The Ultimate Dry Skin Routine

If you have dry skin, you recognize that uncomfortable feeling of a tight, flaky complexion all too well.

Dry skin means your face can’t protect itself as well as it should from the environment. When your complexion is dry, it develops teeny cracks in the outer layer, affecting its ability to maintain proper hydration.

If you have dry skin, choosing the right products is super important. But if you don’t know what to look out for or how to put together a dry skin routine, you can end up worsening your dry skin problems.

That’s where we come in to help. Here’s the ultimate dry skin routine for a well-hydrated, glowing complexion.

Choose a Non-Foaming Cleanser

If there’s one thing that hasn’t changed in our skincare routines over the years, it’s starting the day with a clean, fresh face.

For dry skin, choosing the right cleanser is key. Opt for a gentle, non-foaming cleanser with hydrating ingredients to add moisture to your skin. Non-foaming cleansers remove dirt and oil without adversely affecting the outer skin layer as some other foaming cleansers do.

The PCA Skin FacialWash is a gentle gel cleanser that removes makeup and impurities while leaving the skin supple and balanced. It works well for all skin types, too.

View & Shop: PCA Skin Facial Wash

Add a Dose of Extra Moisture

After cleansing, consider upping your moisture game even further.

Using a hyaluronic acid serum works wonders for thirsty complexions as it’s a well-known humectant for the skin. The ingredient draws water to the skin, helping to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

The ultra-replenishing Cosmedix Surge Hyaluronic Acid Booster helps to transform dehydrated skin with a rich blend of hyaluronic acid, glycerin, kiwi fruit water, and Irish moss.

Use this luxe serum morning and night to deliver long-lasting moisture to your skin. Your complexion will sure thank you for it.

Upon application, the hyaluronic acid works deep into the skin to visibly plump and treat fine lines and wrinkles so you can look forward to a healthier, radiant-looking complexion.

View & Shop: Cosmedix Surge Hyaluronic Acid Booster

Use a Daily Moisturizer

Hydrating the skin daily is crucial for a fresh, dewy appearance. For the best results, choose a daily moisturizer to protect you against moisture loss, pollution, and external aggressors, while delivering long-lasting hydration.

Don’t forget to extend coverage down to your neck when applying – a dry neck isn’t a good look, after all.

With dry skin, it’s important to focus on the delicate skin beneath the eyes. It’s usually one of the first places that show signs of aging. This area tends to show dark shadows and fine lines, so it’s best to give it a bit of extra TLC to nourish and firm it.

We love Revision’s D.E.J face cream that works particularly well to hydrate and renew aging skin. The formula is renowned for improving the face's overall appearance as early as four weeks by treating the visible signs of aging.

View & Shop: Revision D.E.J Face Cream

Apply Sunscreen

Today, most of us are well aware that sunscreen isn’t just to wear when you pop down to the beach or pool. Now, fortunately, most of us use sunscreen as part of our daily skincare routines.

Damage from UV rays can quickly dry out skin even further, leaving it tight, flaky, and crepe-like. Thankfully, sunscreen formulas have evolved to be less oily over the years. Remember when applying sunscreen left us looking super greasy and shiny?

Many sunscreens today are lightweight enough to use on the face without clogging the pores, so make sure you don’t leave it out of your skincare routine, even if it feels like a little extra hassle.

Always use a sunscreen that contains at least SPF 30 for sufficient coverage. Reapply at least every two hours to avoid the sun drying out your skin.

Neocutis Journée Revitalizing Day Cream SPF 30 works excellently as both a day cream and sunscreen, providing four benefits in one. The powerful formula delivers broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection, lasting hydration, antioxidant care, and skin revitalization.

Plus, unlike many other sunscreens, the product is fast-absorbing and non-greasy, blending beautifully into the skin, so you don’t have to worry about that unwanted sheen.

View & Shop: NeoCutis Journee Revitalizing Day Cream SPF 30

Boost with Overnight Care

While hydrating dry skin during the day is essential, you can also treat it overnight for even better results.

Remember, getting enough quality sleep is one of the best ways to improve the complexion as it helps it go through the skin renewal process. When you skimp on sleep, your face can quickly become dry, dull, and puffy. So, don’t skip on sleeping.

For an extra boost of hydration while you snooze, use a nourishing night cream.

The DermalogicaSound Sleep Cocoon cream is a fabulous option. The revitalized gel-cream formula transforms skin as you sleep, optimizing nighttime recovery.

The product contains tamarind seed extract, which contributes to softer, more hydrated skin. Meanwhile, encapsulated, motion-activated French lavender essential oil works all night to encourage a deep, restful sleep to allow your skin to repair.

Other skin-loving ingredients packed in the formula include Persian silk tree extract to reduce the signs of fatigue and wu-zhu-yu to make the skin more radiant and vibrant.

View & Shop: Dermalogica Sound Sleep Cocoon

Do you want more skincare advice? Here’s when you should visit a dermatologist .