To ward off irritation, scaly patches and other issues, it is essential to have a good skincare routine for dry skin. While a proper routine is important for all skin types, dry skin often needs a little extra TLC. Although your skin needs added nourishment, you may not realise that layering on heavy products can end up causing more harm than good. A simple routine that works will do far more good than an overly complicated routine that doesn’t give your skin what it needs.
What is the best skincare routine for dry skin? And, more importantly, what can you do each day to moisturise, soothe and improve skin texture?
BEST SKINCARE ROUTINE FOR DRY SKIN
Building a skincare routine for dry skin means knowing what to do (and what not to do). Here are some tips to keep in mind to keep your skin looking and feeling good.
KEEP IT SIMPLE
The best routine is a simple routine - cleanser, toner (optional), serum and moisturiser.
Speaking to Byrdie, dermatologist Lian Mack, MD says that it is essential to choose the right cleanser. "Preparing your skin to face the day when it has a tendency to be dry should involve using a gentle, non-foaming cleanser.”
Healthline suggests cleansing once a day if you have dry acne-prone skin. If you do not have breakouts, cleanse twice daily and look for ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, which is a humectant that increases hydration. For toning, Healthline suggests alcohol-free toners with active ingredients that restore your skin’s pH levels. If your skin is very dry, you can skip toning altogether. It’s also best to skip exfoliating unless you’re using a chemical exfoliant that is safe to use on dry skin.
After cleansing, use a serum high in ingredients that improve hydration. These add an extra layer of protection against environmental damage, targeting inflammation and providing many other benefits.
Finish off with a moisturiser - in the daytime, one with a built-in sunscreen - in the night, one that adds moisture as you sleep. Style Craze recommends applying moisturiser while your skin is damp (see our article on wet skincare to see why this is so effective).
AVOID HEAVY PRODUCTS
According to Healthline, heavy creams and products are not ideal as these do not absorb into the skin. Skip the heavy oil-based lotions and moisturisers and instead go for products that are designed to penetrate into the skin’s outer layers.
Speaking to Byrdie, dermatologist Joshua Zeichner says, "look for light moisturizers that contain ingredients that can soften rough cells, pull in hydration, and form a protective seal over the surface of the skin. Skin oil and skin hydration are two separate issues, and you can actually be way oily in the summer but also lacking hydration.”
Lighter products will prevent products from sitting on top of your skin without absorbing. It will also prevent breakouts and clogged pores, which can cause even more issues such as inflammation, making your skin even drier.
Yearn Skin 3-STEP ROUTINE for dry skin: THAT GLOW THOUGH KIT
Our top product picks for those with dry skin include Active Brightening Facial Oil or Cream and Glow Turmeric Mask.
Sources:
https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/skin-care-routine-for-dry-skin
https://www.byrdie.com/dry-skincare-routine
https://www.stylecraze.com/articles/daily-routine-for-dry-skin/
