Ever noticed your skin feeling particularly tight? It can often happen after using certain products on the skin, or just creep up on us throughout the day and is usually accompanied with an itchy, inflamed and overall uncomfortable sensation on the skins surface. Well, despite when it occurs, the chances are it signifies that the skin is excessively dry, otherwise known as Xerosis. The good news is that getting to grips with why the dry, itchy feeling occurs in the first place means it can just take a few adjustments to improve the overall health of the skin, restoring your skin’s day to day comfort.

Skin Tightness – What Is Actually Happening?

So, we know dryness can lead to a tight, uncomfortable feeling, but do we know what is actually happening beneath the surface? It could be many things, but most commonly it is that dehydrated skin cells are condensing, and therefore pulling tighter across the surface – in turn creating a tight feeling in the skin. Alternatively, the tight sensation can also occur when there is an increased number of dead skin cells, creating a layer on the surface of the skin which then causes it to dry out and create that tightness we so dislike! Which is why it’s no surprise that it is very often accompanied with other symptoms like redness, flaking skin and itchiness.

Why It Occurs 

Xerosis (very dry skin) occurs when the skin loses more moisture than it retains, the reason for this loss of moisture can be a combination of factors, or perhaps just one main driving issue, nonetheless they are very common and are likely something we all have experienced at some point. The first potential cause for skin tightness is changes in humidity. You may notice skin tightness happening more often in the colder months, this is because the loss of moisture and lack of humidity disrupts the skins moisture barrier, in some cases to the extent that the skin can even start to crack and peel. Ever felt that tight feeling immediately after cleansing your skin? This is because many of us unknowingly use overly harsh cleansers which end up stripping the skin of moisture and its very necessary natural oils. Another crucial cause behind skin tightness is age. As we grow older our sebum (the skins natural oil) production slows down, so our skin isn’t getting the lubrication it once was, leaving it much more exposed to damage from external stressors. The good news though, is that our skin is receptive to goodness, which means tweaking our skincare routine to include products designed to treat and prevent issues like dehydration and dryness as well as being tailored to compromised, sensitive skin can make a world of difference.

How To Treat It

Perhaps the most potentially damaging and often overlooked step in a skincare routine is the cleansing stage. Which is why avoiding specific kinds of cleansers is crucial. In particular, cleansers which contain lathering agents (usually within a foaming style of cleanser) are often the ones which leave our skin dehydrated, stripping away its natural oils. Equally, the surfactants, preservatives and alcohols found in a gel-to-foam style of cleanser are designed to strip the skin and leave us with what we think is a ‘clean’ feeling, when in reality it is the skins loss of moisture due to the very nature of the product. The tight feeling can also be addressed by opting for non-irritating formulas, which are better suited for those with sensitive skin. This is because for many of us that tight feeling can be the result of a build-up of exposure to sensitising ingredients, like fragrance, alcohols and essential oils. Opting for a formula free from all of the above will help to retain and replenish skin moisture balance. For those struggling with a dry/dehydrated/mature/dull skin type and enjoy spending a few extra moments on their cleansing step, a cleansing balm is just the thing for you. The Vemel Vitamin Boost Cleansing Balm is the perfect example. A cleanser gentle enough for sensitive skin, yet effective enough to rid the skin of dirt, grime, makeup and sunscreen. Not only does it rid the skin of the bad stuff, it also goes a step further to inject a little goodness too. From Shea Butter to Seabuckthorn and Carrot Extract, this pot of goodness both purifies and nourishes the skin, so there’s never any worry of tightness after you cleanse. Instead, the skin is left feeling nourished and healthy, ready for the next step.

For those looking for a quick first step to their routine and have an oily, combination skin type as well as dealing with acne, dull/dry/dehydrated and even reactive skin then a cleansing oil-to-milk formula fits the bill perfectly as there is no residue left behind. The Vemel No.1 Cleansing Oil ticks all the boxes, bursting with goodness from Camellia Seed Oil to Rosehip and Raspberry Extract, this cleanser leaves the skin smooth and fresh, with no rubbing, no stinging and no face cloth.

Choosing the next step in your routine carefully is another way to prevent that tight dryness – a deeply moisturising and antioxidant dense serum can help give the skin the boost of hydration it needs, particularly after a long day of changing climates and environment. But with the market overload of specifically targeted serums from hyaluronic acid to niacinamide, retinol and vitamin C, high concentrations of synthetic ingredients dermatologist warn that over layering of serums can be overwhelming and often sensitising to your skin. Dermatologist, Dr Robert Finney, explained that “while gentle, hydrating serums, like ones made with hyaluronic acid and antioxidant serums … are fine by the multiples, layering on a surplus of exfoliating acids and comedogenic products can lead to irritation, breakouts and clogged pores”. He goes on to explain that such serums are “going to strip your skin, your body is going to overproduce oil, and on top of that, you’ll still be dry and irritated”. So instead, why not opt for a plant based all-in-one alternative, which is suitable for all skin types and gentle yet powerful enough to address many skin concerns. The Vemel Active Radiance Serum does just that. It nourishes and hydrates even the most sensitive skin including oily and acne prone, to repair and renew your skin lipid barrier which in turn will retain water. This therefore reduces signs of fine lines, whilst also fighting pollution and reducing sensitivity and irritation as well as minimising the chance of breakouts.

Finally, complete your routine with a waterless moisturiser to seal in all the hydration and fight off tightness within the skin. Water-free face butters are richer in texture and take a little longer to absorb due to their undiluted, high concentrations of fatty acids, vitamins and anti-inflammatory skin soothing ingredients. Like Organic Apricot Oil; abundant with vitamins A & E which promotes healthy skin cell production, working deep within the skin’s layers. The Vemel Vitamin Rich Face Butter includes known hydrators as well as vitamin boosting ingredients from Apricot and Argan Oil to Mango Butter, which blend seamlessly to create an ultra-nourishing moisturiser, which unveils an overall healthier and brighter complexion, without the tightness.

So, whilst most of us have likely experienced that tight uncomfortable feeling in the skin, by implementing a few simple changes that feeling can be a thing of the past, and nourished, healthy skin is the here and now.