The Ultimate Skin Care Routine for Dry Skin
Ah, dry skin—if this is your skin type, then you may very well have a love-hate relationship (that’s mostly hate) with your complexion. After all, dry skin can sometimes feel uncomfortable and tight and look dull. That being said, there are skin care tips you can keep in mind and skin care products you can use to help keep your complexion hydrated and glow-y. Because yes, it takes more than just moisturizer to take care of dry skin. Below, 14 skin care rules those with dry skin should consider following. It’s time to upgrade your skin care routine and show your skin some major love!
DRY SKIN CARE RULE #1: WASH WITH LUKEWARM WATER
If you think hot water is your friend—think again. When you turn the temperature up too high and wash off in hot water, this can strip your skin of essential oils, which can cause it to feel drier. That’s why it’s prudent to make the switch to rinsing in lukewarm water. Do so when you’re cleansing your complexion as well as when you’re in the shower.
DRY SKIN CARE RULE #2: BE GENTLE WHEN YOU CLEANSE
When you have dry skin, it’s important to pick a facial cleanser that is formulated for your skin type—and to be gentle while you’re cleansing. Consider using a micellar water, a no-rinse cleansing option that is powered by tiny micelles—oil molecules—that act as a magnet to lift dirt, oil, and makeup up and away from the skin. Just saturate a cotton pad with the micellar water and lightly wipe the pad across your face. Easy does it! Since you don’t need to be near a sink to use micellar water, it makes a great travel companion. Pack it in your suitcase if you’re going on vacation or in your gym bag if you’re heading to a workout.
DRY SKIN CARE RULE #3: EXFOLIATE WEEKLY
Dead skin cells can build up on the surface of your skin, causing it to look dull. Exfoliation can help slough off the buildup. So, if you have dry skin, try adding an exfoliating face scrub to your skin care routine. Pay attention to how your skin responds to figure out how often you should exfoliate your dry skin. With continued use over time, skin looks smoother and glowing.
DRY SKIN CARE RULE #4: APPLY MOISTURIZER TO DAMP SKIN
When you’ve just hopped out of the shower or finished washing your face, don’t towel off. According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), the best time to apply moisturizer is after cleansing, when your skin is still damp.
DRY SKIN CARE RULE #5: MOISTURIZE MORNING AND NIGHT
Regardless of your skin type, you should moisturize morning and night—and that certainly holds true for dry skin. Both are formulated with hyaluronic acid and Aloe Vera water to help provide long-lasting hydration. Apply your moisturizer of choice after cleansing, smoothing it over your face and neck. Normal and dry skin faces external factors such as pollution and UV rays that can damage the skin’s moisture barrier, increasing loss of moisture and causing it to become drier. As a result, skin surfaces loses its glow, becoming dull-looking. This moisturizer envelops skin with moisture, helping it look more radiant and luminous. Extra dry skin has a very fragile moisture barrier that can be easily damaged by external factors like pollution and UV rays. Skin consequently loses its ability to retain moisture, becoming easily dehydrated, feeling tight and uncomfortable. This moisture envelops skin with moisture, providing comfort.
DRY SKIN CARE RULE #6: LAYER LOTIONS OVER OILS
Instead of choosing between moisturizer and facial oil, why not use both? Massage 4-5 drops of facial oil into your skin. Smooth it from your nose to ears, eyebrows to hairline, and neck to jawline. Follow up with your moisturizer of choice for a double dose of moisture.
DRY SKIN CARE RULE #7: COMMIT TO TAKING SUN PROTECTION MEASURES
OK, this rule isn’t exactly dry skin-specific, but it’s worth the reminder! You should take sun protection seriously, no matter what type of skin you have, you should wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher each day and you should reapply it at least every two hours (or immediately after swimming or sweating). This isn’t the only sun protection measure you should take. In addition to wearing broad-spectrum sunscreen, you should also limit your amount of time in the sun, seek shade whenever possible, and cover up exposed areas.
Of course, you can also choose to layer sunscreen over top of your regular moisturizer.
DRY SKIN CARE RULE #8: MAKE FACE MASKS PART OF YOUR ROUTINE
Using a face mask can be a totally relaxing experience—but that’s not all. If you have dry skin, listen up! Over time, harsh cleansing can be drying and sensitizing, leaving skin feeling uncomfortable. Apply an even layer to clean, dry skin, leave the face mask on for 10-15 minutes, then rinse it off with lukewarm water. Use twice a week for best results.
DRY SKIN CARE RULE #9: KEEP LIP CONDITIONER ON HAND
Your face isn’t the only area that can be dry—your lips can be, too. To help keep your lips hydrated, apply a lip conditioner whenever necessary. This can be particularly useful before applying lipstick, as you don’t want color to draw attention to any dryness.
DRY SKIN CARE RULE #10: USE MAKEUP FORMULATED FOR DRY SKIN
Dry skin types should look for makeup that has a radiant finish. Once you’re done applying makeup, help set your look with a setting spray. Avoid setting powders, which can settle into dry areas.
DRY SKIN CARE RULE #11: APPLY MAKEUP THE RIGHT WAY
It’s not just about what makeup products you choose to use when you have dry skin—it’s also about how you apply your makeup. Use the makeup blender to bounce and blend your foundation onto your face until you’ve reached your desired amount of coverage. The makeup blender can help provide smooth, even application.
DRY SKIN CARE RULE #12: FAKE YOUR WAY TO GLOWING-LOOKING SKIN
Dry skin can end up looking dull. To help fake the look of glowing skin, reach for the right makeup products. In this case, we’re talking about highlighter. Use a liquid highlighter to help create the appearance of radiance, dotting it above your cheekbones for believable-looking luminosity.
DRY SKIN CARE RULE #13: SPRITZ ON A FACIAL MIST TO HELP REFRESH YOUR FACE
Keeping a refreshing facial mist nearby is a good idea if you have dry skin. That way you can help refresh your complexion throughout the day. Look for a formula infused with hydrating ingredients and apply whenever you feel like your skin needs a refresher. It’s the ideal, instant pick-me-up for dry skin—whether you’re at home or on the go. Spraying on a facial mist can feel especially refreshing on a hot summer day.
DRY SKIN CARE RULE #14: ADD MOISTURE INTO THE AIR
Your environment—both outside and inside—may not be doing your complexion any favors. Whether it’s cold and dry or you’re spending a lot of time inside air-conditioned air, the lack of moisture could be making your skin feel even drier. To help counter that lack of moisture in the air, invest in a humidifier. According to the AAD, using a humidifier is a good option for those with dry skin, as it can help put moisture back into the air. Snag a portable humidifier for your desk at work and one to sit by your night stand to help maintain hydration overnight.