How to Structure a Routine for Dry Skin

Humectants, and Oils, and Emulsions, Oh My!

The oily skin version of this post can be found here.

If you have dry skin, you probably also deal with issues like flakiness, dehydration, dullness, and premature wrinkles.

No biggie, ya girl has dry skin too!

With all of the downsides come upsides too - you don’t have to deal with the unkempt look that can come with oily skin, and you’ll be less prone to pimples.

I’ve broken this post up into two parts: a generic explanation and a complete, affordable protocol.

Morning:

Cleanser

• Rinse with water or use a gentle cleanser (ie. one without active ingredients)

• You’ll want to look for something hydrating or creamy

• Avoid words like “foaming” or “scrub”

Moisturizer:

• Look for a lotion or cream, not a gel

• Avoid marketing that randomly says “brightening” if there are no actual brightening ingredients in the formula (niacinamide, alpha arbutin, etc.)

Treatment:

• Either a hydrating serum or something to brighten your skin

SPF (if you’re open to it):

• Mineral, SPF 30+, broad spectrum

  • Consider opting for a tinted version if you have a darker skin tone)

• I prefer separate moisturizer and SPF as you’re likely not using enough moisturizer to get the intended SPF

  • Same goes for the ladies - the SPF in your foundation is not enough because you likely aren’t using the correct amount of product to get the intended SPF

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Night:

Cleanser

• A gentle cleanser or one with an active ingredient that targets a specific issue for you (like salicylic acid or BP)

Treatment

• Again, a hydrating serum, a brightening agent, or a retinoid

Moisturizer

• Same moisturizer as the morning out of convenience

Oil

• I mix this into my moisturizer as a good source of fatty acids that will replenish your skin and make you glow

Occlusive

• Apply Vaseline to lock in internal moisture and fats

• I do this especially around my eyes, nose, and lips

• Note: do not do this over a retinoid or a leave-on exfoliant unless you’re 100% sure you can tolerate it. I can’t!

Now, here’s exactly what I do (a full protocol with links):