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People with dry skin would vouch that it can be quite a task to manage such skin. Especially, in the tropical climate of India, your skin can demand constant moisture and hydration, failing which it can appear flaky, tight, and rough.
A dry skin regimen that adequately hydrates your skin, can improve your skin’s health and glow.
Here is a simple yet detailed blog on how to create an effective skincare routine for dry skin, along with the ingredients you must and mustn’t use.
But first, let’s understand what dry skin is.
What exactly is dry skin?
When your skin loses too much oil and water and is unable to retain moisture within itself, turning dehydrated and flaky, it is categorized as dry skin.
The most common causes of dry skin are environmental stressors, lack of hydration in the body and skin, genetics, harsh skincare products, and even hormonal changes.
How do you identify dry skin?
If you feel any of the mentioned symptoms in your skin after washing, regularly, you probably have dry skin.
- Flakiness
- Tightness
- Redness or irritation
- Rough texture
- Itching
While dry skin is a skin type, its symptoms can aggravate during colder weather, low humidity levels, or frequent exposure to hot showers.
Therefore, for dry skin, it's crucial to build a dedicated skincare routine and use nourishing products prevent any aggravation of the symptoms.
Best skincare ingredients for dry skin
The health of your skin boils down to what ingredients you choose and how you apply them. Here are some ingredients you can use for dry skin:
- Hyaluronic Acid: Known for boosting hydration, hyaluronic acid can hold 1,000 times its weight in water. It instantly provides deep hydration, making your skin plump, hydrated, and bouncy.
- Glycerin: A popular humectant that has been used for ages for moisturization, glycerine draws moisture into the skin, keeping it hydrated throughout the day.
- Ceramides: These are lipids that help form the skin's barrier and retain moisture. Ceramides are essential for repairing and protecting the skin’s outer layer as they help prevent water loss from the skin, and soothe and calm itchy skin and dryness.
- Squalane: This lightweight oil mimics your skin's natural oils and helps maintain moisture without being greasy.
- Shea Butter: Known for its intense moisturizing properties, shea butter is one of the most widely used ingredients for skin dryness. It helps deeply nourish, soothe, and soften the dryness in your skin.
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Niacinamide: A form of vitamin B3, niacinamide helps to boost skin hydration, reduce inflammation, and strengthen the skin's barrier.
Following a dedicated face care routine for dry skin enriched with these ingredients will help maintain your skin’s moisture levels and overall health.
Morning (AM) skincare routine for dry skin
An effective skincare regimen for dry skin will aid the retention of moisture in your skin, keeping it healthy and nourished throughout the day.
Morning skincare routine for dry skin
1. Cleanser:
Start your skincare regime with a gentle cleanser that thoroughly cleanses away impurities and dirt, without stripping the skin of its natural oils.
Look for a soap-free option devoid of harmful chemicals and artificial fragrances to prevent irritation and itchiness. Look for products rich in oatmeal, aloe vera, papaya, etc., for a hydrated cleanse.
1% Oat & Allantoin Deep Nourish Face Wash
Saffron & Papaya Glow Bright Face Wash with Vitamin B5
2. Toner:
If you feel tightness in your skin after cleansing, a hydrating toner with hyaluronic acid, rose water, or glycerin can significantly help add an extra layer of moisture.
A toner removes any dirt residue on your skin, tightens pores, and balances the pH level of your skin, allowing other skincare products to absorb better.
Pour a few drops into your cotton pad and swipe across your face. You can also spritz it on your face and let it air dry.
Bulgarian Valley Rose Water Toner
3% Niacinamide Face Toner with Rice Water
3. Serum:
Adopting a serum in your routine would give better and faster-desired results. For hydrating your skin deeply, you can opt for a hyaluronic acid or a niacinamide serum.
Alternatively, you can also opt for face serums that are active along with Hyaluronic acid serum, such as retinol, vitamin C, or alpha arbutin for glowing and tan-free skin.
4. Moisturizer:
The right moisturizer can significantly tackle the dryness in your skin. Choose a rich, nourishing moisturizer to lock in hydration like the E-Luminence Deep Moisturizing Creme.
Or you can opt for products with ceramides or squalane like Oat & 1% Ceramide Barrier Love Face Cream for added moisture retention.
However, ensure that your face cream is lightweight like the 2% Niacinamide & Rice Water Gel Cream, and does not feel heavy or sticky on your skin.
Dot it over your skin and massage it in circular motions, until it's completely absorbed.
5. Sunscreen:
Whatever your skin type, sunscreen is an indispensable step of any skincare regimen. It not only protects against sun damage but prevents signs of aging.
Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 generously on your face and neck, every day. Apply it at least 15 minutes before you step out and reapply every 2-3 hours.
Night (PM) skincare routine for dry skin
1. Double cleansing
Your skin repairs and heals itself at night. Therefore, It's crucial to wash off dirt, oil, impurities, sunscreen, and makeup before bed.
Double-cleanse your skin every night, with a micellar water, cleansing balm, or a cleansing oil. Massage it gently on your skin to emulsify the oil, dirt, and makeup. Rinse with water.
Follow up with a gentle, hydrating cleanser to remove any residue for a squeaky clean.
2. Toner:
A toner will help hydrate your skin, balance the skin’s pH level, and wipe off any residue left after cleansing.
3. Serum:
For your nighttime skincare routine, you can layer serums for brightening and hydration.
Opt for a niacinamide serum and layer it with a hyaluronic acid serum to deeply hydrate your skin, and keep it plump and soft. For anti-aging, you can replace niacinamide with retinol serum.
4. Moisturizer:
Your skin glows from within when it is adequately hydrated. for your night dry skin routine, deeply nourish your skin with a thicker moisturizer.
It will help repair your broken barrier and accelerate the renewal and rejuvenation process, leaving you with soft, plump, and bouncy skin.
5. Overnight Mask:
Additionally, an overnight mask once or twice a week will add a layer of hydration to your night skincare routine for dry skin.
A sleeping mask, night cream, or leave-in moisturizer provides intensive moisturization for your skin while repairing it overnight.
Skincare tips for dry skin
1 . While it is crucial to care for your face, do not ignore parts of your body. Without adequate care, people with dry skin often face challenges like cracked lips, dry patches, or scaly skin.
- Dry and scaly arms and legs: Look for nourishing ingredients while choosing body lotions. Shea butter, aloe vera, ceramides, cocoa butter, etc., can help deeply nourish your skin.
- Cracked lips: Use a hydrating lip balm during the day and apply a lip-sleeping mask at night.
- Dry patches: For rough patches, a cream with hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, ceramides, urea, or lactic acid can help soften the skin while providing moisture.
2 . Long steamy showers are tempting, but never good for the skin. Exposing your skin to running water can strip off natural oils from your skin, increasing dryness and dehydration. Opt for short showers, preferably with lukewarm water.
A consistent and thoughtful dry skin regimen can transform your skin and make it soft and smooth, whatever the season.
Look for hydrating ingredients in your AM & PM routine to wake up with hydrated, glowing skin, every day.
FAQ
What is a basic skincare routine for dry skin?
A basic routine includes cleansing, toning, moisturizing, and applying sunscreen in the morning, with an additional focus on heavy moisturization and repair at night. Opt for hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and vitamin E for your products, and consistently follow your routine for healthy, glowing skin.
How can I improve hydration in my skincare routine for dry skin?
Incorporate hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and ceramides, and use thicker moisturizers or oils in your night skincare routine for dry skin.
Are there any specific skincare ingredients to avoid for dry skin?
For your dry skin, avoid alcohol, harsh chemicals, and artificial fragrances in your products. However, do not exfoliate your skin more than once a week as it can further strip the skin of moisture.
What is the best way to layer products in a skincare routine for dry skin?
For any skincare routine, start with lighter, water-based products like serums and toners, followed by heavier creams or oils to lock in moisture.
Should I change my skincare routine in different seasons to accommodate dry skin?
Yes! The needs of your skin change in each weather. Even though you have dry skin, you might feel heavy with heavy creams in summer and humid climates. Therefore, opt for lightweight, nourishing creams in the summer and thick, richer products in winter.
