Dry skin is annoying. It’s tight, flaky, and seems to mock your every attempt at hydration. In fact, when you suffer from dry skin you probably feel like you’ve been walking in the Sahara Desert for the last several days.
If you have dry skin, you probably slap on lotion, and your skin says, “Nice try,” then drinks it up without showing any lasting results. Sound familiar? You’re not alone.
If your skin feels like a neglected houseplant begging for water, don’t panic. With the right routine (and a little humor to get you through it), you can transform your parched epidermis into a smooth, hydrated glow machine. In this article, we’ll share a simple step-by-step routine to overcome dry skin!
What Causes Dry Skin?
To learn how to overcome dry skin, you’ll need to learn what causes dry skin.
Dry skin can feel like a mystery—one minute, your face feels fine, and the next, it’s tight, flaky, and desperate for moisture. The truth is, a lot of things can cause dry skin, and sometimes it’s a combination of factors working against you.
Weather Woes
Cold, dry air in the winter is a classic culprit. It sucks the moisture right out of your skin, leaving it feeling rough and irritated. Summer isn’t always better, especially if you’re blasting the AC, which can be just as drying.
Hot Showers (We Know, They’re the Best)
We all love a steamy shower after a long day, but hot water can strip your skin of its natural oils. Those oils are like your skin’s protective barrier, and once they’re gone, dryness creeps in.
The Wrong Products
Sometimes it’s not you; it’s your skincare. Harsh cleansers and overly fragrant lotions can do more harm than good. Even products that seem fine might be messing with your skin’s natural balance if they’re too drying or filled with alcohol.
Aging
As we get older, our skin naturally produces less oil. It’s a totally normal part of life, but it does mean that dryness becomes more common over time.
Not Drinking Enough Water
Hydration starts from the inside out. If you’re not drinking enough water, your skin is one of the first places to show it.
Skin Conditions
For some people, dryness isn’t just a seasonal thing. Conditions like eczema or psoriasis can make your skin prone to chronic dryness, no matter how diligent you are with your routine.
The key to dealing with dry skin is figuring out what’s causing it in the first place. Once you know, it’s a lot easier to treat and prevent. And yes, sometimes that means swapping out the long, hot showers for something a little cooler (we know, it’s hard).
The BEST Dry Skincare Routine
Dealing with dry skin can feel like an uphill battle, but the good news is, the right routine can make all the difference. It’s not just about slapping on any old moisturizer—it’s about layering products in a way that locks in hydration and protects your skin’s natural barrier.
With a few simple steps and a little consistency, you can turn that tight, flaky skin into a soft, glowing complexion. Ready to give your skin the TLC it deserves? Continue reading to learn the steps to ensure the best dry skincare routine.
Step 1: Start with a Gentle Cleanser (Be Nice to Your Skin)
Think of your cleanser as the opening act of your skincare routine. You want it to set the tone—nothing too harsh or stripping. A gentle, hydrating cleanser is your best bet. Avoid foaming cleansers that leave your face feeling squeaky clean (a.k.a. stripped of every ounce of moisture)
Instead, look for a creamy cleanser that removes dirt and makeup while leaving your skin soft. Think of it as a bubble bath for your face—soothing, relaxing, and kind.
Check out one of our top gentle cleanser choices: CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser – Ideal for normal to dry skin.
Remember to always wash your face with lukewarm water, not hot. Hot water feels amazing, but it’s a moisture thief. Keep it warm, not steamy.
Step 2: Exfoliate—Gently! (A Little Goes a Long Way)
Dry skin loves to hoard dead skin cells like it’s prepping for winter. These little flakes can block your moisturizers from doing their job. That’s where exfoliation comes in. But don’t go scrubbing your face like you’re sanding a piece of furniture—gentle is the name of the game.
Use a mild chemical exfoliant once or twice a week. AHAs (like lactic acid) are great for dry skin. They break down those dead skin cells and leave your face feeling smooth and prepped for hydration.
Check out Paula’s Choice SKIN PERFECTING 2% BHA Liquid Salicylic Acid Exfoliant.
Step 3: Hydrating Toner or Essence (The Skin Prep MVP)
This is the underrated hero of your routine. A hydrating toner or essence adds an extra layer of moisture and helps your skin absorb the next steps better. Think of it like prepping a sponge before it soaks up water. Your skin needs a little dampness to make the most of those serums and creams.
Apply a few drops to your hands and pat it into your face. No cotton pads, no fuss—just hydration.
Check out I’m from Rice Toner, Milky Toner for Glowing Skin.
Step 4: Add a Hydrating Serum (Your Skin’s New Best Friend)
Serums are where the magic happens. For dry skin, you want a serum packed with humectants like hyaluronic acid or glycerin. These ingredients pull water into your skin, leaving it plump and happy.
Imagine giving your skin a big glass of water—hydrating serums are like that but better. Apply while your skin is still slightly damp from the toner or essence. This locks in even more moisture.
One of our favorites is COSRX Snail Mucin 96% Power Face Serum.
Quick Reminder When Shopping for Face Serum: Don’t let the words “acid” or “serum” scare you. They’re here to help, not hurt.
Step 5: Lock It In with a Moisturizer (Seal the Deal)
This is the step that makes or breaks your dry skin routine. A good moisturizer acts like a barrier, keeping all that hydration inside your skin instead of letting it evaporate into the cruel, dry air.
Look for a moisturizer with emollients (like squalane) and occlusives (like shea butter or ceramides). These ingredients smooth your skin and lock in moisture. Apply a generous amount and let it work its magic.
For an all day moisture boost – check out Eight Saints Daydreamer Soothing Anti Aging Face Moisturizer.
Daytime Bonus: Choose a moisturizer with SPF for daytime use. Hydration and sun protection in one step? Yes, please.
Step 6: Overnight Mask or Oil (Your Nighttime Secret Weapon)
At night, give your skin an extra boost with a hydrating overnight mask or a few drops of face oil. These products work while you sleep, so you wake up looking refreshed—even if you only got six hours of sleep (we’ve all been there).
Oils like rosehip or jojoba are great for dry skin. They mimic your skin’s natural oils and create a protective barrier, locking in moisture. If you’re worried about feeling greasy, start with just a drop or two and pat it in gently.
Why not try, Eight Saints Skin Care Up the Anti Night Cream Face Moisturizer for optimum moisture for your dry skin.
Step 7: Don’t Forget Your Lips and Hands (They’re Crying for Help Too)
Dry skin isn’t just a face issue. Your lips and hands take a beating too, especially in colder months. Keep a hydrating lip balm and a rich hand cream handy (pun intended). Apply liberally and often. Try La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Hand Cream for soft, smooth and hydrated hands.
At night, layer on a thick lip mask such as LANEIGE Lip Sleeping Mask. You’ll wake up with soft, kissable lips—and no more cracking.
Step 8: Stay Hydrated (Inside and Out)
Let’s be real: No skincare routine can fully compensate for dehydration. Drinking enough water throughout the day is essential. But hydration doesn’t stop there—invest in a humidifier for your bedroom, especially in winter. It’s a game-changer for dry skin – especially if you don’t live in a humid area.
Overcoming Dry Skin on Your Body
Dry skin doesn’t just stop at your face—it can leave your arms, legs, and everything in between feeling rough and itchy. The good news? Treating dry skin on your body is just as doable as your face, with the right products and daily skincare routine.
Start in the Shower
Use a gentle, hydrating body wash to cleanse without stripping your skin. Avoid super-hot water (we know, it’s hard) and opt for lukewarm instead to preserve your skin’s natural oils.
Try CeraVe Moisturizing Cream. Packed with ceramides and hyaluronic acid, this rich cream works wonders for restoring your skin’s natural barrier while providing long-lasting hydration.
Lock in Moisture Immediately
The best time to moisturize is right after your shower, while your skin is still slightly damp. This helps seal in the water your skin has absorbed.
A great choice is Eucerin Advanced Repair Lotion. With urea and natural moisturizing factors, this lotion deeply hydrates without feeling greasy, perfect for everyday use.
Focus on Rich, Nourishing Formulas
For super-dry areas like elbows and knees, a thicker moisturizer or body butter is your best friend.
The Body Shop Almond Milk Body Butter is ideal for very dry skin, this creamy body butter melts into your skin, leaving it soft and supple all day long.
Dry skin on your body doesn’t stand a chance with these tips and powerhouse products. Show your skin a little extra love, and you’ll be feeling smooth and hydrated in no time!
Troubleshooting Dry Skin: Common Mistakes
It’s true that when it comes to dry skin, sometimes we unknowingly make things worse. Skipping sunscreen is a big one—even in winter. Those sneaky UV rays don’t take a break, and they can sap moisture from your skin, leaving it even drier.
Over-exfoliating is another dry skin culprit; while it’s tempting to scrub away flakes, too much exfoliation can strip your skin of the little oils it has left.
And let’s not forget about your night routine—it’s your skin’s prime time for repair and recovery. Skipping it means missing out on the chance to give your skin the tools it needs to bounce back stronger.
A little extra care in these areas can make a world of difference!
- Skipping Sunscreen
Yes, even in winter. UV rays can dehydrate and damage your skin, making dryness worse. - Over-Exfoliating
More is not always better. Stick to once or twice a week and listen to your skin. - Neglecting Your Night Routine
Nighttime is when your skin repairs itself. Give it the tools it needs to succeed.
Overcome Dry Skin – You Got This!
Dry skin is like that friend who’s always hungry. You give it a snack (moisturizer), and five minutes later, it’s asking for more. It flakes, it tightens, and sometimes it straight-up betrays you. But with the right routine, you can keep it happy and hydrated—no betrayal required.
Please remember that skincare isn’t about vanity. It’s about feeling good in your skin—literally. With a little effort and consistency, even the driest skin can become smooth, glowing, and comfortable. Plus, there’s something undeniably satisfying about sticking to a routine and seeing real results.
So, here’s to less flaking, less tightness, and a lot more glow. Focus on the above skincare advice to overcome dryness.
