Dealing with dry, dehydrated skin? Don’t despair. There’s a skincare routine for that! Maybe your skin feels tight, scaly, flaky, or combines all three. We’ve got you covered.
The following skincare routines and product recommendations for dry skin can leave your skin happy, hydrated, and glowing.
Beauty is personal; whether it’s a tried-and-true skin care regimen, how often you wash your hair, or the cosmetics you’re curious about.
That’s why we rely on a diverse group of writers, educators, and other experts to share their tips on everything from how product application varies to the best sheet mask for your individual needs.
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Dry Skin Causes
According to a small 2022 study, a consistent skin care regimen can lead to measurable changes in dry skin. Dry skin can be uncomfortable, usually marked by scaling, itching, and cracking. While dry skin commonly affects the hands, arms, and legs, it can affect any body part. According to Shawnda Dorantes, RN, BSN, and Beauty Lounge Medical Spa co-owner, there are several causes of dry skin. These include:
- environment
- hard water
- genetics
- excessive washing
- exposure to irritants
- medical conditions, like hypothyroidism or diabetes
According to medical aesthetician Olivia Sparks, these factors can be mostly classified into two categories.
“Dry skin causes can be classified as internal or external, and the easiest to address are the external factors,” Sparks says.
These include factors like:
- humidity
- bathing habits
- use of harsh soaps
According to Sparks, dry skin, flakiness, and cracked lips may be due to a vitamin B deficiency.
A deficiency in B vitamins “will also make you more sensitive to certain skin care products and sunlight,” she says.
Talk with your healthcare professional about taking a vitamin B complex supplement.
Best skincare routine for dry skin on the face
While the causes may differ, anyone can practice a skin routine for dry skin that will be to their benefit.
“As skin dries, it shrinks and causes cracks, which can get deep, painful, and even start to bleed. Cracks allow germs and bacteria to enter the body, potentially leading to a skin infection,” says Melanie Speed, RN, BSN, CAN, and owner of Flawless Aesthetics.
When it comes to a skincare routine for dry skin, keep the five steps listed below in mind:
- Cleanse with a hydrating cleanser that doesn’t disrupt the outer skin layer.
- Tone with an alcohol-free toner to restore skin pH.
- Target specific skin concerns with a serum.
- Moisturize with a nourishing, non-comedogenic moisturizer to lock in hydration.
- Protect from harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays to prevent sun damage.
Cleanse
Your first step is to choose a hydrating cleanser. You want a cleanser to remove dirt and oil without disrupting the outer skin layer.A good ingredient to look for is hyaluronic acid.
Tone
Many toners use alcohol as a main ingredient, which dries out the skin. Look for an alcohol-free toner with active ingredients that restore your skin’s pH levels.
Target
This step helps to target specific skin concerns. Focus on hydration with a pure hyaluronic acid serum, or opt for something meant to target skin concerns like wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, or acne.
Moisturize
A good moisturizer will lock in the benefits of a serum. Use a moisturizer daily that’s specifically designed for the face.
According to Sparks, “Facial moisturizer needs to be really nourishing and hydrating but avoid products that might clog your pores.” It’s a safe bet to look for “noncomedogenic” on the label.
Protect
Daily sunscreen use prevents harmful UV rays from damaging the skin.
Best skincare routine for dry skin with acne
Believe it or not, acne can happen even with dry skin. A few tips can help you clear up blemishes and hydrate at the same time:
- avoid heavy products like oil-based lotions, moisturizers, and sunscreens
- only cleanse the face once per day
- avoid exfoliating, which can dry out the skin
- go easy on drying ingredients like benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid
Remember that alcohol, dyes, and fragrances may irritate sensitive skin. It’s best to look for non-comedogenic products.
Best all-natural skincare routine for dry skin
There are plenty of natural remedies for dry skin, and some work great for the face.
- Coconut oil is an emollient that can be used on sensitive areas, like the under-eyes and around the mouth.
- Oatmeal is another soothing ingredient that can help relieve redness and itching.
- You can use it in a homemade face mask.
- Increasing your intake of omega-3s is another great way to address dryness. Try adding flaxseeds, salmon, and walnuts to your diet.
How to keep it cheap
With all the steps and products, it can be a bit daunting to figure out what products to use and how not to break the bank. Luckily, there are a lot of quality products for dry skin that are affordable.
You can easily find options at your local drugstore or online. Peruse ingredient lists and reviews from people with dry skin. Keep in mind that a higher price tag doesn’t always mean the product will work better for your skin.
Best skincare routine for dry skin on the body
A skincare routine for your body will be similar to your face routine. The main difference is the products you’ll use for each.
The first step is cleansing. Choose a product that includes hydrating ingredients like:
- cocoa butter
- olive oil
- aloe vera
- jojoba
- avocado
- glycerin
- lanolin
- hyaluronic acid
Then move on to moisture, ideally applying while the skin is still damp. Look for creams and ointments that include one or more of the following:
- jojoba oil
- glycerin
- hyaluronic acid
- shea butter
- ceramides
You may find that you benefit from an ointment or cream over a lotion because they contain more oil and less water.
Elbows and knees
Dry patches on the elbows and knees are fairly common. For the most part, you can moisturize them the same way as the rest of your body.
You may want to try an oilier ointment that takes longer for your skin to absorb than a cream.
In some cases, dry patches on the body may be due to a skin condition like eczema or psoriasis. If you suspect you may be experiencing a skin condition, it’s important to talk with your healthcare professional.
Skincare routine for men
Surprise! It’s the same.
A dry skin care routine for men is the same as for anyone else. While some men may have different preferences in scents and packaging, all skin needs the same kind of care.
What not to do
There are a few things to remember when you have dry skin that you may not have thought of.
Don’t overdo the caffeine.
“Try not to overdo the caffeine intake. Too much caffeine and insufficient water will dry you out in a heartbeat,” Sparks explains.
Go easy on the hot water.
Hot showers or baths can strip the skin of natural oils. This can cause irritation, dryness, and sometimes even damage to the skin.
Instead of a steamy shower or bath, keep it warm enough to soothe and relax without drying your skin.
Avoid harsh products
Some products may make dry skin worse, like:
- chemical peels
- harsh exfoliating products like retinoids
- glycolic acid
- benzoyl peroxide
- salicylic acid
- alcohol
- fragrance
- preservatives
Don’t skip the sunscreen
“Protect your skin from sunburn and skin damage, which will leave skin tight, dry, and looking aged,” Dorantes says.
Don’t under-moisturize
Lotion collectors, rejoice! You’d have to work really hard to overdo it on the moisturizer.
Kavita Mariwalla, FAAD and board certified dermatologist, says that moisturizing twice daily is ideal.
“Don’t apply moisturizer just once a day. Make sure you apply it twice, and one of those times should be on damp skin,” she says.
Dry skin safety
While dry skin is mostly harmless, there’s always a possibility that a condition like eczema or psoriasis could cause it. Talk with your doctor if you suspect an underlying skin condition.
Additionally, Mariwalla explains that a broken skin barrier can lead to infection. It’s important to protect your skin health to prevent this.
Speed recommends wearing gloves to protect your hands when working with chemicals or lots of water.
Conclusion
Having dry skin can be frustrating, but it doesn’t have to be. By following a simple skincare routine, you can keep your skin hydrated and healthy. The key is to use products designed for dry skin and apply them regularly.
