Whatever your skin type, a thorough cleansing regime is essential to help keep that healthy glow. But when it comes to dry skin, packing in hydration is even more important. There are certain things that are best avoided, and other steps that are a really good idea to add to your skincare regime. So, if you’re wondering what the best way is to cleanse dry skin, here are some tips to help!
Go Easy on the Temperature
First things first, it’s a good idea to turn down that temperature dial on your faucet. Very hot water will dry out your skin even more, so whether you’re soaking in the tub, taking a shower, or splashing your face, stick with warm (not hot) water.
Pick Your Products Wisely
Using products that add extra nourishment is key to keeping your skin soft and supple. When choosing products for cleaning dry skin, look for ingredients that are designed to hydrate and lock in moisture. You can find a lot of information in the ingredients list, so research what’s going into your beauty products to ensure you’ll make the best choice for your skin type. You might want to choose fragrance-free and alcohol-free products.
Think of your whole body cleansing regime too, not just your face. Whether you prefer bar soap or shower gel or body wash, opt for one that’s going to deeply moisturize your skin to leave it feeling silky smooth. Gentle cleansing agents will help to replenish natural nutrients without being too harsh.
Take it Step by Step
You might be tempted to skip some of the steps that are traditionally part of a thorough cleansing regimen, for fear of them drying out your skin even more. But as long as you choose the right products, you’ll find all of the steps will really benefit dry skin. As a minimum, go with the following classic three-step skin routine:
- Cleanse. You’ll find that a cleanser designed for dry skin will help to gently wash away the dirt of the day without stripping your skin of moisture. Remember to cleanse after a workout session too (or any time when you’ve worked up a sweat on your face), as well as in the morning and at bedtime.
- Tone. A toner will help lock in moisture, restore your skin’s pH level, and also tighten pores. This is the step that can sometimes feel too much for dry skin, so ensure you pick a toner that’s designed with dry skin in mind.
- Moisturize. A moisturizer not only deeply hydrates your skin; it also forms a barrier to help protect your skin from the external aggressors that it faces throughout the day, like harsh winds and pollutants in the air.
Enhance Your Routine
There are also additional steps you can add to enhance your routine and really treat your skin. First up, there’s exfoliation. This doesn’t need to be a daily occurrence, as that could irritate your skin, but it’s well worth gently exfoliating two to three times a week. Slot this step in right after you cleanse. It will help to buff away dry skin cells, enabling your skin to absorb more nutrients from your skincare products.
Then there’s serum. You apply this after the toner and before the moisturizer. You can think of serum as an ultra-powerful hit of moisture. It typically contains a high concentration of active ingredients, yet it has a lightweight formula, so you get extra nourishment, protection, and hydration without weighing down your skin.
The final addition comes right at the end of your routine, and that’s sunscreen. Sure, it’s easy to remember sunscreen on a hot, sunny day, but protecting your skin from the sun’s harmful rays is essential every day. It will not only help protect against sun damage, which in turn helps look after your dry skin, but also helps lessen the chance of wrinkles and hyperpigmentation.
Moisturize and Protect Throughout the Day
As well as your step-by-step routine in the morning and evening, you can also continue to look after dry skin throughout the day. Don’t be afraid to reapply hand cream every time after washing your hands, or slick on lip balm whenever you feel the need. This will help replenish moisture and protect those exposed areas. Wearing gloves in harsh weather conditions can help you look after any dry skin on your hands, too.
Be Gentle When Drying
It’s tempting to rub vigorously with your towel to dry off after a shower, bath, or face wash, but that friction can roughen up dry skin, and make the flaking and peeling even worse. Instead, gently blot your skin to help it dry. This will help protect your delicate skin and lock in more moisture.
It’s useful to have a little water left on your body or hands when you add your moisturizer, so your skin can soak up even more hydration. Your moisturizer will then be able to trap that existing moisture into your skin. So, apply your hand cream or body lotion as soon as possible after drying, and while your skin is still slightly damp. Be sure to rub it in gently but thoroughly, so that you don’t have any water left on the surface.
In addition to cleaning dry skin in a gentle, nourishing way, you can do a lot for your skin by getting a solid eight hours of sleep a night, and eating a healthy diet packed full of nutrient-rich fruit, vegetables, and whole foods. Put these tips into practice and enjoy smoother, softer skin!
