“Sometimes, with dry skin specifically, less is more,” explains Dr. Will Kirby, board certified dermatologist and LaserAway Chief Medical Officer. “Patients tend to over cleanse and strip their skin of its natural barrier protection though harsh washes, toners, wipes, and scrubs. So, when I hear that someone suffers from ‘dry skin’ I teach that they actually may be suffering from irritated skin and they should minimize the number of products they are using and only clean with a gentle, non-foaming wash and cool water.” Ready to banish that dry skin once and for all? Check out this step-by-step guide:
Five steps to get rid of dry skin
1. Cleanse
The first step is to make sure your skin is clean. “Whatever your skincare routine is for any type of skin, it must start with a blank slate, and that means clean skin,” Dr. Lucy Chen, Board Certified Miami Dermatologist of Riverchase Dermatology. “For dry skin, that means a cleanser that removes oil and dirt without disrupting the outer layer of the skin.” Try: Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Cleansing Gel “A key ingredient to look for in a cleanser is hyaluronic acid,” Dr. Chen states. “It moisturizes while helping to plump skin cells and gives the face a supple look.”
2. Tone
A common misconception is that toners make dry skin worse. “Many people think that if they have dry skin they don’t need a toner. This is a fallacy. They should not use a toner with alcohol as the main ingredient. There are many great toners on the market that are alcohol-free with active ingredients that restore that skin’s PH levels,” says Dr. Chen. Try: PCA Skin Hydrating Toner “This product is anti-oxidant rich and has primrose oil which is rich in omega-6 fatty acid,” Dr. Chen says.
3. Target
After cleansing and toning, the next step is to find the areas that need healing. “This is the time to give special attention to problem areas. Perhaps it’s broken capillaries, crow’s feet, or extra hydration needed underneath the eyes,” Dr. Chen states. Try: SkinCeuticals Hydrating B5 Gel “This gel can be used all over the face to moisturize and plump problem areas,” explains Dr. Chen. “It enhances the benefits of a daily moisturizer and is ideal for dry skin because it is alcohol-free.”
4. Moisturize
Now that your skin is prepped, you’re ready to hydrate and heal. “The benefits of a serum should not go to waste,” says Dr. Chen. “An effective moisturizer will seal those in. Dry skin is not immune from acne, so you want something that is hydrating, yet won’t clog pores.” Try: Neutrogena® Hydro Boost Water Gel with Hyaluronic Acid “This product is ideal for dry skin. It’s oil free, non-comedogenic, alcohol free, has hyaluronic acid, and has a smooth finish so that makeup can be easily applied and won’t ‘slide off,’” Dr. Chen explains.
5. Protect
Keeping your skin protected from the sun is essential to maintaining healthy skin. “Everyone needs sunscreen daily no matter what time of the year, climate, or skin type,” Dr. Chen states. Try: Coola Classic Face Organic Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30 “Those with dry skin need an SPF that provides a duo of hydration and protection. These typically come in the form of lotions or creams. This product is chock full of anti-oxidants like grape seed oil, plant-based moisturizers and aloe juice,” says Dr. Chen.
Additional tips for dealing with dry skin
Not convinced this routine will do the trick for your dry skin? Here are some additional tips to keep in mind.
Apply products thinnest to thickest
The order of application is just as crucial as choosing the right products. “For many people, a good rule of thumb is to apply products thinnest to thickest—for however many products that may be—as they move through their skin care routines,” says dermatologist Dr. Ailynne Marie Vergara-Wijangco, MD.
Make sure it’s realistic and can be easily incorporated in your daily routine
Some skin care routines are 10 or more steps, which can be effective, but may be an inconvenience for some people. The good news is you can improve your skin health by using minimal products and steps (just make sure they cover the areas listed above: Cleanse, tone, target, moisturize, and protect. “The most important thing is finding a skin care routine that works for you and that you’ll follow. Whether that involves the whole shebang or a simplified ritual, have fun experimenting,” Dr. Vergara-Wijangco explains. Next, read about the 9 face mask mistakes that are wrecking your skin.
Sources
Lucy Chen, board-certified Miami Dermatologist of Riverchase DermatologyDr. Will Kirby, board certified dermatologist and LaserAway Chief Medical OfficerDr. Ailynne Marie Vergara-Wijangco MD, Dermatologist
