#AskAsh: How Can I Soothe Dry, Irritated Skin?

Q. Ash, how can I soothe dry, irritated skin?

A. We’ve all been there. Your complexion can go from balanced and healthy one moment, to red and blotchy another. It could be a reaction to medication, a change in the weather, excessive exfoliation or even a new washing powder! Next thing you know, you’re battling dryness, dullness, tightness (or all of the above!).

I reached out to international makeup artist, and spokesperson for Look Good Feel Better, Caroline Barnes for some good-to-know tips and tricks. Here’s what I learned...

The one thing you need to take away is that if you’re struggling with your skin, you must take things back to basics. Step away from your salicylic acid. Put your clay masks at the very back of your skincare stash. And do not reach for a face scrub. You want to focus on cleansing, moisturising and protecting - absolutely nothing else.

When it comes to cleansing, avoid foaming or mattifying formulas and opt for something kinder, like a balm. Typically applied to dry skin and massaged in, oil-based cleansing balms remove makeup, dirt and impurities whilst hydrating and nourishing your skin. Emma Hardie’s Moringa Cleansing Balm comes out on top for me, as it leaves my skin with the perfect clean-but-not-too-clean feeling and a dewy glow that doesn’t quit.

Next up, moisturising. This is absolutely key as hydrated skin is healthy, happy skin. My skincare switch up when my complexion is feeling parched is a hydrating serum like Avene’s Hydrance Intense Serum or Balance Me’s Tri-Molecular Hyaluronic Serum. “If you add a serum to your skin just before moisturiser, it makes a whole lot of difference” agreed Caroline. The key ingredient to look out for? Hyaluronic acid (which you can learn all about here.).

If you don’t own a serum, you could always try a richer moisturiser instead. Caroline advises switching a day cream for a night cream (it’s just a thicker formula!) or trying a facial oil. “Oils are a great topcoat - like a waterproof jacket for your skincare - as they seal in all the healthy moisture,'' says Caroline. Not sure where to start? Elemis’ Pro-Collagen Oxygenating Night Cream works to improve suppleness and elasticity, and NUXE's Huile Prodigieuse is so skin-friendly that it can be used head-to-toe!

And lastly, SPF! “Your skin can be so much more vulnerable and sensitive, so SPF is essential” confirms Caroline. Don’t worry, long gone are the days of greasy, white casts. Try a hardworking, antioxidant-rich formula like Rituals’ The Ritual of Karma Sun Protection Face Cream. Not only does it provide you with long-lasting UVA and UVB protection, but it further hydrates and strengthens your skin, too.

This month we’re supporting Look Good Feel Better, a truly inspirational charity that helps people face cancer with confidence.