Did you know that dry skin can make you appear older than you really are?

Dry skin is usually a result of harsh weather conditions and/or hormonal changes, though the result tends to be temporary. As we age, dry skin tends to be more noticeable due to lower levels of oil and lipids in the skin. The support structure of the skin then breaks down, causing fine lines, wrinkles and dry patches. If your skin is already dry, it can make the signs of aging appear prematurely. It's important that you keep your skin hydrated from the inside to slow down the signs of aging on the outside.

So how do you know if your skin is classified as dry?

Look for the following signs:

1. Few visible pores and blackheads
2. Dull, rough, scaly complexion
3. Flaky or rough skin
4. Skin that feels tight, itchy, irritated or inflamed
5. Red patches
6. You don't experience an oily shine
7. More visible lines
8. Your skin appears less elastic

Dry skin can be aggravated by:

1. Your genes
2. Aging or hormonal changes
3. Weather such as wind, sun, or cold
4. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from tanning beds
5. Indoor heating
6. Long, hot baths and showers
7. Ingredients in soaps, cosmetics, or cleansers
8. Medications

In order to combat dry skin, use this simple 5 step daily routine:

Step 1: Remove Makeup

Always remove your makeup before bed with Pure Fiji Nourishing Exotic Oil. It's a great multi-tasker! It can be used many other ways in your beauty routine - add it to your bath or use it as a body moisturizer.

Key ingredient:

Cold pressed virgin coconut oil, macadamia, dilo and sikeci oil. What makes each of these oils different from one another is the combination and percentages of fatty acids, and it's these differences that determine how they will affect your skin. Oleic acid makes oils richer and heavier, so they are extra-occlusive and can seal in moisture really effectively for smooth supple skin. These oils are especially suitable for very dry skin, as they can deliver heavier moisture than even your most potent night cream.

Step 2: Cleanse skin

Cleanse skin with lukewarm water and a gentle cleanser, like Pure Fiji's sulphate-free Purifying Cleanser.

Key ingredients:

Passionflower - soothes and calms skin.

Hydrolyzed Soy Protein - An active principle created for tired and un-toned skin: it reduces irregularities and dryness and effectively fights wrinkles and face lines by oxygenating the skin. Increases cell absorption of oxygen and efficient use of oxygen. Increases cell respiration +142%, increases cell growth +58%.

Glycerin- Derived from vegetable oil, humectants, emulsifier and skin softener

Step 3: Use an eye cream

Use an eye cream designed to boost collagen production and elastin, like Pure Fiji's Anti-Wrinkle Eye crème, as this will help to prevent and/or reduce wrinkles around the eyes.

Key ingredient:

Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-3 - A powerful peptide molecule that helps reduce wrinkles by stimulating collagen production. Studies show that deep wrinkles were reduced by half. Smaller wrinkles and fine lines sometimes faded completely away. And what's even better, every participant in the study showed noticeable improvement within two weeks. The result was fewer wrinkles and younger-looking skin.

Step 4: Apply a serum

Morning: A serum, like Pure Fiji's Hydrating Multi-Active Serum should be used in the morning. Clinical studies show that 3 hours after application, a 21% reduction in wrinkles will occur.

Evening: A treatment, like Pure Fiji's Anti-Aging Booster Dilo Oil, should be used at night to maximize on its ability to regenerate skin cells and smooth fine lines. This oil soothes inflammation and skin irritation including eczema. Excellent for dry skin and helps to smooth out fine lines.

Directions: Use one or two pumps of your serum or treatment product and massage into clean skin.

Step 5: Moisturize

Applying your moisturizer last helps to lock in the active ingredients of your serum/treatment and helps these products do their job more effectively.

Morning: choose a lighter moisturizer such as Pure Fiji's Hydrating Multi-Active Day crème to protect, nourish and hydrate your skin throughout the day.

Key benefits include:

• Moisturizes the epidermis for 24 hours
• Wrinkle repair and prevention
• Improves collagen production
• Improves skin elasticity and tonicity
• Suits all skin types

Evening: choose a heavier moisturizer such as Pure Fiji's Hydrating Multi-Active Night crème that helps to nourish, repair, and restore moisture while you sleep.

Key ingredients:

Dilo Leaf hydrosol - Helps to regenerate skin cells, anti inflammatory, anti microbial, humectant, skin conditioning

Hydrolyzed soy protein - An active principle created for tired and un-toned skin: it reduces irregularities and dryness and effectively fights wrinkles and face lines by oxygenating the skin.

A good natural skincare routine is only one part of the fight against dry skin. What goes into your body is just as important. Staying hydrated and drinking plenty of water is vital to combat dry skin. The foods that you choose are also important as certain foods can help alleviate dry skin.

What to eat for dry skin:

1. Avocado: Loaded with heart healthy monounsaturated fatty acids, avocados are a nutritional powerhouse. They are rich in vitamins and antioxidants that can protect your skin from free radical damage.
   
2. Black sesame seeds: These tiny seeds are chock full of essential fats, oleic acid, amino acids, potassium and fiber - all of which are vital ingredients for beautiful skin.
   
3. Pumpkin seeds: This mighty seed is packed with zinc, vitamin E, sulphur and Omega-3 fatty acids which help to heal, nourish, restore and hydrate skin. Pumpkin seeds are best consumed raw as their healthy fats are destroyed when exposed to too much heat.
   
4. Omega-3 fatty acids: Beneficial to both your skin and body, foods rich in Omega-3's help your body respond to irritation and draw water to skin cells to plump up the skin to reduce wrinkles. Salmon, flaxseeds, tofu, shrimp, halibut and soybeans are all great choices for getting your Omega-3's.
   
5. Selenium: This mineral helps to preserve your skin's elastin which helps keep skin smooth and tighten the complexion. Foods rich in selenium include brazil nuts, canned tuna, turkey, low-fat cottage cheese and oysters.
   
6. Tomatoes: Lycopene, a key anti-oxidant found in tomatoes, helps prevent UVA and UVB damage, acting like a natural SPF. While it doesn't replace your daily sunscreen, eating two tomatoes will give your skin a sun protection factor of 5, which means you'll have 50 minutes before you burn (on average normal skin burning time is 10 minutes).
   
7. Vitamin C: This vitamin is essential to collagen production and helps improve the skin's ability to renew itself. Some vitamin C packed foods include dark leafy greens, broccoli, peppers, strawberries, oranges and papaya. Papaya is a dry skin super food as it's also packed with vitamin E, a nutrient that protects skin from free radical damage and is essential in fighting wrinkles.

A few simple changes to your daily skincare routine and your diet can make a huge difference in the overall appearance of your skin. By following the simple DIY natural skincare routine above you'll be able to combat your dry skin woes in no time at all!†