One of the questions I’m asked most in clinic is:

“Why does my skin still feel dry when I moisturise every day?”

It’s something I understand because I’ve asked myself exactly the same question.

For years I struggled with my own skin. Living with rosacea meant I was forever looking for the next cream that promised to fix it. I’d buy another moisturiser, use it for a few weeks and wonder why my skin still felt tight, looked dull and flared up so easily.

It wasn’t until I started learning more about skin that I realised I’d been treating the symptom, not the cause.

Sometimes your skin isn’t asking for more moisturiser at all.

Sometimes it’s asking for hydration.

Dry skin isn’t always dehydrated skin

People often think they’re the same thing, but they aren’t.

Dry skin doesn’t produce enough natural oil.

Dehydrated skin doesn’t have enough water.

You can even have oily skin that’s dehydrated. That’s why some people have shiny skin that still feels tight after washing it.

Your skin barrier does more than you think

I often explain the skin barrier to my clients as being like the roof on a house.

If the roof has holes in it, the rain gets in.

Your skin works in a similar way. When the barrier becomes damaged, water escapes much more easily. Your skin can feel tight, sting when you apply products and become much more sensitive.

Using strong acids too often, over-cleansing, stress, lack of sleep, cold weather and even some skincare products can all affect the skin barrier.

Adding another moisturiser won’t always solve the problem if your skin can’t hold onto the moisture in the first place.

Skin starts from within

This is something I feel really passionate about.

As I’ve continued my training in nutrition alongside advanced skin treatments, I’ve realised just how connected everything is.

When someone comes to see me, I’m not only interested in what they’re putting on their skin.

I want to know how they’re sleeping.

How stressed they are.

Whether they’re drinking enough water.

What they’re eating.

Whether they’re feeling exhausted all the time.

Sometimes there’s a bigger picture, and that’s why I always encourage clients to speak to their GP if something doesn’t seem right. Occasionally low vitamin levels or other health issues can play a part.

Choose products that support your skin

The right ingredients can make a huge difference.

I love ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, glycerin and vitamin B5 because they help draw water into the skin and support the skin barrier rather than simply sitting on the surface.

Consistency is far more important than having lots of products.

There isn’t a miracle cream

If there was one cream that fixed everyone’s skin, my job would be very easy.

The truth is, everyone’s skin is different.

What works beautifully for one person might not work for someone else.

That’s why I never rush to recommend treatments or products without first understanding the person sitting in front of me.

Why I work differently

One of the reasons I created Grace Skin Clinic & Spa was because I wanted people to feel heard.

I know what it’s like to look in the mirror and feel frustrated.

I know what it’s like to spend money on products that promise everything and deliver very little.

That’s why every consultation starts with a conversation.

We’ll look at your skin, but we’ll also look at your lifestyle, your health and the things that could be affecting your skin without you even realising.

Because healthy skin isn’t about chasing perfection.

It’s about understanding what your skin needs and giving it the chance to heal.

If you’ve been moisturising every day and your skin still feels dry, don’t assume you need another cream.

Your skin might simply be trying to tell you something else.

Sarah Hunt
Founder, Grace Skin Clinic & Spa