How to Build a Skincare Routine for Dry Skin

Every skin type has its own challenges. Struggling with dull, tight, flaky skin isn’t an easy task. Dry skin is very uncomfortable as it leads to sensitivity, redness, and dull complexion if you don’t give it proper care or attention. Following a consistent Dry skin care routine is the best way to fix any issues and bring the radiant and healthy skin glow back.

If you need to find out what your skin type I have a detailed blog post on it, and with the help of these simple tests, you can find out what your skin type is simply at home. 

To help you find the best way to combat dryness, Hydration is the most effective step for dry skin care basics. As hydration is best for nourishing and protecting your skin, using the right products and home skincare routines will lock in the moisture all day long. 

If you aren’t sure and are struggling with a skin care routine, you can check our guide to different skin types to be certain. If you have skin that is actually shiny and prone to breakouts, you might find our guide on how to build a skin care routine for oily skin, which might be more helpful to you. 

Is My Skin Really Dry? 

Sebum is a natural oil that is produced by your skin to make it look naturally glowing. Dry skin is a type of skin that does not produce enough sebum. Without enough of this natural oil, your skin won’t hold onto water very well.

Because it loses moisture very easily, dry skin often feels bumpy and rough. It looks like you can say dull as well. And due to this, your skin won’t have enough healthy shine, and this dryness is not good enough because, due to this, your skin might start to seem cracked, flaky, or even peel off. 

Even if you don’t have dry skin normally, but you feel dry sometimes, it happens due to a change in the weather. Most of the people get dry skin during winter due to the cold and thin air. This also happens to some people who have oilskin and combination skin as well.

The main difference is that people with dry skin type feel dry all year long, but people who have oily skin and combination skin usually find that their skin bounces back and feels normal again once the weather gets humid and warm in summer 

What Is The Best Skin Care Routine for Dry Skin? 

When it comes to care about your dry skin, you have to pay attention to the products that you are using. Are they really good for your dry skin? There are some daily habits as well that will make your skin feel even drier. You need to avoid some of the things and create a healthy skin care routine to maintain your dry skin glow.

You need to stop washing your face too much, or taking hot showers, skipping moisturiser, using alcohol based products, forgetting sunscreens, and staying dry. Dry air can be harsh for your dry skin. Here I am sharing with you a simple dry skin care routine that you can follow and make it your habit to take good care of your skin:

Here is the morning skin care routine for dry skincare routine that you can follow:

1. Cleanser: It’s a good start. You need to start your day by washing off your face with a good cleanser that is non-stripping and hydrating. If you are using a harsh cleanser that will make your dry skin even more disrupted and kill the moisture barrier. You need to look for cleansers for dry skin that are rich in ceramides, glycerin, or oat extracts. These are very healthy for your dry skin and make the moisturizer look good on your skin. Also, you need to use lukewarm water while washing your face. Hot water will strip away the natural oil from your skin.
2. Toner/ serum: for dry skin, toners and serums that are rich in vitamins are very nourishing for your dry skin. After a cleanser, the next step is to apply the toners/ serums that are rich in Vitamin E, vitamin C, and antioxidant ferulic acid. These serums are highly concentrated and are best designed for your dry skin to nourish with nutrients instantly and quickly.
3.  Moisturizer is the key part of the healing process, especially for dry skin. A rich emollient moisturizerwill seal in by protecting and hydrating your skin from the environmental stressors. You need to look for the products that are rich in shea butter, squalane, or ceramides that will help in repairing your dry skin and the moisturizing barrier. 
4. Sunscreen: sun will cause further damage if you are exposed to the sun as your skin is already dry, and it will cause further damage highlight the fine lines, discolorating your skin, and will also cause dehydration. You need to apply the broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 daily, even in winter. You use the sunscreen with these ingredients, which are rich in glycerin or niacinamide, that will help you in avoiding further drying out. 

Here is the night skin care routine for dry skin that you can follow:

1. Remove makeup/cleanser: whether you have any makeup or not, you need to wash your face before going to bed. Make this habit as this will help your skin to get back its glow, and remove any dirt that is left on your skin from the day. As I have mention early that, you need to look for the cleansers that are rich in ceramides, glycerin, or oat extracts because they are healthy and will lock in the moisture and make you skin from drying out. Don’t use the harsh cleanser as they will remove the natural oil essential form you skin and use lukewarmwater as well. 
2. Apply toner/ serum: use the serums and toner that are rich in vitamins E, vitamin C, and Hyaluronic acid, and peptides are best as they will keep your skin hydrated.
3. Moisturizer: This is the most essential part of the dry skin routine, especially at night; it is the healing phase for your dry skin. You need to use a good moisturizer that has a thick formula of ceramides, oat lipids, and silicones. 
4. Slugging: Slugging is the best technique for dry skin. What is slugging? It means putting a thin layer of petroleum jelly over your face at night. Just follow your dry skin care routine, and at the end, apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly all over your face. While we sleep, we lose most of the heat and moisture from our skin, and doing this will seal and lock everything in. and its great technique for fixing dry skin, lips, eyelids, and flaky patches. 

Should I change my dry skin care routine during the seasons?

Yes, just like changing your clothes according to the season, your skin also needs a change in routine as it is not best suited for the season. Your environment, such as sun, wind, or indoor heat, will affect how your skin feels, and you need to adjust your skin care routine steps accordingly. 

What should I do in winter for my dry skin?

The air in winter is very dry, and indoor heaters will steal away the moisture from your skin. Here is what you need to do:

1. Use the thick products that will act as a blanket to your dry skin and will lockin the moisture.
2. Use humidifiers in your room that will keep the air from getting dry and will help your skin stay soft overnight.

What should I do in the summer for my dry skin?

In summer, as the air is humid, your skin won’t feel dry, but it will need water to stay hydrated, and for that:

1. You need to use light products, like gels and water-based moisturizers. That will not make your skin greasy and clog your pores. 
2. Use the products that are rich in hyaluronic acid, as they will add a lot of water to your dry skin without making your dry skin feel any heavier.
3. Never skip sunscreen. As your skin is already dry, going out in the sun will not only dry out your skin but will also make your skin age faster and remove the hydration from your skin. So use sunscreens that are rich in SPF 30. 

If your skin changes from dry to very greasy in summers you might have to look at your oily skin routine. If you aren’t sure, check out our Best Korean skincare guide to see what is best for your  mature skin and anti-aging

Let’s wrap it up for you!

Dry skin can be improved if you keep up the good skin care routine and stick to it. Remember that the “less is more” formula is best when it comes to the best dry skin care routine for dry skin. You just have to keep your focus on the high-quality products that are rich in the ingredients that are best for dry skin, and if you need the best results, then you need to stick to the routine to make your skin look fresh and healthier. We also write about acne causes and dark circles, you should check it now for enhanced your glow.

FAQ’s

How often should I exfoliate if I have dry skin? 

 It is best if you do it once a week. And always use the gentle exfoliators which are rich in lactic acid, as it will remove the dead skin without causing any irritation or redness, and making it dry.

Does dry skin cause wrinkles? 

Yes, fine lines will show up easily, as if you have dry skin. Using hydration tips and products that are rich in antioxidants will help your skin look younger.

Should I use face oil for my dry skin? 

Yes! Face oils are great for your dry skin as they will lock in moisture as well and protect your skin, especially when it’s cold outside.

How do I care for my dry skin in winter? 

You can switch to thick and rich creams and stop taking hot showers, and you need to use a humidifier in your home, as it will help your skin feel softer and keep it from drying out. 

Does my diet affect my dry skin? 

Yes. You need to eat healthy food like omega-3, and vitamins A and E. Make sure to drink a lot of water daily to hydrate your dry skin hydrated