The Ultimate Guide to Understanding and Treating Dry Skin

Dry skin occurs when your skin lacks sufficient moisture in its outermost layer. This common condition can affect anyone, regardless of age or skin type, though it tends to worsen in winter months when humidity drops.

Your skin's sebum production is a remarkable process that serves multiple essential functions:

• Creates a protective barrier against environmental challenges
• Helps maintain optimal skin hydration
• Supports the skin's natural pH balance
• Contains natural antimicrobial properties
• Helps transport antioxidants to the skin's surface

When this delicate balance is disrupted, dry skin can result. Let's explore the underlying causes and how to identify them.

1. Environmental factors

• Low humidity environments (winter, desert climates)
• Excessive sun exposure
• Wind exposure
• Indoor heating and air conditioning

2. Lifestyle habits

• Hot showers and baths
• Harsh soaps and cleansers
• Not drinking enough water
• Alcohol consumption

3. Age-related changes

• Natural decrease in oil production as we age
• Thinning skin barrier
• Slower cell turnover

4. Medical conditions

• Eczema (atopic dermatitis)
• Psoriasis
• Thyroid imbalances
• Diabetes

For over a century, Weleda has sourced the finest natural ingredients for skin health. Drawing from biodynamic farming practices and traditional plant wisdom, these carefully selected ingredients work in harmony with your skin's natural processes.

Weleda's commitment to pure plant oils provides essential nourishment for dry skin:

Almond Oil: The foundation of many Weleda formulations, sweet almond oil is exceptionally gentle and nourishing, rich in fatty acids that help maintain skin's moisture balance

Sunflower Seed Oil: Abundant in vitamin E and essential fatty acids, this oil from biodynamic cultivation helps strengthen skin's natural barrier

Sesame Seed Oil: A time-honored ingredient that penetrates deeply to nourish and support dry skin's natural functions

These natural ingredients form a breathable protective layer:

Beeswax: Harvested with respect for bee colonies, this natural wonder creates a breathable barrier that protects while allowing skin to function naturally

Lanolin: A nature-identical wax that mimics skin's own protective lipids, providing intensive moisture retention

Carnauba Wax: Plant-derived protection that helps seal in moisture without synthetic ingredients

Weleda's signature plant extracts provide time-tested benefits:

Calendula: Grown in Weleda's own biodynamic gardens, this remarkable flower offers soothing properties for irritated, dry skin

Chamomile: Traditionally used for centuries, this gentle botanical helps calm redness while supporting skin's natural processes

Pansy: A key ingredient in Weleda Skin Food, pansy extract offers balancing and soothing benefits for skin in need of extra care

Wild Pansy: Contains saponins and mucilage that help maintain a balanced moisture level in the skin

These rich natural butters provide intensive nourishment:

Shea Butter: Fair-trade sourced and rich in vitamins and fatty acids, shea butter offers immediate comfort to dry skin

Cocoa Butter: Rich in antioxidants and emollient properties, this plant butter helps restore skin's natural suppleness

A consistent, thoughtful skincare routine is essential for managing dry skin. Here's a step-by-step approach:

1.Gentle cleansing

• Use a mild, sulfate-free cleanser
• Avoid hot water, opt for lukewarm instead
• Consider oil cleansing for extremely dry skin

2. Hydrating toner (optional)

• Choose alcohol-free formulations
• Look for plant-based options with calming ingredients

3. Moisturising

• Apply to damp skin to lock in moisture
• Choose a day cream suitable for your specific needs

4. Rich cream for very dry areas

• Apply a richer formulation to areas that need extra attention
• Focus on persistently dry patches

5. Sun protection

• Always finish with SPF 30 or higher
• Consider natural mineral sunscreens for sensitive skin

1. Thorough cleansing

• Remove makeup and daily impurities
• Consider double cleansing with an oil cleanser first

2. Treatment products

• Apply serums or treatments for specific concerns
• Consider adding a facial oil for extra nourishment

3. Rich night moisturiser

• Use a more intensive formula than daytime
• Apply while skin is slightly damp

4. Spot treatment for very dry areas

• Use a balm or butter on extremely dry patches
• Consider Weleda Skin Food for targeted repair

1.Gentle exfoliation

• Use 1-2 times weekly to remove dead skin cells
• Choose enzymatic or very mild physical exfoliants

2. Hydrating masks

• Apply a moisture-replenishing mask 1-2 times weekly
• Look for masks with natural hydrating ingredients

3. Facial oil treatment

• Consider a deeper oil treatment once a week
• Apply after bath or shower when skin is receptive

Weleda's Skin Food has been a trusted solution for dry, rough skin since 1926. This iconic product exemplifies Weleda's commitment to natural, effective skincare.

Since 1926, Weleda Skin Food has been caring for people's skin thanks to its effective formulation with extracts of organic pansy, chamomile and calendula blossoms.

What makes Skin Food particularly effective for dry skin:

1. Rich botanical formulation

• Features sunflower seed oil rich in essential fatty acids
• Contains calendula and chamomile to soothe irritation
• Includes pansy extract for skin-calming benefits

2. Multi-purpose versatility

• Works on face, hands, elbows, and anywhere skin needs extra care
• Can be used as a daily moisturiser or intensive treatment
• Functions as an emergency solution for extremely dry patches

3. Natural approach to skin barrier support

• Supports skin's natural functions rather than suppressing them
• Works with the skin's inherent wisdom rather than against it
• Provides immediate relief while supporting long-term skin health

While a good skincare routine is essential, addressing dry skin comprehensively requires a holistic approach.

What you eat has a significant impact on skin health:

1. Essential fatty acids

• Omega-3s from fatty fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts
• Omega-6s from evening primrose oil and borage oil
• Omega-9s from olive oil and avocados

2. Hydration from within

• Adequate water intake throughout the day
• Hydrating foods like cucumber, watermelon, and leafy greens
• Herbal teas that support skin health

3. Antioxidant-rich foods

• Colorful fruits and vegetables for free-radical protection
• Vitamin E from nuts and seeds
• Vitamin C from citrus, berries, and capsicums

Small changes to your environment can make a big difference:

1. Humidity control

• Use a humidifier during dry seasons
• Place water vessels near heating sources
• Consider shower plants in bathrooms

2. Temperature adjustments

• Lower shower and bath temperatures
• Avoid direct heat on skin (space heaters, fireplaces)
• Dress appropriately for cold weather to protect skin

3. Fabric considerations

• Choose soft, natural fibers like cotton next to skin
• Avoid rough fabrics that can irritate dry skin
• Consider silk pillowcases to reduce friction

Dry Skin: A Skin Type

• Produces less natural oil (sebum) than normal
• Genetic predisposition often present
• Consistent condition that requires ongoing care
• May feel rough, flaky, and tight year-round
• Often accompanied by smaller pores
• Benefits from oil-rich treatments

Dehydrated Skin: A Temporary Condition

• Lacks water, not necessarily oil
• Can affect any skin type, including oily skin
• Often temporary and situational
• May appear dull with more visible fine lines
• Can feel tight but also oily in some areas
• Benefits from water-binding ingredients

Understanding this difference helps you choose the right products and treatments. Dry skin needs lipid replenishment, while dehydrated skin requires water-attracting ingredients.

Weleda offers tailored solutions for various dry skin conditions, each drawing on specific plant wisdom:

Skin Food Original - for face and body

• Intensively nourishes with organic pansy, chamomile and calendula
• Creates a protective shield with natural waxes
• Suitable for face and body
• Perfect for relieving dry patches anywhere
• Multipurpose from head to toe

Sensitive Soothing Moisturiser 

• Gentle care for sensitive dry skin
• Organic sweet almond oil helps restore natural balance
• Supports skin's protective barrier
• Provides 24-hour moisture

Skin Food Nourishing Face Care

• Nourishes, replenishes and repairs dry skin’s moisture barrier

Skin Food Light

• A lighter version of the original cream
• Fast-absorbing with sunflower seed oil
• Perfect for everyday hydration
• Gentle enough for daily use yet effective for dry skin

Calendula All Purpose Balm

• Protects against cold, wind, and harsh weather
• Sunflower seed wax and cocoa butter create a natural barrier
• Particularly helpful during winter months
•  Soothes very dry skin patches, chapped skin on cheeks, chin and hands as well as dry lips.

Pomegranate Regenerating Body Oil

• Rich in antioxidants and essential fatty acids
• Supports skin's natural regeneration process
• Organic pomegranate seed oil nurtures aging skin
• Smoothes skin and increases firmness

Contouring Face Serum - Blue Gentian & Edelweiss

• Triple immediate effect: firms, hydrates & nourishes
• Lightweight, can be used morning and night
• Counteracts the effects of menopause on skin

Skin Food Body Butter

• Ultra-rich intensive treatment
• Cocoa butter and shea butter for deep nourishment
• Long-lasting moisture for very dry skin
• Ideal for rough elbows, knees, and feet

Calendula Intensive Body Cream - for face and body

• Soothing care for irritated, very dry skin
• Calendula extract calms while nourishing
• Creates a protective layer to support healing
• Perfect for areas in need of intensive care

Dry skin doesn't have to be a constant struggle. By understanding the causes, choosing the right ingredients, establishing a supportive skincare routine, and addressing lifestyle factors, you can achieve comfortable, healthy skin. Remember that skin health is a journey, not a destination. Be patient with your skin as it responds to new care routines, and adjust your approach as needed with changing seasons, stress levels, and age. Weleda's century of expertise in natural skincare offers time-tested solutions that work in harmony with your skin's own wisdom. By supporting rather than suppressing your skin's natural functions, you create the conditions for true skin health to flourish.

Ready to transform your dry skin care routine? Explore Weleda's natural solutions, including the iconic Skin Food range, for gentle yet effective relief that honors your skin's natural balance.