Best Skincare for Dry Skin

Dry skin is a common skincare concern that causes itchy, scaly, and cracked patches of skin that can affect anywhere on your body. It can be triggered by various external and internal factors like weather changes, genetics, hard water, and over-cleansing. Simply applying the thickest moisturizer won't always heal a compromised skin barrier - you need a targeted, medical-grade skincare routine. Here, we break down the best skincare for dry skin with an easy skincare routine with dermatologist-recommended skincare products to repair your skin barrier and bring back your glow.

Dry Skin vs. Dehydrated Skin: What’s the Difference? 

• Dry Skin is a skin type that is characterized by your skin lacking oil and sebum and includes symptoms like flaking, rough texture, and chronic tightness. Dry skin can appear dull, feel dry and uncomfortable. Dry skin can also be more susceptible to eczema and fine lines. 

• Dehydrated Skin is a temporary skin condition where your epidermis lacks water and is often caused by external factors (weather, harsh products, caffeine) with symptoms like dullness, fine lines, and feeling tight but still looking oily. 
  

Knowing the difference between dry skin and dehydrated skin is crucial because dry skin needs emollients and occlusives (oils and creams), while dehydrated skin needs humectants (like Hyaluronic Acid) to draw moisture back into your skin. 

The Best Skincare Routine for Dry Skin 

Step 1: A Gentle, Hydrating Cleanser
Find hydrating cleansers that can remove oil and dirt without destroying your skin barrier. Stay away from foaming cleansers and focus on creamy cleansers with ceramides or glycerin. The ZO Skin Hydrating Cleanser is a creamy, rich cleanser that effectively cleans and hydrates dry skin. 

Step 2: A Humectant-Rich Serum (Hyaluronic Acid)
Dry skin struggles with holding onto moisture which is why it is important to incorporate hyaluronic acid to your skin to draw moisture back to your epidermis. This SkinMedica HA5 Hydrator is a medical-grade hyaluronic acid serum that provides immediate and long-term hydration while reducing fine lines and smoothing skin texture.

Step 3: A Barrier-Repairing Moisturizer
When your skin barrier is damaged, moisture evaporates from your skin - otherwise known as transepidermal water loss, which is why you need a rich moisturizer for dry skin like the hmbl Rich Cream which is packed with ceramides and squalane to seal cracks in your skin barrier along with dimethicone to seal in moisture and panthenol to calm inflammation from dry, irritated skin. 

Step 4: A Hydrating Sunscreen (SPF)
Sunscreen is essential for everyone but UV rays can further damage your skin barrier exacerbating dryness, which is why its important to select a hydrating SPF. The EltaMD Daily Broad Spectrum SPF 40 Sunscreen is a hydrating sunscreen with hyaluronic acid to hydrate and protect your skin. 

Skincare Ingredients to Avoid if You Have Dry Skin 

• Harsh Astringents/Toners: Avoid toners with alcohol as this can dry out your skin. If you want to incorporate a toner into your skincare routine, look for an alcohol-free toner that balances your skin's pH levels like the ZO Skin Calming Toner. 

• Over-Exfoliating: Limit AHAs/BHAs and physical scrubs to 1-2 times a week.

• Strong Fragrances: Can cause irritation when the skin barrier is already compromised.

Dry skin can be tight and uncomfortable but with consistency and the right clinical ingredients and skincare routine, you can heal your dry skin.  Shop our curated collection of dermatologist-recommended skincare for dry skin now.

If you're still struggling with chronically dry skin or feel pain, book a free skincare consultation at Rejuvenation Dermatology in north Calgary for a personalized treatment plan or virtually with our skin specialist here.