Help, My Skin's More Leathery than My Shoes!

The first step is to scrub once or twice a week to get rid of dead cells that cling to our skin's surface. Use a fine grain scrub on your face so that you don't harm your already fragile skin. Body-wise, apply a coarser scrub. If you have a hardy epidermis you can apply it to dry skin before showering it off. However, if your skin's sensitive, apply it to wet skin whilst you shower. Scrub from tip to toe. Go easy on sensitive parts (cleavage, stomach) and scrub harder on tougher patches - knees, elbows etc.

They may be a pleasure, but really hot baths and showers aren't good for our skin, particularly during cold weather. In order to protect your skin's hydrolipidic film, stick to warm showers or baths - leg skin, for example, is particularly thin and can quickly dry out. Avoid soaps and shower gels, which can be harsh: invest in a nourishing shower oil. Once you step out of the shower/bath, pat your skin dry. Don't rub hard, as this will further damage your skin's natural barrier. Cleanse your face with micellar water - your skin will love its gentle touch!

Apply a rich moisturiser to pump your skin full of nourishing goodness. If your skin's really parched, go for one that contains essential oils. At night, replace your usual moisturiser with a cold cream or a rich night cream to help reconstruct the hydrolipidic film. You can try the Revitalift Moisturizing Night Cream by L’Oréal Paris. The powerful night cream hydrates the skin and boosts regeneration for a fresh and radiant look overnight. You can also apply an overnight face mask to deeply hydrate your skin whilst you sleep. Smooth, moisturised, baby-soft skin guaranteed! Finally, treat your body to a deeply moisturising, nourishing body milk, balm or dry oil.

Dry and leathery skin can be difficult to deal with, but if you treat it to the right nourishing products and follow the steps mentioned above, you can prevent your skin from losing more moisture and become for flaky and uncomfortable.