Three Products for Dehydrated Skin with Budget Alternatives

I'm sat here feeling pretty smug with myself, without too much effort or time I have managed to rebalance my skin. Yes I am still suffering in terms of blemishes and will do until my medication kicks in but the good news is that my skin is balanced. It is neither too oily nor dry or in the middle - dehydrated! Below is what I have been using with cheaper alternatives as I know especially at this time of the year we are all felling the pinch and don't have cash to burn!

Radical Hydrating Cleanser £30 via Feel Unique - link.
I would say this has been the biggest saving grace thus far and has been nothing short of wonderful for my once dried out skin. If you have dehydrated or dry skin you need to splurge on the Radical Hydrating Cleanser.When I first saw the tube design for the Radical Cleanser I assumed it would be a gel or balm like textured cleanser which I do favour, rather it is a light, silky fluid liquid that instantly soothes and calms the skin. I guess it could be best described as a cleansing milk? To use, you simply apply to dry skin, massage in and then rinse off using warm water - I personally use a facial cloth to ensure all traces of the cleanser. Unlike some cleansers this is exceptionally easy to remove, it doesn't require several rinses to ensure all traces are gone nor does it leave behind any residue. It doesn't foam either which is nothing but great news for dry and/or dehydrated skin. What is rather genius about Radical Hydrating Cleanser is that it not only cleanses but tones and hydrates the skin too! It is non-drying and non-irritating along with being packed with anti-ageing technology.If you are looking for a cleanser that is gentle yet effective this is the one as it cleanses, tone and hydrates in one quick step leaving the skin feeling plump, hydrated and well cleansed. Perfect if you want a minimal skin care routine or to replenish winter beaten skin. I guess when you think about it if you have a cleanser that is stripping the skin you are somewhat creating a problem before you have even really got into a cleansing routine? If your budget doesn't stretch to £30 I also recommend Una Brennan Superfacialist Vitamin C+ Skin Renew Cleansing Oil, a light silky oil that leaves the skin feeling soft and hydrated as well as cleansed from the first use. It is also a personal favourite of mine but one I favour when I have more time to give myself a "DIY" mini facial of sorts.

Clarins Blue Orchid Face Treatment Oil £28.15 via Escentual - link.
If you have dehydrated skin and purchase one thing from this post be it today or a month from now let it be this. This oil has been especially formulated for dehydrated skin to replenish without overwhelming or breaking the skin out. It is constructed from 100% pure plant extracts which includes Rosewood (antibacterial, soothing as well as promoting elasticity), Patchouli (Anti-inflammatory, strengthens and enlivens skin cells) as well as the addition of Blue Orchid to tone the skin in a firmness sense, revitalise and restore radiance to moisture-depleted skin. The ingredient line up also includes Hazelnut Oil to help prevent moisture loss and the formation of fine lines. A pretty impressive line up non? More importantly it actually works, this light oily pretty much restored my skin within a week ridding it of both excess oil and dryness as well as oddly making my pores seem less noticeable. I have no idea how or why this happened but hey I'm not complaining! Despite being an oil this does not feel heavy at all on the skin and as the skin type that should be using this treatment is lacking moisture it will absorb at lightening speed leaving behind no residue or tacky sensation. I utterly swear by this oil but if you are looking for something a little more affordable the other oil I fully recommend Bio Oil, no it doesn't fight blemishes but it does help scarring as well as being undeniably hydrating.

Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturising Lotion+  from £17.50 - link.
Moisturiser is the product I have struggled with most, having oily skin for most of the year means that the majority of my skin care stash is aimed a such skin concern and not quite hydrating enough to cure the problem. On the flip side products for dry skin tend to be too rich and overwhelming, resulting in my skin freaking out and producing a whole onslaught of blemishes. Lovely. One night on a whim I began using Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturising Lotion + and haven't looked back since. The light, lotion texture is quickly absorbed by my skin leaving it feeling plump, soft and deeply moisturised yet it is never too rich. It has been formulated to be gentle yet effective and in all honesty I have yet to find a moisturiser that works so well when my skin is dried out or dehydrated. I recommend it to all with dry skin of any type. Although I don't personally use it on my face a friend with dried out skin swears by E45 Cream, I do use it on my body and find it works wonderfully but have yet to pluck up the courage to slap it elsewhere. Am I alone in thinking that moisturisers specifically targeted at dehydrated skin are few and far between? At least that is my experience anyway!

Do you have fail safe products for dehydrated skin?