Skincare Ritual for Dry Skin

Greetings, my Friends!

Little Background: I was speaking with a family member recently about her dry skin and she asked me for some advice. So, this post is for you. 😗

Dry Skincare Ritual: As you all know, I have oily skin, but many of the principles that I use to treat my skin will work on all skin-types. Mainly - always treat your skin as if you have sensitive skin and only be as aggressive as you need to be to achieve the results you're searching for.

People who suffer from dry skin should focus their ritual on hydration. People with dry skin suffer from early signs of aging, deep-set wrinkles, itchy, irritated, and/or tight skin,  and sometimes rashes. A lot of these conditions can be treated and in some cases reversed by hydration. But it's not just about using facial oils and moisturizers - it's about creating a ritual that cleans, preps, and hydrates your skin like a artist would prepare a canvass. No one ritual will work for everyone with dry skin, but the following steps and product recommendations are a good start for people suffering from dry skin. One more thing - I've tried all of the products recommended below (*unless noted); however - some of the products I didn't repurchase since they weren't best suited for oily skin.

#1. Pre-Cleanse: Oil-Based Cleanser: This step not only cleanses, but it also hydrates your skin. It's important that you clean your skin throughly, but gently - and an oil-based cleanser is perfect as your first step since it also hydrates your skin. The following is a list of some cleansers I've used through the years that are excellent oil-based cleansers.

Neutrogena Ultra Light Cleansing Oil - $9.99 for 4oz

DHC Deep Cleansing Oil - $28 for 6.7oz

One Love Organics Vitamin B Enzyme Cleansing
Oil & Makeup Remover - $42 for 4oz

SK-II Facial Treatment Cleansing 
Oil - $70 for 250ml

#2. Cleanse: Gentle Hydrating Cleanser or Milk: Now it's time to cleanse your skin, but make sure you don't strip you skin by using a harsh cleanser. I recommend finding a hydrating cleanser or cleansing milk so that you are hydrating while you cleanse. But be careful - a lot of these kinds of cleansers have artificial fragrances which can cause irritation. The following is a list of some cleansers I've used through the years that are excellent hydrating cleansers.

La Roche-Posay Laboratorie Dermatologique
Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser - $14 for 400ml

Jurlique Rose Moisture Plus Moisturizing
Cleanser - $28 for 80g

Dr. Hauschka Soothing Cleansing Milk - $39 for 4.9oz

#3. Toning Lotion: Toning may seem like a strange step for someone with dry skin, but this isn't your mother's toning step. This is a toning lotion - which is a step in Asian skincare rituals designed to be the final step in cleansing and preps your skin for all the subsequent steps that follow. I always recommend a toning lotion for people who are going to use essences since the two go hand-in-hand. The following is a list of some toning lotions I've used through the years and recommend.

Soon Jung pH 5.5 Relief Toner - $15.60 for 6.08oz

Son and Park Beauty Water - $30 for 11.49oz

Missha Time Revolution Clear Toner - $28 for 8.45oz

SK-II Facial Treatment Clear Lotion - $76 for 5.4oz

#4. Essence: Essences hydrate, smooth, and treat wrinkles - which is why this is such an important step for people with dry skin. It's also designed to prepare your skin for your next steps which is important if you are trying to increase your skin's moisture levels. The following is a list of some essences I've tried and some that I recommend based on other skincare guru's recommendations*.

Neogen Real Ferment Micro Essence - $38 for 5.07oz

Hanskin Hyaluron Skin Essence - $46 for 10.14oz*

Missha Time Revolution First Treatment Essence
Intensive Moist - $49 for 5.07oz

Cosrx Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence - $50 for 3.38oz*

SK-II Facial Treatment Essence - $179 for 5.4oz

#5. Eye Cream: I strongly recommend using an eye cream for all skin-types, but especially for people with dry skin. Dry skin lacks the necessary moisture to replenish your skin which often leads to early crows feet and in time - deep visible wrinkles. Simply hydrate your eyes in the morning and evening, and you will see your wrinkles reduced. The following is a list of some eye creams that I've used through the years and recommend for people with dry skin.

Missha Misa Geum Sul Vitalizing Eye Cream - $45 for 1.01oz

Elizabeth Arden Prevage Anti-Aging Eye Serum - $100 for .6oz

#6. Moisturizer: Everything I said about eye cream is also true for face and neck moisturizers. Use it day and night and make sure it's extra hydrating. You're lucky in that you can use almost any of the extra hydrating moisturizers without experiencing a shiny appearance - unlike those of us with oily skin. Revel in it! And if you can, try adding hydrating mists to your routine for midday pick-me-ups once you get your ritual set. The following is a list of some moisturizers I've used through the years and recommend.

Missha Super Aqua Cell Renew Snail Cream - $45 for 1.6oz

Clinique Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief - $52.50 for 2.5oz

Tatcha Gold Camellia Beauty Oil - $95 for 1oz

#7. SPF: Although this is the last step, it is the most important step of your ritual. You must apply sunscreen everyday! For someone with dry skin, you don't need anything else that will prematurely age your skin or dry your skin further. Protect your skin and you will see results. Make sure you're using at least SPF 30, although I prefer SPF 50 and PA+++ sunscreen most of all. The following is a list of some sunscreens that I've used through the years and recommend.

Missha Mild Essence Sun Milk SPF 50/PA+++ - $22 for 70ml

Neogen Day-Light Sun Protection Sunscreen
SPF 50/PA+++ - $30 for 1.69oz

Coola Classic Face SPF 30 - Cucumber - $32 for 1.7oz

Tatcha Silken Pore Perfecting Sunscreen Broad 

Spectrum SPF 35 PA+++ - $65 for 2oz

Final Thoughts: I know this seems overwhelming, but you don't have to start a whole new ritual all at once. Pick the steps you feel you need to add and make adjustments along the way. No one skincare ritual works for everyone and you need to listen to what your skin is telling you. I will say that if you're not currently using an SPF everyday - start there. The toning lotion and essence - should be considered a package deal as they work best together. So if you decide to use one - make sure you purchase the other.

Also - the cost of these products vary, but many of the pricier products come in travel sizes. I recommend buying a travel size version whenever you can to make sure it's what you're looking for and that it works for you.

That's it! If you'd like me to write up an addendum to this with treatments, masks, exfoliants, and mists recommendations - please let me know.

JessiPedia