If you have dry skin…
Dry Skin Care: Step by Step Guide
Prevent moisture loss, repair the skin barrier, and follow the basic steps for a radiant look.
1) Cleansing: Preserve the Skin’s Natural Oils
- Right product: Choose alcohol-free, gentle cleansers.
- Frequency: At most twice a day (morning/evening). In the morning, just water may be enough.
- Water temperature: Use lukewarm water; hot water increases dryness.
2) Toner: Prevent Irritation and Hydrate
- Use alcohol-free toners containing rose water, panthenol, aloe vera, hyaluronic acid, or ceramides.
- Avoid: Harsh, alcohol-based, and astringent toners.
3) Moisturizing: Dual-Step Hydration
Tip
Dry skin needs both hydration (water) and nourishment/protection (oil). Apply both together.
- Hydration (water-based): Use serums/essences with hyaluronic acid or glycerin to pull moisture into the skin.
- Nourish & protect (oil-based): Lock in hydration with richer creams containing ceramides, niacinamide, shea/jojoba oil, or vitamin E.
- Face oils: Apply a few drops of argan, black seed, or rosehip oil along with or on top of your moisturizer.
4) Exfoliation: Gently Remove Dead Skin
Dry skin often shows dead skin buildup. Lactic or mandelic acid chemical exfoliants are gentle options that reduce roughness and support hydration without irritation.
5) Sun Protection: Minimize Damage
- The sun worsens dryness and barrier damage.
- Preference: Barrier-friendly, mineral-based sunscreens with moisturizing properties.
6) Nutrition & Lifestyle
- Water: Drink plenty of water.
- Omega-3: Include foods like fish, walnuts, flaxseed.
- Humidity: Use a humidifier, especially in winter.
- Shower: Opt for lukewarm, short showers.
Avoid
- Harsh, sulfate-based (SLS/SLES) cleansers.
- Alcohol, parabens, and heavily fragranced products.
- Hot water and long baths.
- Direct air from AC/heaters or strong winds.
Dermatologist Note
If you experience severe dryness, flaking, redness, or itching, consult a dermatologist for possible conditions like eczema.
