It is time to start taking care of your dry skin, or even change the actual routine you have been doing?
Here I have a well-rounded routine with great products to help moisturize your skin, and keep it hydrated and protected! It is simple and takes only five steps!
But I don’t stop here. Keep reading till the end, because I searched the entire internet to find out what dermatologists are recommending;
So, Down below, you’ll have a list of their recommendations on the best skincare ingredients you should look for to treat your dry skin. Let’s get started!
1. Gentle Cleanser
We all know we need to start with a good cleanser. The problem relies in which cleanser should we use.
If you have dry skin, one good option is to use a non-foaming cleanser that is creamy, which is going to be more hydrating for your dry skin.
Product Recommendations
Tip: It is a great idea to get products that contain hydrating ingredients like aloe vera, glycerin, or ceramides, to protect and hydrate the skin at the same time.
2. Hydrating Toner
A good toner will complement your facial wash, restore moisture, and prepare your skin to receive the next products.
Product Recommendations
Tip: A good suggestion is to choose an alcohol-free toner, and look for a formulation that contains hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or rose water.
3. Moisturizing Serum
Serums are a must for dry skin, providing a concentrated dose of hydration. Look for a serum with hyaluronic acid, peptides, or other moisture-boosting ingredients.
Product Recommendations
- The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5This budget-friendly serum deeply hydrates the skin using hyaluronic acid and vitamin B5.“Lightweight but ultra-hydrating—perfect for layering.”
- Vichy Mineral 89 Hyaluronic Acid SerumA powerful hydrating serum with 89% volcanic water and hyaluronic acid to plump and strengthen the skin barrier.“Deeply hydrates and makes skin feel plump and refreshed.”
- CeraVe Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid SerumInfused with ceramides and hyaluronic acid to hydrate and restore the skin’s barrier.“Super moisturizing and absorbs quickly without being greasy.”
4. Rich Moisturizer
If you have dry skin, it is important to pick a thick and rich moisturizer that will lock in moisture providing hydration for longer. You can choose products that contain ceramides, shea butter, or oils like squalane to deeply nourish your skin.
Product Recommendations
Tip: Check out the list at the end of the article for more ingredient suggestions.
- CeraVe Moisturizing CreamA rich formula with ceramides and hyaluronic acid that helps restore and maintain the skin’s natural barrier.“Super hydrating without feeling greasy—great for dry, sensitive skin.”
- Weleda Skin Food Original Ultra-Rich CreamAn intensely nourishing cream with plant extracts and oils that deeply moisturizes dry skin.“Thick, rich, and perfect for severely dry or flaky skin.”
- Eucerin Advanced Repair CreamFormulated with ceramides and natural moisturizing factors, this cream helps repair very dry skin.“Excellent for keeping skin soft and smooth all day long.”
5. SPF 30+
Daily sun protection is a must, especially for dry skin, which can be more vulnerable to UV damage.
Product Recommendations
Tip: Choose a sunscreen that also hydrates to keep your skin moisturized throughout the day.
- EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46A lightweight, oil-free sunscreen with hyaluronic acid and niacinamide to protect and hydrate dry skin.“Feels silky on the skin and doesn’t cause breakouts—perfect for dry, sensitive skin.”
- Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Lotion SPF 30This sunscreen combines SPF protection with hydrating hyaluronic acid for lasting moisture.“Goes on smoothly and feels hydrating without leaving a white cast.”
- La Roche-Posay Anthelios Melt-in Milk Sunscreen SPF 60A hydrating, broad-spectrum sunscreen with a velvety texture, great for dry skin.“Rich and moisturizing without being greasy—ideal for daily use.”
Ingredients to Look for in Skincare Products for Dry Skin (Doctor-Approved)
When choosing skincare products for dry skin, look for ingredients that boost hydration, repair the skin barrier, and lock in moisture.
I searched online and put together a quick list based on what dermatologists recommend:
- Hyaluronic AcidHyaluronic acid is a powerful humectant that draws water into the skin, hydrating and plumping it.Dr. Debra Jaliman, a board-certified dermatologist, states:
“Hyaluronic acid is a key ingredient for dry skin as it holds up to 1,000 times its weight in water, keeping the skin hydrated throughout the day.” - CeramidesCeramides are lipids that help form the skin’s barrier and retain moisture.Dr. Whitney Bowe, a dermatologist, explains:
“Ceramides are essential for repairing the skin barrier, especially in people with dry, flaky skin.” - GlycerinA humectant that attracts water from the air into the skin, keeping it hydrated.Dr. Joshua Zeichner, a dermatologist, shares:
“Glycerin helps to maintain skin hydration by drawing moisture from the environment and locking it into the skin.” - SqualaneA plant-derived oil that mimics the skin’s natural oils, providing deep moisture without clogging pores.Dr. Dendy Engelman, a dermatologist, says:
“Squalane is great for dry skin because it’s lightweight, non-greasy, and highly moisturizing.” - Shea ButterA rich, nourishing fat that hydrates and softens the skin.Dr. Mona Gohara, a dermatologist, recommends it:
“Shea butter is excellent for treating dry, flaky skin due to its high-fat content and ability to lock in moisture.”
Final Thoughts
This 5-step routine will help you keep your dry skin hydrated, plump, and protected. Using products with high-quality, moisturizing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, glycerin, and SPF will lock in moisture and defend your skin from environmental damage.
