If your usual moisturiser no longer feels quite enough, you are not imagining it. Skin can become drier as we get older, even if it was once oily or combination. You might notice tightness after washing, rough patches or a greater need for moisture during the day.
These changes do not mean you have done anything wrong. Understanding what your skin needs now can help you make a few useful adjustments, without rebuilding your entire routine.
Why can skin become drier with age?
One factor is a change in oil production. Sebum, the natural oil produced by the skin, helps keep its surface soft. Production can decrease with age, although the timing and extent vary between people. Skin that once felt comfortable with a light lotion may begin to prefer a richer moisturiser.
Water retention can also change. Older skin is often thinner and can lose moisture more readily. The skin barrier helps limit water loss, so dryness is about more than the amount of oil you can see or feel on the surface. Our guide to what your skin barrier actually does explains its role in more detail.
What part does menopause play?
Hormonal changes around menopause can make dryness more noticeable. As oestrogen levels fall, skin can become thinner, and its ability to retain water can decline. You may find that products which used to feel comfortable no longer meet your needs.
Not everyone experiences the same changes, and dryness alone cannot tell you whether you are approaching menopause. It is reasonable to respond to how your skin feels rather than choosing products solely on the basis of your age.
Is age the only explanation?
No. Cold weather, dry indoor air, hot water and frequent washing can all contribute. Some medicines and skin conditions can also cause dryness. A new patch of itchy or inflamed skin should not automatically be dismissed as part of getting older.
It can help to notice what has changed alongside your skin: a new cleanser, more frequent exfoliation or the heating coming on. Adjusting one thing at a time makes it easier to judge what helps.
How can you adapt your routine?
Start with gentle cleansing. Unveil is an option for this first step in your routine. Use lukewarm water and a light touch, then follow with a moisturiser that leaves your skin feeling comfortable.
A moisturiser is a useful foundation. Different ingredients have complementary jobs: humectants help attract water, while emollients soften the surface and occlusive ingredients help reduce moisture loss. How the whole formula feels and performs matters more than any one ingredient.
If you prefer a cream, Endless Moisturiser is an option for leaving skin feeling soft, supple and moisturised, with a rich yet lightweight texture. Choose the amount and frequency that feel comfortable for your skin; there is no need to wait until it feels tight before moisturising again.
Would a face oil help?
A face oil can be an optional addition when you would like more softness. Organic Prickly Pear Seed Oil can leave skin feeling supple and nourished. Try a small amount after your moisturiser in the evening and see whether you enjoy the finish.
An oil does not supply water, so it need not replace your moisturiser. Nor should the composition of an oil be treated as proof that it reverses age-related changes. Here, the aim is straightforward cosmetic care: improving softness and comfort.
When is it worth asking for advice?
If dryness persists despite gentle care, or your skin is cracked, bleeding, painful or persistently itchy, speak to a pharmacist, GP or dermatologist. They can help identify whether something beyond everyday dryness needs attention.
Your routine can change as your skin does. A gentle cleanse, a moisturiser you enjoy using and an optional oil may be enough to make daily care feel comfortable again.
