Dry skin
Skin that feels tight, looks dull or flakes is common, especially in winter and as we get older. The right approach depends on why your skin is dry, so we start with an assessment.
Dry or dehydrated?
Dry skin makes too little oil. It tends to feel tight and rough, and can flake. Dehydrated skin lacks water rather than oil, and it can affect any skin type, including oily skin. It often looks dull and shows fine lines more clearly. Many people have both, and they are treated differently, which is one reason the skin assessment comes first.
Common causes
- Cold weather, central heating and hot water
- Harsh cleansers, over-exfoliating, or using too many active products at once
- Age, as the skin makes less oil over time
- Some medicines and medical conditions
When to see your GP first
If your skin is itchy, cracked, red or inflamed, or the dryness is spreading or not settling, it may be eczema or another skin condition. See your GP or a pharmacist before booking a cosmetic treatment.
Options
Options at our clinic
| Option | What it helps | Sessions | Downtime | From |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Skincare plan (SkinMed® TripleLock® Hydration Protocol) | Supporting the skin barrier and holding in moisture, at home | Daily home routine | None | £50 consultation |
| Skin boosters | Dry, dull or dehydrated skin, and fine lines | Usually 2 to 3, four weeks apart | Small bumps settle in 24 to 48 hours; bruising possible | £170 |
| Facials with LED light therapy | A gentle first step for dull, tired-looking skin | One, or every 4 to 6 weeks to maintain | None; mild redness can last a few hours | £55 |
Where to start
Most people with dry skin start with a skincare plan, because it is what your skin receives every day. Skin boosters can be added if your skin still looks dull or dehydrated after a few weeks of consistent care.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
Can oily skin be dehydrated?
Yes. Dehydration is a lack of water, not oil, so oily and spot-prone skin can be dehydrated too. Using harsh products to strip oil can make it worse.
Do I need to stop using my current products?
Not always. Bring them, or photos of them, to your consultation and we will tell you what to keep.
How soon will I notice a difference?
Skin often feels more comfortable within a few weeks of a consistent routine. Results from skin boosters build over 4 to 8 weeks.
Book a consultation
We will assess your skin, explain your options and give you a written plan with prices.