Dryness

Dry skin happens when the skin doesn’t produce enough natural oils or loses too much water. Genetics, climate, harsh cleansers, and aging can all contribute. As we get older, skin naturally produces less oil, which makes dryness more common with age.

Other external triggers like cold weather, hot showers, and overuse of exfoliating products can also strip the barrier. Once the skin barrier is weakened, it struggles to retain hydration, leading to persistent flaking, redness, and discomfort.

Dry skin lacks oil, while dehydrated skin lacks water. If your skin feels rough, flaky, and tight all the time, it’s likely dry. If it feels tight, dull, or more sensitive but also oily in some areas, you may be dehydrated. Many people experience both at once.

The good news is that the treatments often overlap. Using hydrating humectants like hyaluronic acid helps with dehydration, while rich creams with ceramides and oils help restore true dryness. Pairing both ensures your skin is replenished on all levels.

For dryness, the best ingredients are those that hydrate, repair, and protect. Humectants like glycerin and hyaluronic acid bring in water, emollients like squalane and fatty acids soften and replenish lipids, and occlusives like shea butter or dimethicone lock everything in.

Ceramides are especially important for long-term results because they rebuild the skin barrier. Niacinamide can also help by strengthening the barrier while calming redness. The most effective routines use a combination of these ingredient types.

Exfoliation can help remove flaky buildup, allowing moisturizers to penetrate better. However, over-exfoliation is one of the biggest causes of dryness and barrier damage. For dry skin, gentle exfoliation once or twice a week is usually enough.

The safest options are lactic acid, mandelic acid, or enzyme-based exfoliants, which are milder and more hydrating compared to harsher acids. Always follow exfoliation with a nourishing cream to lock in hydration.

The ideal routine for dry skin focuses on hydration and barrier repair. Start with a gentle, creamy cleanser that doesn’t strip oils. Follow with a hydrating serum containing hyaluronic acid or glycerin, then apply a cream with ceramides and emollients. Finish with a broad-spectrum sunscreen in the morning.

At night, you can layer on a richer moisturizer or an overnight mask to lock in hydration. Keeping exfoliation minimal and avoiding harsh products will help maintain long-term comfort and radiance.