With the rainy season coming at us in full swing and the ‘ber months just a mere few weeks ahead, the change of weather could also take a toll on our skin!
Dry skin is usually caused by a damaged skin barrier. That exact barrier is basically your skin’s first defense against environmental stressors, so once it’s been compromised, the effects may include dry patches, irritation, and breakouts. When your skin is not producing enough oil, that could also make you age quicker and will eventually result in more pronounced appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Speaking from personal experience—I’ve had dry, dehydrated, and Sahara-like skin almost half my life—I’ve learned to find products with ingredients that target the aforementioned dry patches, roughness, and dullness. As I’m constantly battling dry skin, I’ve come up with a tried and tested skincare routine rife with products and ingredients that help me combat those dry skin woes. If you’re a skincare beginner with the same beauty concerns, try this on for size!
My 9-Step Skincare Routine for Dry Skin
Step 1. Cleanser
Opt for cleansers that are fragrance-free and contain natural ingredients. One of the effects of having dry skin is that you end up getting overly sensitive to most ingredients and even fragrances.
Step 2. Toner
Opt for a toner that provides deep hydration. A good toner preps the face, removes residue, and helps regain the pH balance of the skin, so it’s a totally necessary skincare step!
Step 3. Exfoliate
To get rid of those dry patches and to purify those pores, try to gently exfoliate once or twice a week! I suggest going for acids. The result: a revelation of clear, smooth, and young-looking skin.
Step 4. Essence
So what’s an essence? It’s basically a hybrid of toners and serums. Essences help with skin cell turnover, and a quicker skin cell turnover means having new and nourished skin!
Step 5. Serums or Facial Oil
If you have dry skin, that also means your skin doesn’t produce enough oil as compared to normal. So to help bring back that hydration, choose a serum that provides ample moisture and targets dryness. The notable serums to try should contain niacinamide, marula oil, and hyaluronic acid.
Niacinamide aids in having a balanced sebum production, minimizes pores, and prevents wrinkles and fine lines. Marula oil is high in antioxidants that keep skin nourished and soft. Lastly, hyaluronic acid helps retain water and hydration on the skin, making it plump and hydrated!
Step 6. Masks
Sleeping masks or sheet masks are a luxuriant twice-a-week extra step for your skin. 10 to 20 minutes of soaking up all that goodness makes a ton of difference! With a wide array of options to choose from, it’s impossible not to be tempted to pop on a mask or two on the daily, and if you’re the lazy type, do know that a sleeping mask usually doubles as a night moisturizer so you can wake up glowing and ultra hydrated. A notable ingredient to look for is honey, which not only hydrates your skin but also has antibacterial properties. It’s also extremely soothing and moisturizing, creating that much coveted glow.
Step 7. Moisturizer
If you have dry skin, then you need all the moisture that you can get.
Step 8. Eye Cream
Of course, don’t forget your eye area! Your eyes are the thinnest and most fragile skin on the entire face, and it’s the first to show signs of aging. Use an eye cream that contains avocado, which is rich in fatty acids and vitamin E to help nourish and moisturize your under-eye area.
Step 9. Sunscreen
It’s a skincare step most people tend to skip, but it’s one of the most essential! I remember seeing this viral photo of a man—with half of his face exposed to the sun for years—whose skin ended up all wrinkly and damaged. That’s exactly what sun damage does in the long run. What’s even scarier is how the light that comes from our tiny phone screens may cause damage, too! That said, make sure to always apply sunscreen and get enough protection daily. You can even try a tinted one that gives extra coverage.
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