Skincare is not ‘one size fits all.’ When the skin’s oil-producing glands do not produce sufficient natural oil (sebum), it leads to dry skin. It may also be a result of an existing skin condition called rosacea.
If you have dry skin, you are aware of all the challenges that come with it – flakiness, dry patches, dullness, and tight skin. However, the truth is that you need more than a moisturizer to care for dry skin. So, here is a skincare routine that you can follow to manage dry skin –
Cleanser
Cleanse your face with a gentle, non-foaming, fragrance-free cleanser. While cleansing, only use lukewarm or cool water. Avoid using hot water, as it might dry out your skin further. While looking for cleansers, select ingredients that are hydrating.
Avoid using ingredients that contain sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), glycolic acid, paraben, alcohol, dyes, additive, and triclosan (antibacterial), as they are drying ingredients. Instead look for a pH balancing cleanser that contains Shea butter, hyaluronic acid, glycerin, aloe vera, niacinamide, and oatmeal as they are hydrating.
Toner
A toner will tone your skin and remove any impurities left behind by the cleanser, giving you clean skin. Some toners are also known to manage the stress caused by sun damage and also hydrate the skin.
Ensure that the toner you select should not contain exfoliating acids and if they do use them at night. Invest in a toner that contains soothing and nourishing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, vitamin E, chamomile, aloe vera, rosewater, fruit extracts, essential oils, or green tea. You can apply toner using a clean cotton ball immediately after cleansing.
Antioxidant serum:
A serum filled with antioxidants can help manage signs of aging, prevent sun damage, repair skin, and brighten skin tone. A serum that contains vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, resveratrol, vitamin E, ferulic acid (works best when it is closest to the skin, preferably in the morning), retinol (vitamin A), and polyphenols.
Moisturizer and SPF:
Moisturizing is the most important step of a skincare routine for people with dry skin. Investing in the right moisturizer is crucial. Select a moisturizer that has a soft cream base. One of the most important moisturizing ingredients in a moisturizer for people with dry skin is glycerin as it works by gathering moisture from the environment and trapping it on the skin. It can also be used in combination with Shea butter as the benefits are doubled. Hyaluronic acid, propylene glycol, cocoa butter, octyl dodecanol, petrolatum, cetyl alcohol, and lanolin are other beneficial ingredients.
You can also use a moisturizer that provides SPF as it will help against sun damage. Sunscreen is also an essential part of the skincare routine. An SPF of 30 or more is recommended.
Weekly skincare routine
Along with your daily skin care for dry skin, you can also follow a weekly routine for healthy and nourished skin. Here are a few things that you can do to give your skin an extra glow –
Exfoliating Peels (at home):
Exfoliating peels are readily available and can be used easily at home. It is essential to pick a peel that caters to your skin issues. Ensure that you do not select any ingredient that could react with your skin and harm it. Do a patch test behind your ear before using any product.
At-home exfoliating peels can damage your skin if not used carefully. Hence it is important to use them only once a week, or once every two weeks.
Face oil:
Face oils are designed to provide intense moisture and seal hydration. Typically, they are a mixture of plant oils, which is useful for giving the skin a healthy and natural glow. Olive oil brightens skin, argan oil can clear out acne, and marula oil is antibacterial.
Face oil can be used once or twice a day or as required. However, consult a dermatologist before using a facial oil as it could cause irritation or inflammation in some cases.
Sticking to a dry skincare routine will provide benefits in the long run. When it comes to results of skincare, patience is a virtue. Be patient and regular with your regimen to see results.