Finding a routine that you can commit to and that will work for your skin has always been an incredibly hard task to accomplish, especially if you have dry skin.
More so if you have both dry and sensitive skin at once!
Many different methods exist, and some are much better than others.
But, then again, the most effective approach will always be the one that could give you the best results.
With that being said, it would be best if you get a hold of the best routine for dry skin so you could finally say goodbye to all your skin issues.
First, Know Your Exact Skin Type
Before you decide to take on a new routine for your dry skin, the first thing you need to do is to know your exact skin type. Below are some effective ways on how to be able to do that:
1. The Naked Face Method
For this method, you need to thoroughly clean and dry your face. Also, do not put any skincare products on it. Wait for 30 minutes before you make your assessment.
If you notice a glow on a larger face area, you have oily skin.
If you see only the nose peak and forehead shining, your skin type is normal. If nothing happens, wait another half hour, then smile or wrinkle. If you feel your skin tightening, you probably have dry and very susceptible skin.
2. Blotting Paper Method
Take a larger paper towel (they have the best absorbency), tear it into pieces, and put them on a clean face. Tap it on your nose, forehead, cheeks, and chin.
In the light, look at each paper individually, paying attention to how much oil they absorbed. If all the pieces are dry, you are very likely to have dry skin. If any paper is greasy (or all of them), you have normal or oily skin.
3. Visit A Skin Expert
A visit to the dermatologist or a skin expert is one of the most fail-safe ways to determine your exact skin type as they have both the knowledge and necessary equipment that could accurately evaluate your skin condition.
Best Skincare Routine For Dry Skin
1. Never Skip the Morning Cleanse
The cells of your epidermis renew overnight. By cleansing your face in the morning, you remove dirt, excess grease, and dead skin from it. People with dry skin should use aloe vera, glycerin, or hyaluronan-based cleansers. These ingredients have moisturizing properties.
You won’t see the desired effects in the first several days as your skin needs to adapt to the changes you applied. Once your face skin softens and relaxes, you’ll notice the results.
Skipping on your morning skincare routine will only slow down the process, which won’t help in moisturizing your skin properly.
2. Exfoliate Twice a Week
Twice every week or once every two or three weeks, treat your skin to some deep facial cleansing treatments such as peeling. Use face scrubs (chemical exfoliants) based on glycolic acid. These types of exfoliants soften and hydrate your skin, as well as remove dry flakes.
After peeling, your face will become sensitive since dry skin has a lack of natural oils, so if you are going out into the sun after using face scrubs, be sure to apply a high-factor sunscreen.
3. Don’t Skip Toners
To give your skin a smooth, healthy appearance, you need to use toners, even when you have dry skin. Toners have soothing effects and help reduce the dryness and irritability of the skin.
Make sure you get products that contain vitamin E, aloe vera, green tea extract, or moisturizers such as glycerin and the like.
Nowadays, toners have some incredibly valuable ingredients for the skin like alpha and beta hydroxy acids that will gently remove all the dead cells from your face, and green tea and rosewater that will calm the irritation and reduce skin redness.
4. Moisturize Your Skin Regularly
Using a serum that consists of various vitamins and acids is essential before going to sleep. Hyaluronic acid, fruit acid, Ferulic acid, Retinol, and Vitamin E are all essential elements that you need to apply to your skin in the evening.
All of them will help boost collagen production because they act as exfoliants.
After you’ve put on the serum, apply moisturizer as well. An excellent hydrating cream will soak into your skin swiftly. Therefore, you should find the best and most suitable hydrating cream for your type of skin.
5. Apply Anti-Aging Cream
You’ve probably heard of a saying “the night is young,” and it’s true. While fighting the damage in the morning, we are supposed to stop our skin from drying out and aging in the evenings.
Applying anti-aging oils , chemical skin peels and creams will help you win this fight as their ingredients will repair your skin.
Keep in mind that dry skin is often flaky and tight, thereby making it more susceptible to wrinkles and fine lines. Anti-aging products can help keep this at bay.
Additional Skincare Tips For Dry Skin
If you skipped on your daily routine, don’t despair. There are a few ways to make amends:
Use Sheet Masks - A sheet mask is a fantastic choice to help you quickly fix dry skin because it is drenched with a serum, which will revive your skin in about 10 minutes.
Avoid Makeup Wipes - Yes, they’ll help you remove your makeup, but these wipes are usually soaked in alcohol and various chemicals. They’ll do you more harm than good. Stop using makeup wipes and instead use safer alternatives, like an oil-based cleanser or micellar water.
Drink Water - Dehydration is your skin’s number one enemy. Hydrating your body is a crucial element for having light, smooth, and elastic skin.
You’ll Shine Before You Know It
If you already have a routine that you’re committed to, maybe it's an excellent time to reconsider if you’re doing it correctly. Some of the mentioned tips and tricks above may change the way you perform your daily routine for the better.
In case you’re still having issues with your dry skin, you should consult your dermatologist for more suggestions and medical advice.