What Is The Best Skin Care Routine For Dry Skin You Should Know

If you have dry skin, you are aware that the right skincare regimen can be the difference between an uncomfortable, radiant complexion and a flaky, perpetually tight-feeling face. What Is The Best Skin Care Routine For Dry Skin

According to physician Joshua Zeichner, “dry skin indicates that your face can’t defend itself from the environment as well as it should. When the skin is dry, it develops microscopic fissures in the outer layer, interfering with its capacity to maintain moisture adequately.”

Consequently, it’s crucial to choose the proper products if you have dry skin. Surprisingly, though, the ones you should pick can go against your inclinations. We consulted Zeichner and dermatologist Lian Mack, MD, for their professional advice on creating the ideal dry skincare regimen. See what they had by reading on.

MEET THE EXPERT

Joshua Zeichner, MD, is an associate professor of dermatology and the director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City.
Lian Mack, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and the founder of GlamDerm.

What Is The Best Skin Care Routine For Dry Skin You Should Know

Start the Day Off Right

Your morning routine is crucial to preparing your skin for the day, especially if you have dry skin, according to Zeichner. You’ll also notice a recurring theme among the derms’ advice for the morning routine: cosmetics that keep moisture in while blocking harmful UV radiation and free radicals.

“The goal of your morning routine is to protect the skin from the environment,” says Zeichner. Adds Mack: “During their morning routines, individuals with dry skin types should aim to hydrate and protect their skin.”

Choose a Non-Foaming Cleanser

Starting the day with a fresh face is one aspect of our skincare regimens that hasn’t changed much since we were kids. The type of cleanser you select is important while washing your face. A moderate, non-foaming cleanser should be used to get your skin ready for days when it has a tendency to be dry, advises Mack. Choose one that is especially formulated with moisturizing components. According to Zeichner, “These solutions eliminate debris and oil without damaging the outer skin layer as certain foaming cleansers do.”

Two of Zeichner’s favorites also happen to be from the drugstore: Cetaphil’s Gentle Skin Cleanser ($14) and CeraVe’s Hydrating Face Wash ($13).

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Pack an Extra Punch of Moisture
After cleansing, Mack suggests upping your moisture game even further. “I recommend adding a vitamin C serum and layering hyaluronic acid on top for an extra surge of moisture,” she says. “Hyaluronic acid is a well-known humectant for the skin, pulling water to it and ultimately reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.”

Her choice? Catrice’s Hydro Plumping Serum ($10), which contains 1.5 percent hyaluronic acid and “acts like a tall glass of water for dry skin.”

Choose a Light Moisturizer

While for some a moisturizing SPF is enough hydration for the day, “if someone is really dry, consider applying a moisturizer prior to an SPF of 30 or higher,” says Mack.

When looking for moisturizers, Zeichner advises consumers to “search for light moisturizers that have chemicals that help soften rough cells, draw in hydration, and build a protective seal over the surface of the skin.” “Skin oil and skin hydration are two different issues,” he says. “In the heat, you might actually be excessively greasy but also low in hydration.”

Zeichner is a fan of Neutrogena’s Hydro Boost Water Gel ($24). “This is jam-packed with hyaluronic acid, which is like a sponge that pulls in water… to hydrate and firm the skin,” he says.

And you aren’t limited to what you see in the facial moisturizer aisle. “You can even use some body moisturizers on your face if you already have them at home,” Zeichner advises, such as Vaseline’s Intensive Care Unscented Advanced Repair Lotion ($8), which “uses triple-purified petrolatum to protect the skin, but in a lotion that is so light that it won’t weigh the skin down.”

Mack recommends applying your skincare products immediately after the shower or bath (“to help lock in moisture”), sleeping with a humidifier, and drinking at least 64 fl. oz. of water per day.

Protect Yourself with SPF

Every skin type should be using SPF, and dry skin is no exception. “UV light and pollution cause free radical damage that leads to premature aging,” says Zeichner.

Those with dry skin should look for sunscreens that, of course, help the skin lock in moisture. “Rather than a straight sunscreen that you would use for the beach if you have dry skin, look for a moisturizer/sunscreen combo,” says Zeichner.

Look for an SPF of at least 30 (makeup with SPF won’t cut it) and reapply every two hours to ensure you are getting adequate coverage. Some of our favorites are Supergoop’s Glow Screen ($36), which contains hyaluronic acid along with niacinamide, a brightener, and vitamin B5, as well as Black Girl Sunscreen ($19), which is made with ingredients like avocado and jojoba (both of which have benefits for hydration).

End the Day With a Clean Slate (and Even More Moisture)

The first step in your evening routine should be the same as your morning routine, says Mack: a hydrating foaming cleanser.

Apply moisturizing serums and topicals that can help you further seal in moisture after cleansing, but stay away from any that might undo your work. Avoid using vitamin A derivatives like retinoids and retinol if someone is excessively dry instead using your hyaluronic acid serum, she advises. Mack prefers LaRoche Posay’s Toleraine Double Repair Face Moisturizer ($20) and says, “Couple that with a moisturizing moisturizer.”

Don’t over-exfoliate. “If you see flaky skin, exfoliating may be your gut reaction, but instead, get your skin what it needs—hydration,” says Zeichner. If you must exfoliate, use a light exfoliant, like Tatcha’s Rice Enzyme Powder ($65). What works for you will ultimately depend on the type of dryness you’re experiencing.

Make Use of Masks

Treat yourself—and your skin—to some relaxation. Masks are another tool in your arsenal for plump, glowing skin. Mack is a big fan of SkinCeuticals Biocellulose Restorative Masque ($120), which can be used bi-weekly as a replenishing treatment. “It helps to hydrate and soothe dry skin,” she says

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