A Just-the-Basics Routine to Follow If Your Skin Is Always Dry
Whether you fall under the “dry skin type” category or are simply anticipating a surge in the dullness, ashiness, roughness, and other seasonal symptoms that cooler temperatures tend to bring, there’s more significance to curating a moisture-driven routine than just relief. Proper hydration and moisturization ensures our skin barrier (whose job is to protect our body from the natural elements, like pollution and infection) stays strong and intact. It also makes skin feel soft and supple, and if you’re layering other products on top, like makeup, it provides a smooth canvas to build upon.
Unlike many other skin concerns, a parched complexion can be remedied fairly quickly. Follow along for a skincare routine that’ll help you tackle dryness.
Step 1: Oil-Based Cleanser and Hydrating Toner
Dry skin types, genetically, lack oil. Since a facial cleanser’s job is to thoroughly wash away any dirt, grime, and yes, oil, it sometimes inadvertently takes all the moisture along with it. Switching over to an oil-based cleanser, like a Cleansing Balm, can effectively decongest skin without stripping away moisture and leaving it feeling dry and tight.Those who are ultra dry may even opt to drop face wash altogether and use a cleansing toner (like our go-to Hydrating Milk) as one of your daily cleanses instead.
Step 2: Hyaluronic Serum
Good to know: Skin can be dry and dehydrated (yes, there’s a difference). Hyaluronic acid is one of those cult-favorite skincare ingredients that tackles both. It holds 1000x its weight in water and seeps deep into the layers of the skin to restore hydration levels and smooth out texture. Pat a few drops onto skin or mix into your favorite moisturizer to give it a hydrating boost.
Step 3: Ceramide-Filled Moisturizer
As a cherry on top, seal all those goodies in with a solid moisturizer. You’ll want to look for one that contains ceramides (AKA fatty acids) which help keep skin smooth. Ingredients like squalane, found in our Rich Moisture Cream also will get the job done—it helps replenish the skin’s naturally-occurring squalene levels, which, as part of the skin’s moisture, decreases as we age.
Don’t forget about the rest of your body, too! Look for almond oils, jojoba oil, or lactic acid when moisturizing lips, hands, and body. Spritz Keep It Supple anywhere below the chin: It’s a non-sticky, non-greasy body oil that keeps cracked elbows, ashy knees, and post-hand sanitizer dryness at bay.
Then, swipe on our Silk Slip Conditioning Lip Oil (we recommend one of the tinted varieties for a pop of color, even if it’s just over Zoom) to keep lips hydrated and smooth, no matter the wind chill.
If you’re really looking to up the moisture, popping on a plumping mask a few times a week can do wonders for any dry complexion. Our Look Alive face mask restores oil (through rosehip extract) and infuses hydration (hello, aloe leaf juice), to smooth dry and dehydrated complexions.
