By Josh Sim, Aesthetic and Better Ageing Specialist
18/08/2023
The skincare routine for dry skin should focus on hydration.
For Morning
1. Cleansing
Invest in a mild cleanser that does not lather or foam. It is gentle on your skin and gets rid of dirt without stripping it of moisture.
2. Toning
Toners specifically designed for dry skin can keep it moisturised, nourished, and soothe redness. Look for hydrating toners containing green tea, hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, chamomile extract, and glycerin.
3. Serum
An antioxidant serum will help reinforce your skin’s defense. It also helps curb collagen breakdown. Look for ingredients like vitamins A, C, and E.
4. Moisturising
A moisturiser gives your skin the hydration it needs. Pick a moisturizer that has a thick consistency and contains hydrating ingredients, such as dimethicone, ceramides, and glycerin. Also, make sure that the formula is oil-free and non-comedogenic
.
5. Sunscreen
Pick a sunscreen that has a serum-like formula. The rule of sun protection remains the same – pick a formula with at least SPF 30 and PA+++ rating.
For Night
1. Cleansing
Use the same cleanser that you use in the morning.
2. Toning
Use a hydrating and soothing toner to prep your skin.
3. Serum
Use a serum containing peptides, ceramides, AHAs, and BHAs to nourish your skin and slough off the dead skin cells. If you are in your late 20s, you may try a retinol serum to prevent early signs of aging.
4. Eye Cream
Since dry skin is prone to aging and fine lines, using an eye cream can keep your skin looking youthful and healthy for a long time. An eye cream that contains peptides can help boost collagen activity, improving skin cell turnover.
5. Moisturising
Buy a good night cream with a high hydrating value. Moisturizers that contain evening primrose oil, sweet almond oil, jojoba oil, cranberry oil, phospholipids, borage oil, or rosehip seed oil are good options as they act as the natural lipids in your skin and reinforce its moisture barrier.
Additional Treatments
Dry skin tends to flake, which can lead to the build-up of dead skin cells. A mild exfoliator (PHA-based products) can help remove these dead skin cells and make your skin more receptive to the products you use. Josh Sim adds, “For dry skin, use a glycolic acid based exfoliant to remove the dead skin and stimulate cell renewal.” You can use face oil as an alternative to night cream if you have extremely dry skin. Leave the oil on overnight. You may also use a hydrating sheet mask occasionally.