Beauty

[Natureluvr]

This morning I got out of the shower and had to take a call so I didn’t put on my facial moisturizer right away (which I always do) and after about 10 min, I went to put it on and my skin looked awful! Dry, tight and wrinkly. So despite all the moisturizing products that usually leave my face looking fresh and moist, is that just like a bandaid hiding my truly dry skin? Is this a skin barrier issue? Does this happen with any of you?

[JudyL]

I'm sure one of the more knowledgeable posters than me will chime in but my first thought is - maybe you are using the wrong cleanser?  It sounds like your cleanser could be drying your skin.  

[SilleeMee]

I agree with @JudyL about the cleanser being problematic. Also, cleansing and bathing while using hot or very warm water is the most common cause of dry skin. 

[Natureluvr]

Thank you.

I use a cleansing balm and lukewarm water to cleanse at night and just a light rinse in the morning. I do use azaelic acid for melasma and also tretinoin, so maybe I need to use those less frequently?

[SilleeMee]

Both azelaic acid and tret dry the skin out. You might consider using a barrier (recovery) cream during the daytime to help restore your outer layer of facial skin which has been compromised by the use of acids. If you have redness/irritation then you might need to do that for a few days or more until the redness subsides. Damaged, red and irritated barriers can sometimes take weeks to recover. The older you are, the longer it takes.

[Natureluvr]

@SilleeMee ~ Do you have a recommendation for a recovery cream? I also use vitamin C in the AM, so do you think I should lay off that for some time as well? Thank you!

[Icegoddess]

I am NOT giving up hot showers or wash rags on my face.  Breathing in that warm moist air helps my sinuses, and a hot shower one of the pleasures in life for someone as cold-natured as I am.  I hate that moment when I have to turn off the water and open that shower door and the cold (relatively speaking) air rushes in.  

I don't put my moisturizer on wet skin.  In fact, I usually apply my serum and then go back later and apply my moisturizer.  

First thing out of the shower for me is to apply body lotion/butter, sometimes oil first depending on how dry I feel the air is.  I never apply to wet skin.  Body butter and water don't play well together, IMO.  Only on damp skin.  

[SilleeMee]

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@Natureluvr wrote:
@SilleeMee~ Do you have a recommendation for a recovery cream? I also use vitamin C in the AM, so do you think I should lay off that for some time as well? Thank you!

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@Natureluvr 

CeraVe Moisturizing Cream is a good one. 

I wouldn't stop with your products if there's no red or inflamed skin. Dry, flaky and tight skin just needs some extra help in the barrier department. Just continue on with your routine and add the barrier cream in place of your regular moisturizer. It might only take a few days of that and then you can adjust using that barrier cream whenever you feel the need.

[Natureluvr]

Thanks for your suggestions @SilleeMee. I really appreciate it!

[monicakm]

@Natureluvr

(Sigh)  hydration.  Hydration and moisturizing is not the same thing. You can probably find about 358 topics in this forum where I've mentioned the importance of hydration. And the importance of a good skin care routine. Of course, it's just my opinion based on a whole lot of research and personal experience. I have the driest of complexions but you would never know it. I hope you find something that works for you.