As a result, when you have dry skin, picking the proper cosmetics is crucial. Surprisingly, the ones you should choose may be at odds with your natural instincts. We contacted Zeichner and dermatologist Lian Mack, MD for their advice on how to create the perfect dry skin care routine. Continue reading to find out what they had to say. Dry Skin Routine You Should Try.
The Ultimate Dermatologist-Recommended Dry Skin Routine You Should Try
Make a Good First Impression
“Your morning prep is vital to get your skin ready for the day, especially if you have dry skin,” Zeichner explains. When it comes to the morning ritual, the derms’ recommendations all have one thing in common: creams that keep moisture in while keeping harmful UV rays and free radicals out.
“The purpose of your morning ritual is to protect your skin from the elements,” Zeichner explains. “Those with dry skin types should seek to moisturize and preserve their skin during their morning routines,” Mack says.
Select a Cleanser That Doesn’t Foam
CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser is a hydrating facial cleanser from CeraVe.
CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser is a hydrating facial cleanser from CeraVe. $13\sSHOP
If there’s one thing our skincare habits haven’t altered since we were kids, it’s the importance of starting the day with a clean slate. When it comes to cleansing your face, the cleanser you use is quite important. “Using a gentle, non-foaming cleanser to prepare your skin for the day when it has a tendency to be dry is recommended,” Mack adds. Look for one that has moisturizing components in it. “Unlike certain foamy cleansers, these products eliminate debris and oil without damaging the surface skin layer,” Zeichner says.
Cetaphil’s Gentle Skin Cleanser ($14) and CeraVe’s Hydrating Face Wash ($13) are two of Zeichner’s favorites from the pharmacy.
Add More Moisture to the Mix
Catrice Hydro Plumping
Mack recommends boosting your moisture levels even more after cleansing. “I advocate applying hyaluronic acid on top of a vitamin C serum for an added boost of moisture,” she advises. “Hyaluronic acid is a well-known humectant for the skin, drawing water to it and minimizing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles in the process.”
Her decision? Catrice’s Hydro Plumping Serum ($10), which contains 1.5 percent hyaluronic acid and “acts like a long drink of water for dry skin,” contains 1.5 percent hyaluronic acid and “acts like a tall glass of water for dry skin.”
Using a Light Moisturizer is a good idea.
Hydro Boost by Neutrogena
While a moisturizing SPF may enough for some, Mack advises that “if someone is particularly dry, consider applying a moisturizer prior to an SPF of 30 or higher.”
“Look for light moisturizers that have chemicals that help smooth rough cells, pull in hydration, and build a protective seal over the surface of the skin,” Zeichner advises when searching for moisturizers. “Skin oil and skin hydration are two different issues,” he continues, “and you might be really oily in the summer while simultaneously lacking hydration.”
Neutrogena’s Hydro Boost Water Gel ($24) is a favorite of Zeichner’s. “This is jam-packed with hyaluronic acid, which acts like a sponge, drawing water in and hydrating and firming the skin,” he explains.
You’re also not limited to what you see in the aisle of facial moisturizers. “If you already have certain body moisturizers at home,” Zeichner suggests, such as Vaseline’s Intensive Care Unscented Advanced Repair Lotion ($8), which “uses triple-purified petrolatum to preserve the skin, but in a lotion that is so light that it won’t weigh the skin down.”
Mack suggests using skincare products right after showering or bathing (“to assist lock in moisture”), sleeping with a humidifier, and consuming at least 64 fl. oz. of water each day.
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SPF (Sun Protection Factor)
Sunscreen for Black Girls
SPF 30 Moisturizing Sunscreen Lotion by Black Girl $19 SHOP
SPF is recommended for all skin types, including dry skin. According to Zeichner, “UV radiation and pollution promote free radical damage, which contributes to premature aging.”
Those with dry skin should seek for sunscreens that, of course, aid in moisture retention. “If you have dry skin, search for a moisturizer/sunscreen combo rather than a straight sunscreen that you would apply at the beach,” Zeichner advises.
Look for an SPF of 30 or higher (makeup with SPF won’t cut it), and reapply every two hours to ensure sufficient coverage. Some of our faves include Black Girl Sunscreen ($19), which contains avocado and jojoba (both of which are hydrating), and Supergoop’s Glow Screen ($36), which contains hyaluronic acid, as well as niacinamide (a brightener) and vitamin B5.
With a Clean Slate at the End of the Day (and Even More Moisture)
Double Repair Face Moisturizer by La Roche-Posay
According to Mack, the first step in your nighttime routine should be the same as it is in the morning: a moisturizing foamy cleanser.
After cleansing, add moisturizing serums and topicals that can help you further lock in moisture—and avoid those that might damage your efforts. “Use your hyaluronic acid serum instead of vitamin A derivatives like retinoids and retinol if someone is severely dry,” she advises. “Add a moisturizing moisturizer to the mix.” Toleraine Double Repair Face Moisturizer ($20) from LaRoche Posay is Mack’s favorite.
Don’t exfoliate too much. “If you notice flaky skin, your instinct may be to exfoliate, but instead, give your skin what it needs—hydration,” Zeichner advises. Use a gentle exfoliator like Tatcha’s Rice Enzyme Powder ($65) if you must exfoliate. What works best for you will be determined on the type of dryness you’re dealing with.
Masks can be used for healing purposes.
Relax your body and mind, as well as your skin. Masks are another tool in your plumping and radiant skin armory. Mack swears by SkinCeuticals Biocellulose Restorative Masque ($120), a rejuvenating treatment that may be applied twice a week. “It hydrates and soothes dry skin,” she explains.
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