Dry skin myths revealed

When your skin is feeling dry, rough and thirsty, do you instantly slather your skin with the thickest and richest moisturiser you can find? The truth is, this could be doing your dry skin more harm than good.
Read on to find out the most common dry skin myths and the best way to relieve a tight and flaky complexion.
Myth #1: You shouldn’t exfoliate dry skin.
When your skin feels tight and flaky, have you ever thought that it’s a bad idea to scrub it with an exfoliator because it’ll leave it sore and even drier? Well ignore those ideas and start scrubbing! Gently, of course. Exfoliating dry skin is vital as it buffs away the dead skin cells that block pores, which makes it easier for your skin to soak up the nourishing goodness from your serum, oil and moisturiser.
bh product picks: AWE Cosmeceuticals samskrta Skin Polish, Natures Organics Australian Pure Lilli Pilli & Wattleseed Face Scrub
Myth #2: The more I moisturise, the better.
Stop right there! Slathering your dry skin with moisturiser too often will only do more harm than good. Excess moisturiser won’t be able to absorb deep into the skin’s tissue, so it’ll sit on your skin’s surface and stop it from breathing. It can also lead to blocked pores, which is an open invitation to blackheads and pimples. Applying a hydrating moisturiser morning and night is all you need in order to lock in moisture.
bh product picks: Trilogy Ultra Hydrating Face Cream, Vanessa Megan Rose and Chamomile Hydrating Face Cream
Myth #3: Got dry skin? Drink more water!
Believe it or not, when you’re suffering from dry skin, drinking more water won’t replenish your skin’s moisture levels. Dry skin is caused by external factors such as humidity, wind, cold air, hot water and moisture-stripping products, so it’s best to treat it from the outside with nourishing skin care rather than from the inside with liquids.
bh product picks: Sukin Certified Organic Rose Hip Oil, Jurlique Skin Balancing Face Oil
Myth #4: The thicker the cream, the more hydrating it is.
While it may feel like your dry skin is craving a thick, creamy moisturiser, some lighter hydrating face gels or lotions may be more effective at rehydrating your skin. These formulas sink into the skin more quickly so the nourishing ingredients get to work faster, while heavy creams take longer to absorb, can block pores and leave the skin feeling greasy.
bh product picks: Shu Uemura Depsea Hydrability Lotion Enriched, Simple Hydrating Light Moisturiser
Did you know any of these dry skin myths? How do you treat dry skin?
Have you tried any of the products mentioned above?
Review them now to earn points that you can swap for free beauty products in RewardsRoom.
158 Member Comments
I have found that using an oil in place of a night cream seems to work better for me. It's very hydrating and leaves my skin soft and subtle.
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Winter is coming...
And I hate it!
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Winter makes me parched with heaters. Summer makes me parched with dry heat.
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The only people who need to moisturise more than once or twice are day are those of us with eczema.
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You can moisturise from inside by eating healthy plant based fats found in avocado oil, African red palm fruit oil and other fats found in fish. N-acetyl Glucosamine helps build hyaluronic acid within the body. Add a decent external moisturiser for added insurance.
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A nice thick cream works good for me ! I have dry skin and i lather on a thick cream in the evening and my skin is more hydrated and soft next morning.
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I’m loving CeraVe cream!
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I tell people #3 is not true all the time but I still encounter people who tell me their beauty "tip" is to drink more water. Sigh.
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I am sure my skin is quite dehydrated, so I got a hydrating serum
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Interesting to know the facts from the myths
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It would be great to know the facts from the myths when it comes to our politicians...
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Yes I do feel the right party got elected this time
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Clearly, most of the country does!
I live in Josh Frydenberg's seat...
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It was an excellent result
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As long as there is no backstabbing this term, I’ll be fine with that...
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Yes and they must support the members in their own party
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I might just sit back with some popcorn!
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A little while back my skin was really dry as anything & itchy too I found it really hard not to itch my skin which was impossible for me by applying some lotion it made it worse at the time not better so I would disagree with this. Moisturing your skin is fine on the other hand but not all the time.
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some good suggestions as winter heads our way
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Would be interested to hear about the role of certain supplements like evening primrose oil or vitamin E too
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I love a thick, hydrating moisturiser when my skin is dry.
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Yessssss my skin is always dry thank u so much for this article
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Great info. I always believed the more I moisturize its better for my dry skin.
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So if drinking more water doesn't help, what does help dehydrated skin, aside from avoiding air conditioning, being outside and harsh conditions. If you are already avoiding those, but you still have dry skin and drinking enough water, what do you do?
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