beauty basic. Our skin can be an outward sign or indication of our health and wellness. Well-moisturized skin makes us look younger and feel more rejuvenated. Keeping our face refreshed, firm, and moisturized, however, can sometimes prove to be a small struggle. There are multiple causes of dry skin, so in order to treat dry skin on the face it’s important to have a multi-pronged approach.

We know that dewy and supple skin exists somewhere underneath the powdery dryness of that dull outer layer. There’s no need to be overwhelmed by that ashy exterior. There’s still time to bring your best face forward. You can fight back and win in the battle for soft and moisturized skin!

At this time of year, the ravages of winter weather can contribute to dry, flaky skin. Fortunately, there are certain habits and skin care products that can help correct and prevent this common problem. Below you’ll find some of the top tips for relieving dry skin. As always, try some new things, take what works, and remember to be kind to yourself and your skin.

Set a date to exfoliate

Skin care is a little bit like refinishing wood. How satisfying is it to sand down a dull table and put on a fresh finish? Especially during the last stage where the dry, dusty outer coat gets transformed, and the wood’s inner beauty is finally revealed, showing off that deep, radiant shine. Not that your face is a wooden table by any stretch of the imagination, but the truth is our skin sometimes needs serious renovation work!

Our skin naturally goes through a regeneration cycle, where the outer layers of skin dry, die, and get sloughed off. Sometimes, though, we need to speed this process along – especially that last step. We can remove the dull dry layer in order to revitalize our skin’s appearance. Exfoliation can help prevent clogged pores and even increase collagen production.

Regular exfoliation is an important habit that we all should adopt as part of our beauty routine. There are two main types of exfoliation: physical and chemical. Physical exfoliation involves manually rubbing or scrubbing, with products like facial scrubs or tools such as loofahs. Chemical exfoliation uses different chemicals like alpha-hydroxy acids or retinol, which interact with your skin to peel away that top layer.

If you like the feel of a physical exfoliation, Viviane Woodard’s Botanical Complexion Scrub could help you do away with dry patches on any part of your body. It’s also gentle enough for your face. It contains apricot kernel oil and walnut shell powder to exfoliate and help promote cell renewal. While the natural fibers slough away dry skin, the botanicals, humectants and emollients deep clean and soften for a fresh smoother texture.

This botanical scrub will do a body good because it has soothing, anti-inflammatory properties that are great for all-over body care. The Complexion Scrub feels like pure luxury, and, what’s even better, is that it actually works to improve the look and feel of your (soon to be formerly) dry skin.

Both types of exfoliation have the potential to irritate your face if you scrub too vigorously or leave chemicals on the surface for too long, so you should always make sure you follow instructions or the recommendations of a dermatologist before diving in with a new product.

 

Out with the old (skin cells), in with the new

Sometimes the skin on the face can be a little too thin or delicate for a physical scrub. Fortunately, there’s another Viviane Woodward product that’s just perfect for sensitive skin. It falls into the chemical category of exfoliation and is super simple to incorporate into your daily skincare regimen.

After you wash your face with water and your favorite cleanser, apply Viviane Woodward’s Natural Exfoliator SkinOdyssey with Glycolic Acid. This product gently, but effectively, scrubs away those dead skin cells that are like the no-good nemesis of a healthy glow. Then, remember to moisturize. You can go through these steps (washing your face, applying SkinOdyssey, and adding moisturizer) two to three times a week.

You’re sure to notice a difference in your skin tone, texture, and tightness if you do this regularly. SkinOdyssey has glycolic acid, which is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that is an excellent ingredient to have in our beauty toolbox. The best part is that AHA helps our skin behave in a more youthful way by speeding up skin cell production and exfoliation. Studies have found that there is increased production of collagen and elastin with AHA use.

As any dermatologist is likely to tell you, getting more collagen and elastin into the mix will make the skin’s overall appearance look and feel more youthful. In other words, AHAs help you win the war against dry skin!

Just remember to follow exfoliation with some sort of soothing and moisturizing serum or cream to make sure you lock in the moisture and keep dry skin at bay. Whatever exfoliation technique you decide to employ, you’ll be saying adios to the dead and dull elements of the epidermis, and hello to that baby-soft new layer underneath.

Plump up the volume

I don’t know about you, but hearing the word “plump” can stir up some mixed emotions. However, when it comes to describing my skin, I’ll take it as a compliment. The aforementioned SkinOdyssey also contains a powerful humectant, which is critical for the skin’s natural moisturizing capabilities. It is important to tissue hydration, and helps our skin to maintain a healthy water balance, which can result in plumper, younger-looking skin. So the next time anyone says something about plump, just assume they’re talking about your supple skin and fabulous complexion.

Just remember that exfoliation is only the first step in our dry skin-renovation DIY project. Next, we need to moisturize. The exfoliation allows for the moisturizing ingredients to penetrate dry skin deeply and effectively, resulting in a more radiant look. In other words, while exfoliation is the first step, we can’t stop there.

Relieving dry skin requires a product that locks in moisture to keep our dewy finish from drying out prematurely. So let’s move along to that next step, shall we?

Bringing out the ‘big guns’ in skin care

If you notice dry, flaky skin on your face and look for products that help relieve dry skin or treat dry patches, you may have already come across Viviane Woodard’s Intensive Hydration Complex. It’s a wonderful solution that moisturizes dry skin in a serious way.

After trying a number of promising products in my time, this one does not disappoint. The Intensive Hydration Complex delivers anti-aging and hydrating agents for when you need to dial your skincare regimen up to an eleven. It significantly increases and maintains the moisture content, and delivers phospholipids deeper into dry skin.

This mega moisture treatment saturates cells with rich emollients, leaving skin glowing, soft, and supple. And as if that wasn’t impressive enough, the antioxidants help guard against environmental damage. It’s nice to know you’re doing all you can when it comes to protecting your skin. Plus, it works on both extremely oily and very dry skin. Whatever skin type you may have, there’s a Viviane Woodard formula for you. Well-moisturized skin is happy skin!

The Magic Mist

Who says you have to choose just one moisturizer for facial skin? There are many times when all you need is a little burst of moisture to make it through the day. A fun step in any skincare routine is an effective moisturizing spray. The Intensive Hydration Mist is a hydrating spritz that you can apply before or after the Intensive Hydration Complex or other moisturizing cream.

The Intensive Hydration Mist is not only refreshing, but has Hyaluronic Acid to help dry skin retain more moisture. Moreover, it has antioxidants and antimicrobial features (so step back, aging and acne!). This spray can make you feel extra refreshed, not to mention a little bit fancy. I do declare, the delicacies of this divine spray may make you want to lounge around and wait for that Greek God Dionysus to feed you grapes.

Go ahead and pretend you’re a pampered princess who is spraying this on your countenance. Your dewy skin will be delighted, and hey, we all have to nurture our fantasies, don’t we?

 

Nighttime is the Right Time…For Skin Care

One of the best feelings in the world is going to bed with your face fully moisturized. If you do it with clean sheets and apply moisturizer with natural oils to your legs as well, then you have the holy trifecta of nighttime bliss.

If you want to help heal or prevent dry skin, make sure part of your before-bed beauty routine includes Vivian Woodward’s Replenishing Complex. This incredible cream contains the always-amazing aloe vera, avocado, and geranium oils. Natural oils aid in repairing dry skin, and slow the visible signs of aging while you sleep. You can also sleep better knowing that there is Vitamin E, which is an antioxidant. Skin care products that contain antioxidants work to repair free-radical damage.

So while you should always try to protect yourself from the elements and take precautions when exposed to the sun, it is comforting to know that some skincare is looking out for you as well.

Pretend it’s a spa and say “ahhh…”

Winter can be brutal on already dry skin. Cold, dry air sucks away moisture, and causes flaky, dry skin. Hot summer days aren’t always much better. So, what to do with these seasonal setbacks? One remedy you can try is having a steamy spa day in your bathroom, and applying Viviane Woodard skin treatments like a true professional. It’s a pleasant and pampering solution that you can do for yourself, and it’s much more cost-effective than some over-priced spa facilities.

Start by letting hot water run in the tub to fill the bathroom with a nice, warm steam. Don’t dip in the hot water right away, as that can be too intense for dry skin. Instead, set the scene for your spa routine. Spray a little Eucalyptus oil (or choose from other aromatic natural oils) to create the effect of a sauna. Be sure to wear a bathrobe and a spa towel over your head to add to that element of authenticity.

Wash your face using one of these super cute Silicone Scrubbies and a gentle cleanser. Then, apply the Contouring Facial Mask. This provides the dual action of cleansing as well as isometric toning action. After applying the mask to your face, kick back, elevate your feet, and let the mask dry for ten to fifteen minutes. The excess oils, impurities and dead cells will be trapped in the mask as it dries.

Once dry, remove the Contouring Facial Mask with a cold washcloth or rinse with water. Notice how it smoothes the uneven texture, reduces puffiness, erases dry patches, and helps firm the skin. You’ll feel cleansed and smooth all over. It’s another great way to say bye to dry skin.

Here’s a video that can provide you with a little additional inspiration for a relaxing at-home spa day:

The final step to a relaxing at-home spa day facial is the Enriched Water Based Moisturizer. This is a wonderful daytime moisturizer that conditions and rejuvenates the skin with nutrients and antioxidants. Gently massage into your face and throat using your fingertips, with an upward and outward motion. It absorbs completely and doesn’t contain any heavy oils, waxes, or fillers. You can carry on with your day refreshed and renewed, or take a little more time to sit back and relax.

There are even more moisturizers I may have missed mentioning above, so feel free to check out all the other Viviane Woodard creams, serums, and lotions to love. Even though we’re a little ways into the new year, there’s no rule that says you can’t start a new beauty routine as a part of your resolution to defeat dry skin.

 

For over 60 years, Viviane Woodard has represented “The Purity of Skincare”. We are the leading beauty brand for water-based skin care products and promote the importance of good skin hydration. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest for skin care tips, product discounts and more.