Dr Justine Kluk - Consultant Dermatologist London
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Dry Skin

Dry Skin icon

How can I tell whether my skin is dry?

If your skin in dry, it may feel taut, itchy and rough to the touch. Redness, cracking and flaking are also signs of dry skin and an impaired skin barrier.

What are the biggest causes of dry skin?

Cold weather, harsh soaps and detergents, long hot baths and showers, skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis and medical conditions like an underactive thyroid are the biggest causes of dry skin.

What are some of best skin care ingredients to look out for if I have dry skin?

Ingredients like glycerin, urea, lactic acid and hyaluronic acid are known as humectants and help attract water to your skin. Lanolin or petrolatum are known as occlusive ingredients which create a seal to reduce transepidermal water loss.

Also look out for other skin soothing and smoothing agents like ceramides to repair your skin barrier.

What tips do you have for tackling dry skin?

  1. Moisturise twice daily or more often if needed. Tailor the product to your needs. Mild dryness can be treated with a lotion. Richer creams or ointments may be necessary for the driest areas.
  2. Avoid marathon sessions in the bath or shower and keep water lukewarm. Shut the door to trap humidity in the bathroom whilst you wash. Pat your skin dry with a soft towel afterwards and apply moisturiser whilst still a little damp.
  3. Avoid soaps and shower gels with fragrance or foaming agents. An emollient soap substitute is best if you have very dry skin or eczema.
  4. Try to use a timer so that your central heating comes on for a couple of hours in the evening and switches off again until morning. If you absolutely have to leave the heating on overnight, turn the thermostat down and aim for a temperature around 20 degrees Celsius. This should keep you warm enough without aggravating your skin too much.

Are there any extra steps you’d recommend adding into my facial skincare routine to combat dryness?

Use a very mild gel or cream cleanser for washing the face morning and evening and then layer a hydrating serum under your moisturiser to boost hydration further.

Should I exfoliate dry skin?

Use of a soft exfoliating glove or mitt in the shower once or twice a week to massage in a body wash containing lactic acid can help reduce rough or bumpy skin on the body known as keratosis pilaris. I would avoid face or body scrubs on very dry skin as it is likely to increase irritation and discomfort.

Are there any products/ingredients I should avoid if I have dry skin?

Heavily fragranced and foaming skincare products tend to dry skin out further. Alpha hydroxy acids, such as glycolic acid, and vitamin A creams, such as retinol, are probably best avoided in dry skin until it has been fully addressed.

Would you like to better understand skin dryness and the different treatments and skincare products available to help?

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5 stars

Dr Justine is approachable, efficient and knowledgeable. She is by far the best dermatologist I have seen and has resolved issues others have been unable to. I would highly recommend her.

5 stars

I was very impressed with Justine’s knowledge and advice and am seeing improvements in a very short space of time. I feel very confident being under her care and will continue to see her on a regular basis .

5 stars

I have recently started seeing Dr Kluk and am highly impressed by her professionalism, wealth of knowledge and friendly, approachable nature. I would definitely recommend her to others.

5 stars

Thank you so much for your kindness and expertise. You’ve made a huge difference to my confidence and have made every appointment such a pleasure.

5 stars

Thank you for everything. For your kindness and repeatedly going above and beyond. The last few years have been really difficult, but you’ve been a major part of me not giving up hope. You’ve been very much appreciated.

5 stars

Wonderful service. Dr Justine helped me with my problem and identified immediately the treatment I needed. On top of everything, she gave great advice for other small things I mentioned. I truly recommend her, she is lovely and a great help.

5 stars

This is a doctor we all need! My skin never looked better.

5 stars

I had a very pleasant and informative skin consultation with Dr Kluk. She provided lots of practical advice and recommended affordable products for me to use. Highly recommend.

5 stars

Justine is very happy to answer all of your questions and concerns. She has given me a great skin routine tailored to my individual needs and I am very happy that I was recommended to her.

5 stars

Justine is a fantastic dermatologist. Besides being highly skilled and knowledgeable in her field, she’s very patient, kind and listens well.

5 stars

Justine was absolutely excellent. Wonderful bedside manner. Totally professional and in the know of so many different issues.
My treatment has already worked brilliantly and I would happily come back with any other problems. Thank you!!

5 stars

Justine is approachable, efficient and knowledgeable. She is by far the best Dermatologist I have seen and has resolved issues that others have been unable to.

5 stars

5 stars are NOT enough for the wonderful Dr Kluk. She is truly professional, honest in her opinion and she takes great pride in the happiness of her clients. The best dermatologist!

5 stars

Justine is absolutely wonderful, super helpful and the service was exceptionally quick. I’d highly recommend her!

5 stars

Justine was so reassuring and kind in her approach. She also clearly explained my treatment, so I feel really comfortable using the products. Fingers crossed it makes a difference – we’ll see in three months! Thanks Justine.

5 stars

Justine is friendly, approachable, and I have seen great results from her treatment. I would not hesitate to recommend her.

5 stars

Dr Kluk has been part of the biggest improvement that I’ve had in my skin journey so far. I’m so comfortable in my skin now and we’ve still got plans for improvement!

5 stars

I now see foundation as a choice, and not a “need” like I used to, and I feel so comfortable in my own skin. Dr Kluk is so kind, understanding and knowledgeable.

5 stars

The big difference with other clinics is that Dr Kluk went into great detail about how each cream should be used, in order to treat spots but avoid making my skin sore and inflamed. Couldn’t recommend more highly.

5 stars

I was very nervous about my first session and Dr Kluk was brilliant at picking that up and keeping me calm through the treatment. I would highly recommend seeing Dr Kluk.

5 stars

Dr Kluk is beyond amazing. I haven’t seen my skin like this for years and she’s helped me regain my self-confidence. I would highly, highly recommend this clinic!

5 stars

Dr. Kluk helped me with my peri-oral dermatitis. Her manner was kind, empathetic and pragmatic. My skin is now immeasurably better.

5 stars

Justine is a complete expert about skin. She is so professional and friendly at the same time and I always know I’m in good hands with her. My skin dramatically improved after seeing her, giving me more confidence.

5 stars

Justine is very professional and offers a personalised service to treat all skin conditions. I couldn’t recommend her enough. She’s the skin guru!

5 stars

I can’t recommend Dr Kluk enough. Her friendly, professional & warm manner instantly put me at ease. A sensible, steady approach has given me improvements beyond my expectations & continues to do so. I feel so lucky to have found her.

5 stars

Dr Kluk completely transformed my skin. I have never seen my skin so clear, and it has improved my confidence immensely. She is the only person now that I would ever trust to work on my skin.

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Dr. Justine Kluk

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