{"id":1814276,"date":"2026-03-08T12:00:00","date_gmt":"2026-03-08T09:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1814276"},"modified":"2026-03-08T12:00:00","modified_gmt":"2026-03-08T09:00:00","slug":"dry-skin-requires-a-top-notch-skincare-routine-heres-what-derms-say-to-include","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1814276","title":{"rendered":"Dry Skin Requires a Top-Notch Skincare Routine\u2014Here’s What Derms Say to Include"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Dry Skin Requires a Top-Notch Skincare Routine\u2014Here’s What Derms Say to Include<\/h1>\n
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By<\/span><\/p>\n
Eden Stuart<\/p>\n
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\nEden Stuart\n<\/div>\n
\nEden Stuart is an editor at Byrdie. She covers all beauty and wellness topics, with a special emphasis on makeup, skincare, and haircare.\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\nDr. Talakoub is a board-certified dermatologist with a special interest in medical and cosmetic dermatology.\u00a0She also serves as a columnist for Dermatology News and previously worked as a medical writer for ABC News\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
The Final Takeaway<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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@aishapotter \/ Instagram<\/p>\n
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Key Takeaways<\/p>\n
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The best skincare routine for dry skin combines humectants, emollients, and occlusives to boost both moisture levels and retention while protecting the skin barrier.<\/li>\n
Be smart about the order and timing of your routine to ensure the key ingredients can nourish your skin most effectively.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
If you’ve entered a dry or dehydrated skin cycle that you can’t seem to exit, you’ve come to the right place. Whether it’s exacerbated by dry climates and colder months or a year-round presence, dry skin can often feel like a tight, irritated mask sitting atop our dermis. But the right skincare routine can lift the mask and reveal the hydrated, glowing skin beneath. We asked three dermatologists to break down the perfect skincare routine for dry skin into easy-to-follow steps. Keep reading to get their advice on the best skincare routine for dry skin<\/strong>, from supercharged skincare ingredients to what to avoid.\n<\/p>\n
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Meet the Experts<\/p>\n
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Corey L. Hartman, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and the founder of Skin Wellness Dermatology in Birmingham, AL.<\/li>\n
Joshua Zeichner, MD, is an associate professor of dermatology and the director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City.<\/li>\n
Lian Mack, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and the founder of GlamDerm.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
What Is Dry Skin? <\/span><\/h2>\n
“Dry skin means that your face can’t protect itself as well as it should from the environment. When the skin is dry, it develops tiny cracks in the outer layer, interfering with its ability to maintain hydration properly,” says dermatologist Joshua Zeichner, MD. “Especially if you have dry skin, your morning prep is important to get your skin ready for the day.”\n<\/p>\n
Dry Skin Ingredients to Look For <\/span><\/h2>\n
“The best moisturizing cream for dry skin will have a combination of <\/strong>emollients, humectants, and occlusives<\/strong>,” <\/strong>says dermatologist Corey Hartman, MD. “Emollients are ingredients that are applied to the skin that add moisture to the skin barrier. Some common emollients are petrolatum, shea butter, and cocoa butter. Occlusives add moisture to the skin and add a physical barrier to prevent transepidermal water loss, locking in the hydration added. Common occlusives include beeswax, argan oil, jojoba oil, and mineral oil. Humectants work by attracting water from the air or deeper into the skin to add moisture to the skin barrier. Hyaluronic acid and glycerin are two of the most popular humectants.”\n<\/p>\n
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Morning Skincare Routine <\/span><\/h2>\n
Step One: Non-Foaming Cleanser <\/span><\/h3>\n
When it comes to washing your face, the type of cleanser you choose is key. “Preparing your skin to face the day when it has a tendency to be dry should involve using a gentle, non-foaming cleanser,” advises dermatologist Lian Mack, MD. Look for one specifically made with hydrating ingredients. “These products remove dirt and oil without disrupting the outer skin layer the way that some foaming cleansers do,” Zeichner says.\n<\/p>\n
Step Two: Vitamin C Serum <\/span><\/h3>\n
After cleansing, Mack suggests upping your moisture game even further with a vitamin C serum:\u00a0It has the power to help the skin retain moisture. “I recommend adding a vitamin C serum and layering hyaluronic acid on top for an extra surge of moisture,” she says. “Hyaluronic acid is a well-known humectant for the skin, pulling water to it and ultimately reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.”\n<\/p>\n
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Byrdie Tip<\/p>\n
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As an optional step, try adding a sheet mask to your morning routine in between your vitamin C serum and moisturizer once per week. Our editors are huge fans of the SK-II Pitera Facial Treatment Mask, which gives the skin an immediate glow.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
Step Three: Eye Cream <\/span><\/h3>\n
To provide extra nourishment for dryness and dark circles, consider a good eye cream. Dry skin types can often benefit from the use of this product both morning and night. You can either apply a bit in between your serum and moisturizer, or let it sit under reusable eye masks after cleansing if you have an extra 10-15 minutes.\n<\/p>\n
Step Four: Moisturizer <\/span><\/h3>\n
For some, a moisturizing SPF may be enough hydration for the day, but “if someone is really dry, consider applying a moisturizer prior to an SPF of 30 or higher,” Mack says. When it comes to moisturizer shopping, “look for light moisturizers that contain\u00a0ingredients that can soften rough cells, pull in hydration, and form a protective seal over the surface of the skin,” Zeichner advises. “Skin oil and skin hydration are two separate issues, and you can actually be way\u00a0oily in the summer but also lacking hydration.”<\/strong> Zeichner is a fan of Neutrogena’s Hydro Boost Water Gel: “This\u00a0is jam-packed with hyaluronic acid, which is like a sponge that pulls in water… to hydrate and\u00a0firm the skin,” he says.\n<\/p>\n
Step Five: SPF <\/span><\/h3>\n
Every skin type should be using SPF, and dry skin is no exception. “UV light and pollution cause free radical damage\u00a0that leads to premature aging,” Zeichner says. Those with dry skin should look for sunscreens that, of course, help the skin lock in moisture. “Rather than a straight sunscreen that you would use for the beach if you have dry skin, look for a moisturizer\/sunscreen combo,” Zeichner tells us.\n<\/p>\n
To make sure you’re getting proper coverage, look for an SPF of 30 or higher (makeup with SPF isn’t going to cut it), and make sure to reapply every two hours.\n<\/p>\n
Step Six: Lip Balm <\/span><\/h3>\n
With lips being one of the thinnest, most sensitive areas of our skin, they’re often the first area to become dry, cracked, or chapped. (There’s a reason that lip balms are such a staple in our routines.) If you’re dealing with dryness, we recommend opting for a gentle, deeply nourishing product and allowing it to set before applying any lipsticks or liners. Many lip balms and oils even come in a wide array of tints, so you can get nourishment and color in a single step.\n<\/p>\n
Evening Skincare Routine <\/span><\/h2>\n
Step One: Cleansing Balm <\/span><\/h3>\n
The first step in your evening routine should be a cleansing balm or micellar water to remove makeup and SPF from the daytime. Part of a double cleansing regimen, this will help you more thoroughly take the day off and can be as meditative as it is effective.\n<\/p>\n
Step Two: Hydrating Cleanser <\/span><\/h3>\n
After cleansing, apply hydrating serums and topicals that can help you further lock in moisture\u2014and avoid those that might undermine your efforts. “If someone is extremely dry, avoid the use of vitamin A derivatives like retinoids and retinol,\u00a0and reach for your hyaluronic acid serum,” Mack says. “Couple that with a hydrating moisturizer.”\n<\/p>\n
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Byrdie Tip<\/p>\n
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Don’t over-exfoliate. “If you see flaky skin, exfoliating may be your gut reaction, but instead, get your skin what it needs\u2014hydration,” Zeichner says. If you must exfoliate, use a light exfoliant, like Tatcha’s Rice Enzyme Powder.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
Step Three: Targeted Treatment <\/span><\/h3>\n
If you use an “active” ingredient such as retinol or a benzoyl peroxide spot treatment for breakouts, apply this as your first step after cleansing. Ideally, to avoid irritation, wait at least 20 minutes after cleansing and drying off before you apply your treatment. This will ensure that the skin is completely dry when you apply your active ingredients, which reduces dryness and irritation.\n<\/p>\n
Step Four: Hydrating Serum <\/span><\/h3>\n
While you don’t necessarily need<\/em> to, using a hydrating serum is recommended by dermatologists if your skin is chronically dry and dehydrated. After applying your retinol or other targeted active, apply a hydrating serum such as hyaluronic acid. And pro tip: While it’s ideal to apply your retinol to dry skin, hyaluronic acid is more effective when applied to damp<\/em> skin. So we recommend misting your face after you have applied your retinol and before you apply your HA serum. If that feels too complicated, you can skip this step entirely or just apply your HA serum to dry skin\u2014you’ll still reap some hydrating benefits.\n<\/p>\n
Step Five: Eye Cream <\/span><\/h3>\n
To keep your under-eyes hydrated, apply an eye cream again\u2014either the same one or a different, richer formula designed for nightly use. Top ingredients to look for include caffeine and vitamin C for puffiness and dark circles, retinoids for improved cell turnover and reduced fine lines, niacinamide for reduced damage and inflammation, and hyaluronic acid for baseline moisture. Eucerin’s Radiant Tone Eye Cream is a standout, multitasking option, as its formula comprises thiamidol, hyaluronic acid, and light-reflecting pigments to leave you with brighter, more hydrated under-eyes while reducing signs of aging and fatigue. Consistency is key, as using the product regularly can visibly minimize dark circles over time.\n<\/p>\n
Step Six: Moisturizer <\/span><\/h3>\n
If you have dry skin, you should never skip moisturizer in your AM or PM routine, but it’s particularly important to use it at night because that’s when your skin enters its rest and recovery phase.<\/strong> “For anyone with dry skin, I recommend using a heavier moisturizer cream versus a lotion,” Hartman says. “A thicker cream tends to have more occlusives, which are the most essential type of ingredient to look for if you have dry skin. A thicker cream will also last longer in the skin, whereas a lotion may dry out sooner.”\n<\/p>\n
Step Seven (Optional): Face Oil <\/span><\/h3>\n
Optionally, you can choose to add a face oil as the last step in your evening routine. (Skip this step if your skin type is dry and<\/em> acne-prone.) “Locking in your moisturizer with a face oil isn\u2019t always necessary, but can be a nice added step at the end of your skincare routine to ensure that your moisturizer stays in the skin where it is needed most,” Hartman says. “I only recommend locking in a facial oil if you\u2019ve previously used a moisturizer\u2014your skin needs the combination of a product that will add hydration. A facial oil is just going to help retain the water content within your skin.”\n<\/p>\n
Step Eight: Lip Balm or Mask <\/span><\/h3>\n
At night, consider tending to the dry skin on your lips by applying a more substantial lip mask (Ilia, Laneige, and Tatcha all have beloved versions, although your options are limitless these days). This way, you’ll maximize the nourishment you’re getting overnight and wake up with softer, smoother lips.\n<\/p>\n
Dry Skin Routine Tips <\/span><\/h2>\n
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Avoid Hot Water:<\/strong> While a steamy shower or hot bath may soothe the muscles, they can wreak havoc on dry skin. Contrary to the moisturizing benefits you might think you’re getting, hot water can actually strip the skin of its natural oils, further exacerbating dry or sensitized skin. Instead, wash with warm water and apply hydrating products while the skin is still damp. Save occlusive ingredients for last, as these won’t allow anything else to penetrate the skin barrier.<\/li>\n
Use Moisturizer While Your Skin Is Still Damp: <\/strong>Applying a moisturizer while your skin is still slightly damp will help lock in the water content, subsequently hydrating the skin more effectively.<\/li>\n
Add a Sheet Mask Once a Week: <\/strong>Using a hydrating sheet mask like the 111 Skin Cryo De-Puffing Mask once a week can do wonders for hydrating the skin.<\/li>\n
Be Careful With Retinol: <\/strong>Hartman recommends that those with dry skin start slow when it comes to retinol. “Use a retinol product 1-2 times a week for the first few weeks to give your skin time to adjust,” he says. “Make sure you use a moisturizing product in both your morning routine (when you are not using retinol) and at night, in conjunction with your retinol. The ‘retinol sandwich’ method may be good for boosting the skin\u2019s moisture level and limit some of the irritation that you might experience from retinol, but it will also lessen the effects of the retinol.” If you want to reap the full benefits of retinol without irritating your skin, Hartman recommends applying to completely dry skin (wait at least 20 minutes after washing your face).<\/li>\n
Avoid Products That Contain Alcohol: “<\/strong>Alcohol dries out the skin,” Hartman says. “I also don\u2019t recommend astringents like witch hazel in moisturizers either, as they can also be drying.”<\/li>\n
Consider Going Fragrance-Free:<\/strong> Fragrances and deodorant soaps can be drying, so making the effort to find products without these can help you build the skincare routine that finally makes a difference for your skin. Even “unscented” products can include irritating neutralizing chemicals, so look for the explicit term “fragrance-free.”<\/li>\n
Invest in a Humidifier:<\/strong> During the winter months or in drier climates, using a humidifier in your home can be beneficial to dry skin. Brands like Canopy and Dyson have developed esthetician-loved versions that help with skin, sleep, and overall wellness.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
The Final Takeaway <\/span><\/h2>\n
Just like a parched body, dry skin needs moisture to be nursed back to life. A skincare routine packed with humectants to absorb water, emollients to add moisture, and occlusives to lock it all in will provide your skin with the tall drink of water it deserves. Avoid stripping ingredients like alcohol and products like exfoliants that can be too harsh and further strip the skin of hydration\u2014even if you think it’s what those flaky patches need to be resuscitated. Most importantly, avoid washing your face with hot water: While this can calm your nervous system, it will only rob the skin of the natural oils that keep it healthy and glowing in the first place.\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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