Contrary to common belief, dry skin needs regular exfoliation too. But there is no denying that this can be a little tricky. For those unaware, exfoliation involves dissolving buildup from the skin to reveal a smooth, glowing surface underneath.   

But how should one proceed when their skin is already dry, flaky or even scaly in texture? Wouldn’t exfoliation aggravate the above concerns? Well, the answer is a resounding no.  

With the right technique and products, you can easily exfoliate dry, flaky skin. This step in your daily routine will help ensure even radiant skin and a balanced microbiome. Infact, regular exfoliation also casts away the flakiness that makes your complexion cloudy or dull. Before getting to the handpicked products, let’s understand exfoliation and its many benefits. 

What Is Exfoliation? 

As discussed, exfoliation dissolves dead cells, debris and dirt from the skin, revealing a smooth, radiant surface.  

For the unversed, the skin renews itself every few days (< 30) days. This leads to the formation of new skin cells on the dermis. If by this time, the dead cells and debris don’t fall out, your skin appears dull, patchy and flaky. 

In other words, exfoliation helps accelerate the regeneration process of skin cells. This biweekly step in your routine also dissolves the dirt, grime, and other pollutants accumulated on your skin. Results? A renewed glow that is hard to recreate. 

What Are The Benefits Of Exfoliation? 

Exfoliation is a great way to reset your skin at home. If you are wondering whether you need another step in your routine, consider its many benefits 

1. Exfoliation unclogs pores: Exfoliation helps remove dead, dry cells deep inside the pores. This helps drastically minimize the appearance of pores.  

2. Exfoliation reduces blackheads and whiteheads: Clogged pores when further aggravated turn into blackheads or whiteheads. For those unaware, blackheads have bigger openings on the skin that lead to melanin oxidation – resulting in the said colour. On the other hand, the small openings of whiteheads don’t let air inside.  

3. Exfoliation prevents acne or breakouts: Acne occurs when bacteria thrive in clogged pores. Exfoliation buffs away buildup and oil – nipping this problem in the bud. If you struggle with dry, acne-prone skin, do consider exfoliating twice weekly. 

4. Exfoliation reduces dullness: Dryness or flakiness can wane the complexion. If you are in the same boat, might we recommend exfoliation for your skincare rotation? This process dissolves dead cells, debris and flakiness to ensure an even texture. Plus, the renewed glow is just chef kisses.  

5. Exfoliation ensures healthy cell turnover: Exfoliation helps dissolve dead cells which ensures the healthy and accelerated regeneration of skin cells.  

6. Exfoliation improves Collagen production: If you wish to age gracefully, add exfoliation to your weekly skincare routine. Exfoliation over a prolonged period helps bolster Collagen production in the skin cells. For those unaware – Collagen is a protein responsible for your skin’s taut and supple appearance. It also reduces the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and crow’s feet.

How Often Should I Exfoliate My Dry Skin? 

Experts suggest that exfoliating twice a week is enough for folks with dry skin. If you exceed this upper limit, there are increased chances of experiencing uncomfortably tight skin.

What Is Over-Exfoliation? 

Over-exfoliation removes natural oils from the skin, drying your already parched and flaky. To steer clear of this problem, we recommend opting for exfoliation biweekly. 

What Is The Best Product For Exfoliation? 

Now that you are well-versed in the many benefits of exfoliation, it's time to add a product to your rotation. Try Foxtale’s AHA BHA Serum STAT. The innovative and gentle serum has been formulated with all skin types in mind.  

Still on the fence? Here’s why our Exfoliating Serum is a must-have 

1. No tingling or burning sensation: Foxtale’s AHA BHA Exfoliating Serum doesn’t burn or tingle the skin on application. 

2. Supports barrier health: The serum contains Niacinamide that strengthens the lipid barrier – making it one of the products for dry skin. 

3. Ensures long-lasting hydration for the skin: Worried that exfoliation will dry out your skin? Place your trust in Foxtale’s AHA BHA Exfoliating Serum. It contains Hyaluronic Acid that improves your skin’s capacity to hold moisture. 

4. Instantaneous results: If you struggle with uneven skin texture, this product should be on your radar. It ensures visible smoothness from the very first use. One of the best glowing skin products, you can grab this formula only at INR 545. 

5. Grants a renewed glow to the skin: Glycolic Acid in this serum sheds dead cells and cues healthy renewal, guaranteeing a renewed glow for the skin.

How Should I Use The AHA BHA Exfoliating Serum? 

Make the most of Foxtale’s AHA BHA Exfoliating Serum by adding it to your weekly routine. Regardless of the skin type, we encourage readers to use the treatment only at night. Here’s why -

1. Some folks may experience photosensitivity due to AHA BHA. To avoid any accidental flare-ups or inflammation, we recommend using this serum at night.

2. The skin has a circadian rhythm which prioritizes repair and rejuvenation at night. Active ingredients like AHA BHA help expedite the renewal process by dissolving buildup. 

3. For those unaware, the skin or lipid barrier is the most absorbent at night. This is why we recommend using the serum at night for better results. 

What Are Some Do’s and Don’ts While Applying Face Serum?

Do: Use a light hand to gently dab the serum onto your skin 

Don’t: Don’t aggressively rub your skin as it may cause stress. 

Do: Take only 2 to 3 drops of the serum for one wear. For the unversed, serums contain a high concentration of active ingredients. Therefore, a little goes a long way.

Don’t: Don’t apply serum on damp skin. 

Do: Before applying the serum, thoroughly cleanse your face with a soothing formula.

Don’t: Don’t apply serum on inflamed or irritated skin.

Do: If you are new to a skincare product or an active ingredient, remember to conduct a patch test on the neck first. 

With a flurry of its reels flooding Instagram, super ingredient Ceramide has piqued the interest of many. Ceramide forms roughly 50% of the acid mantle and is responsible for the skin’s soft, supple appearance. Moreover, the fatty acid helps revive dry skin, averts pollutants or free radicals, and reverses signs of ageing.   

While Ceramide is indispensable to the health of all skin types, it plays a more significant role in restoring innately dry or parched skin.   

So, if you too struggle with dry or dehydrated skin, scroll ahead to learn how Ceramide is the missing ingredient in your daily skincare routine. 

Ceramide And Barrier Function  

To cite a borrowed analogy – think of your skin as a masonry wall where corneocytes (dead cells) act as the bricks and Ceramides serve as the mortar. Well, this ‘wall’ is the first line of defence for your body.  

So, when factors like continued sun exposure, ageing and harsh or abrasive skincare deplete Ceramide levels, it wreaks havoc on your skin.  

What Are The Different Types Of Ceramides? 

Ceramides are broadly classified under two heads – natural and synthetic. Natural Ceramide is found in your skin’s outermost layer, soy, and poultry.   

It is said that synthetic Ceramide is free from contaminants, more stable and features in a gamut of skincare formulations. 

Ceramides And Dry Skin – Why Is It Important?  

We know that dry skin loses moisture molecules rapidly (and somewhat dramatically), often becoming dehydrated in the process. This leads to scaly, flaky texture, premature signs of ageing and susceptibility to inflammation and flare-ups. Luckily, Ceramide prevents this problem, deeply rejuvenating dry skin.

1. Ceramide doubles down on hydration: As discussed earlier, Ceramide helps preserve your skin’s hydration. It forms a protective barrier on the dermis, preventing TEWL or transepidermal water loss – making it a must-have for folks with dry skin.

2. Ceramide helps alleviate inflammation: Dry skin is no stranger to redness, rashes, hives and other flare-ups. Luckily, Ceramide in your skincare mix addresses this problem. Not only does it ensure sustained hydration but also offsets inflammation.

3. Ceramide upholds the skin barrier: We know that Ceramide helps fortify the skin or lipid barrier. This barrier plays an important role in retaining moisture in the skin for its soft, supple appearance. This is why we strongly recommend the super ingredient for all dry-skin folks.

4. Ceramide reverses skin ageing: Perpetually dry skin can make way for premature fine lines, wrinkles, crow’s feet and more. The topical application of Ceramide ensures long-lasting moisturization and restores skin’s elasticity to fight these signs of ageing.

Other Benefits Of Ceramide 

By now, it's no secret that Ceramide is responsible for your skin’s integrity and structure. Aside from its many dry skin benefits, here are reasons to add the super ingredient into your daily regimen

1. Ceramide shields against environmental aggressors: Super ingredient Ceramide sits on the dermis, shielding the skin against harmful free radicals, pollutants, and UV rays. Due to this attribute, Ceramide infusions make for the best glowing skin products. 

2. Ceramide prevents acne and breakouts: Expert studies suggest that a weakened barrier leads to more episodes of acne and breakouts. This is where Ceramide comes into the picture. The super ingredient reinforces the skin barrier and is a good fit for folks with oily and acne-prone skin. 

What Is The Best Format To Use Ceramide?  

You can go to the nearest drug store (or supermarket) only to find Ceramides plastered all over the anti-ageing section in the skincare aisle. While the super ingredient is in several face washes, serums and masks – we recommend using Ceramide in a moisturizer format.

We firmly believe that your skin deserves the best and therefore, bring you Foxtale’s innovative Hydrating Moisturizer with Ceramide. This high-performing formula is the perfect fit for folks with dry or dehydrated skin. Scroll ahead to learn more about this beloved offering.

Why Is Foxtale’s Hydrating Moisturizer With Ceramide A Must-Have For Dry Skin? 

Tired of dry, beat-looking skin? Get your mitts on the Foxtale’s Hydrating Moisturizer with Ceramides. The rich yet lightweight formula smoothens your skin within 5 uses only! Not only It is a great fit for dry skin but also one of the best skincare products for combination skin.

Ingredients: Ceramide, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Olive Oil, and Vitamin E 

How Does It Work: At the forefront of this formula, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer binds moisture molecules, dryness, uneven texture, and damaged barrier. Moreover, Ceramide helps double down on this hydration by preventing TEWL or transepidermal water loss.

Other USP:

1. The moisturizer barrier repair formula enhances your skin’s ability to reverse damage.

2. Ceramide and Vitamin E in the cream avert pollutants, UV rays, and other aggressors. 

3. Hydrogenated Olive Oil in the moisturizers deeply nourishes the skin, making it a non-negotiable for folks with extremely dry and sensitive skin.

How To Use This Super Cream For Dry Skin? 

Add the Ceramide Super Cream to a hydrating skincare to revive dry skin. Here’s how you can do it 

1. Cleanse And Hydrate: Use Foxtale’s Hydrating Face Wash to gently remove dirt, grime, and sebum from the skin. Sodium Hyaluronate and Red Algae Extract improve your skin’s water-holding capacity, making it look soft and radiant. What we love the most is how this cleanser doubles as a makeup remover. It contains gentle surfactants that melt makeup and SPF deep-seated in the pores. 

2. Double down: To double down on hydration, add the Daily Hydrating Hyaluronic Serum by Foxtale to your skincare mix. The lightweight formula with 6 humectants seeps deep into the skin, ensuring long-lasting hydration. Use it to make your skin plump, soften ageing lines and alleviate inflammation.

3. Satiate and seal: Next, take a generous amount of the Hydrating Ceramide Moisturizer and apply it on your face. Don’t forget to cover your neck, ears, and décolletage are. 

4. SPF everyday: Once the moisturizer infuses completely, apply two fingers' worth of sunscreen. This formula block UV rays, preventing burns, tanning, pigmentation, and photoaging. For dry, we recommend Foxtale’s Dewy Sunscreen for dry skin. It contains D-Panthenol and Vitamin E that ensure multi-level moisturization for the skin.  

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2. How to repair the skin barrier for dry skin
3. Why ceramides are important for dry skin
 

We know that moisturizer is non-negotiable in skincare. This staple forms a protective barrier on the dermis, sealing in hydration and treatment for long periods. But that’s not all. A good dry moisturizer also softens ageing lines, soothes inflammation, and gives your skin an unparalleled glow.  

Now, if you weren’t aware – your skin has an even harder time retaining moisture during winter. Blame it on the dry, frigid winds, the lack of humidity, and the heated indoors that zap every water molecule from the skin. This dramatic TEWL or transepidermal water loss gives rise to a gamut of concerns like dehydration, dryness, flare-ups or lackluster skin.  

Luckily, there is a solution in sight a.k.a. layering moisturizer. To cite a borrowed analogy, it is layering multiple sweaters and jackets to protect yourself from winter’s wrath. More on the technique ahead

What Is Moisturizer Layering?  

True to its name, moisturizer layering is slathering several products to maximise hydration. This includes your essence, serums, other treatments, and two or more moisturizers. 

How To Go About Moisturizer Layering? 

A Godsend for folks with dry and dehydrated skin, you can go about moisturizing layering in the following way.

1. Start with cleansing: Use a pH-balancing, non-drying cleanser to remove dirt, grime, and other impurities from the skin. This little step also ensures better absorption of your hydrating serums and moisturizer – leading to better hydration.

2. Use an essence or a toner: If toners aren’t your thing, feel free to skip this step. However, if your skin is dry, we recommend applying a few drops of toner. This formulation removes makeup and residue from the skin while maintaining hydration.

3. Apply serum: Before you seal the layer with a moisturizer, use a Hyaluronic Acid Serum or Glycerine-infused serum to maximize hydration. For those unaware, these humectants bind moisture molecules to the skin for best results.

4. Apply a moisturizer: Next, opt for a lightweight, non-greasy moisture to seal the serum or treatment. Use a gel-based formula that doesn’t make your skin feel heavy or icky. 

5. Follow up with a heavier cream: Finally, slather a generous amount of cream and ointment. This formula, often replete with occlusives, forms a physical barrier on the dermis to prevent TEWL or transepidermal water loss.  

Things To Keep In Mind Before Layering Your Moisturizer   

While layering is a simple technique, here are a few things you should bear in mind 

1. The thumb rule of layering is to apply formulations or cream with thinner consistencies first. If you’re layering 2 or more moisturizers, the lightest one should be applied after your hydrating serum.

2. Be aware of the texture of textures created by all these products. At no point, these formulas should feel too icky or heavy on the skin.

What Are The Benefits Of Layering Moisturizer In Winter? 

Apart from doubling down on hydration, here are the benefits of layering moisturizer in winter -

1. Reverses skin damage: During winter, your skin is more prone to become dry, cracked or damaged. Layering moisturiser alleviates these problems by locking moisture into the skin.

2. Targets several concerns: If you’re grappling with more than one skin concern during winter, layering is the way to go. For example, use a serum only to focus on hydration, a gel-based moisturizer to soothe inflammation, and a heavy cream to prevent TEWL.

3. Mimics the skin’s natural barrier: The harsh weather conditions can impair your skin’s natural barrier or lipid barrier, leading to dramatic water loss. Layering moisturizer creates a physical barrier of sorts that keeps skin hydration intact. 

Best Facial Moisturizer For Layering In Winter  

Now that you’re well-versed in the layering techique, here are some potent moisturizers for your consideration -

1. Hydrating Moisturizer with Ceramides: Infused with Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, this cream ensures long-lasting hydration to the skin. It does away with dryness, flakiness and rough texture within 5 days from use. The star ingredient of the cream, Ceramides, puts a lock on hydration and makes your skin smooth while shielding it from environmental aggressors.

2. Oil-Free Moisturizer: This gel-based moisturizer has been formulated for folks with oily and acne-prone skin. It contains Niacinamide that blots excess sebum and prevents sebum for a balanced skin microbiome. Moreover, the gel is replete with Hyaluronic Acid and Marine Extracts for multi-level hydration of the skin.  

3. Skin Repair Cream: This cream uses ERS technology (Enhance-Repair-Seal) to nourish, heal, and hydrate the skin. It is the perfect product for people with dehydrated or damaged skin.  

4. Nourishing Moisturizer: Give your skin some TLC this winter with Foxtale’s Nourishing Moisturizer. Packed with Hyaluronic Acid, Kokum Butter, and Niacinamide, this cream keeps your skin hydrated for 24 hours at a stretch. It combats dryness, dullness, and patchy texture by boosting skin nourishment. 

Related Reads:
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2. How to take care of dry skin
3. Hydrating serum for dry skin