building a skincare routine for dry skin types | skincare 101

 

Now that you've learned about how to create a basic skincare routine with cleansers + moisturizers ideal for dry skin types, it's time to round out your routine with extra steps that'll nourish your dry skin and keep it healthy. And if you're not sure what skin type you have, check this post out first!

With so many different skincare products out there, it can be hard to figure out exactly which of those your skin needs. For dry skin types, we'll use the outline below to create your skincare routine tailored to dry skin.

1. EXFOLIATOR

Exfoliators are products that help remove dead skin cells from your face to create even tone and to allow new healthy skin cells to shine through. How should you use exfoliators on dry skin? Let's dive in.

Dry skin types can often experience flakiness due to lack of moisture and tightness because of sensitivity to harsh products that strip the skin. Some people may shy away from exfoliators because of this potential harshness, but dry skin types can benefit from exfoliators as they remove flakiness and may help provide moisture back to the skin if used correctly.

Here's how you should use exfoliators as a dry skin type:

WHAT TO LOOK FOR + AVOID:

• Avoid harsh mechanical-based exfoliators and look for exfoliators with smaller, finer scrubbing beads that won't irritate your skin further
• Look for gentle chemical-based exfoliators that have glycolic acid
• Just like with cleansers + moisturizers, avoid any products with alcohol and fragrances

WHEN TO EXFOLIATE:

• Exfoliate once a week; depending on how dry your skin is, you may exfoliate up to three times a week
• Exfoliate in the morning; this is because you want to get rid of any skin impurities and oils that your skin produces over night
• Exfoliate before you use your cleanser; although people may use their exfoliator at different parts of their skin care routine, dry skin types should exfoliate before to reduce possible irritation and prevent over-stripping of your skin's oils

2. CLEANSER

You should already know what to look for in a cleanser from this post. Now, all you need to figure out is when and how to use your cleanser!

HOW TO USE YOUR CLEANSER:

• Always read the instructions on your product; many people ignore these steps and simply apply the product, but it's better for your skin to read and figure out exactly how much to use and how long to massage onto your face
• For dry skin, use a circular motion to gently rub in the cleanser all over your face; this circular movement will help remove impurities and flakes

WHEN TO USE YOUR CLEANSER:

• You may use your cleanser once or twice a day depending on how dry you feel your skin is; those with drier skin should try cleansing once a day in the evening and simply use warm water to rinse during the morning

3. TONER

Toner is a water-based tonic that packs in tons of ingredients to brighten, even, moisturize, and more for your skin. Many people use toner to remove makeup ask well. There are many uses of toner, but for dry skin, we want to focus on a toner that provides extra moisture after your cleansing and before your moisturizer. 

WHAT TO LOOK FOR + AVOID

• Again, avoid fragrances, alcohols, and dyes so you won't irritate your skin
• Look for moisture-focused products that have ingredients like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, rosewater, etc
• If your skin is extra sensitive to cleanser, consider using micellar water in place of cleansing to remove impurities and makeup with a gentle water-based rinse

WHEN + HOW TO USE TONER:

• You may use your toner once or twice a day depending on how dry you feel your skin is; those with drier skin should use toner once a day in the evening to remove buildup that the skin has accumulated during the day
• Most people use cotton pads to swipe on toner, but fingers can work just as well, especially if you have sensitive, dry skin
• Another option is to buy a spray style toner that doesn't require physical contact to apply!

•  the evening and simply use warm water to rinse during the morning

4. MOISTURIZER

You should already know what to look for in a moisturizer from this post. Now, all you need to figure out is when and how to use your moisturizer!

HOW TO USE YOUR MOISTURIZER:

• Start with one pump (pea-sized amount) and use a circular motion to gently rub in the your moisturizer; if desired, repeat this process

WHEN TO USE YOUR MOISTURIZER:

• It's important to apply your moisturizer twice a day, right after cleansing or toning; this allows your skin to lock in moisture during the day and night
• Additionally, moisturizer can serve as a protective barrier for your skin against external factors, keeping it safe from more impurities

• Additionally, moisturizer can serve as a protective barrier for your skin against external factors, keeping it safe from more impurities

EXTRA NOTES

Especially for dry skin types, make sure you don't wait for more than a minute between these four steps. For example, with toner, wait around 30 seconds for your skin to absorb the product and then apply your moisturizer. Don't let your skin dry out between applying your products!

This complete guide to a dry skin type-oriented skincare routine is the first step to getting your dream skin! As you build and implement your new skincare routine, upcoming posts will provide extra tips + tricks to all the aspects of skincare and help perfect your new basic skincare routine. Learn about the basics, such as how to actually wash your face properly, and also how to further customize your skincare routine to your needs with posts on how to physically clear up and glow up your skin!

https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/skin-care-routine-for-dry-skin

https://www.independent.co.uk/extras/indybest/fashion-beauty/skincare/best-facial-exfoliators-a6040651.html