Skincare Routine for Dry Skin

A specialized skincare routine for dry skin restores luster to a complexion dulled by a rough texture or flaky patches. Using ultra-hydrating products can preserve your skin's moisture barrier — the outer skin layer that protects and promotes radiance by sealing in water, leaving your complexion soft and supple.

When investing in skincare for dry skin, the right ingredients are everything. It's the ideal marriage of nature and science: Botanicals, vitamins, and fatty acids, combined with the latest in skincare technology, powerfully quench parched skin to enhance the natural beauty of your complexion.

This guide explains why you should invest in skincare for dry, sensitive skin and offers some top product ideas to get you started.

The Quick Answer: How to Exfoliate Skin

First, you'll want to determine your skin type to know what ingredients to look for in a chemical exfoliant. You'll want to start by applying a pea-sized amount to your skin and rubbing it in a circular motion. After around 20-30 seconds, wash the exfoliant off with warm or cold water. The best way to exfoliate your skin is to use it once or twice a week before bed. Exfoliants are an add-in and not a replacement. Continue your regular skincare routine, and don't replace any nutrient-rich products with an exfoliant. 

5 Benefits of a Skincare Routine for Dry Skin

There are visual and worthwhile benefits to having a skincare routine for dry skin. When you consistently choose the right products, you'll see a visible improvement in your skin's appearance and move closer to achieving the skin of your dreams. Here are five benefits of skincare for dry, sensitive skin:

1. Reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles

Think about a dry creek bed in the desert, crisscrossed with cracks caused by lack of moisture. The same can happen to dry skin, with more pronounced lines and wrinkles. Hydrating products temporarily plump the complexion, which reduces the look of those fine lines. Hydrating ingredients can also improve skin elasticity and maintain a soft, supple look. 

2. Fewer acne breakouts

Dry skin is often prone to blemishing. Why? Your skin produces more sebum in response to the dryness, and that excess oil can clog your pores. With the right skincare routine for dry skin, you can eliminate excess sebum and pore-clogging dead skin cells and avoid acne breakouts.  

3. A refined, even texture

Unsightly flakes of dead skin, bumps, or rough patches detract from your skin's luminosity. To counteract this, support your skin's moisture barrier to lock in hydration and improve the look and feel of your complexion.

4. Skin that feels soft and delightful

Moisture-deprived skin can feel tight and itchy, and scratching that itch can worsen it by leading to redness and irritation. A skincare routine for dry, sensitive skin is gentle, calming, and softens a dehydrated complexion.

5. Greater protection for your skin

If your skin's moisture barrier breaks down, you become more susceptible to damaging pollutants, bacteria, and other problematic elements. In short, well-moisturized skin is healthier-looking, and a skincare routine geared toward your specific needs will promote a glowing complexion.

How to Determine if You Have Dry Skin

The signs of dry skin are very evident, including:

Tight skin

● An increase in lines or wrinkles

● Flaky patches of skin

● Rough, uneven texture

● Redness, irritation, or an itchy feeling

● A dull appearance

Causes of Dry Skin

Your skin type may be inherently dry, but there are other potential triggers:

● Exposure to UV rays, toxins, or other environmental pollutants

● Cold climates that lack humidity

● Excessive heat (like an indoor heater or hot shower)

● Decreased sebum production as we age

● Medications

● A chronic skin condition such as eczema or psoriasis

If you notice these symptoms, it’s time to revitalize your complexion with a skincare routine for dry skin.

Ingredients to Look for With Dry Skin

When considering ingredients to include in your skincare routine for dry skin, you'll want to look for ultra-hydrating ingredients to help your skin attract and retain moisture. The best products are formulated with nutrients, vitamins, and fatty acids. They help your skin retain moisture and keep it soft and supple throughout the day. Here are three key ingredients for those with dry, sensitive skin. 

This is a well-known polysaccharide that is naturally occurring inside the body. It's commonly used in the beauty industry for its ultra-hydrating components and is great for dry skin because of its ability to hydrate the skin while improving elasticity. With consistent use, you can achieve a fresh, well-hydrated complexion with every use.

Lanolin is an ultra-hydrating moisturizing ingredient derived from Sheep's wool that can help repair and restore dry skin while improving water retention. A lanolin-infused moisturizer or serum can dramatically reduce the appearance of dry, flaky patches of skin while protecting your skin barrier.  

Avocado oil is packed with vitamin E and other essential fatty oils. It's ultra-absorbent and can help improve your skin barrier's moisture retention when paired with other hydrating essentials. 

Ingredients to Avoid with Dry Skin

If you struggle with dry, sensitive skin - there are ingredients you'll want to avoid to prevent any redness or flare-ups. If you feel like no matter what products you use, your skin is always dry, red, or irritated - the formulas you use in your routine may contribute to the problem. When building your skincare routine for dry skin, you'll want to look for these ingredients. 

Manufacturers commonly use alcohol in toners and cleansers. These may have a "refreshing feel" when applied to your face, but they tend to dry out the skin. Consistent use of alcohol-rich skincare products can also lead to redness and irritation. When looking for skincare for dry skin, you should avoid denatured alcohol, which can cause common dry skin problems, including eczema.

While scented moisturizers and cleansers may smell nice, they aren't suitable for dry skin types. Fragrances often contain ingredients that trigger skin irritations and even the slightest hint of a fragrance can lead to dry skin, clogged pores, and breakouts. 

Surfactants are known for stripping the skin of its natural oils and speeding up the aging process. These ingredients are overly harsh on the skin and can damage your skin barrier. When looking at the ingredient label, avoid Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate, and TEA-Lauryl Sulfate.

The Essential Parts of an Elegant Skincare Routine

If you have dry skin, be mindful of the ingredients in your skincare products, as harsh or synthetic ingredients can lead to irritation, dryness, and skin sensitivities. All the components of a skincare routine for dry skin should work together to restore your skin's natural vibrance and maintain hydration. 

Here's what you need to build a skincare routine for dry skin:

Dry skin needs a gentle cleanser without surfactants or astringent ingredients that strip away natural oils. A gentle formula will eliminate dirt, grime, and bacteria in your pores. Without a cleanser, you risk irritation and inflammation, which can cause more harm than good. 

The Cleansing Balm is our rich and luxurious formulation, which becomes a milky liquid as you spread it on your skin with water. This oil-based balm contains squalane, coconut, and avocado-olive fruit oil complex for thorough moisturization and the removal of pore-clogging impurities. If you prefer a lightweight texture, try The Cream Cleansing Gel, which you can also use after The Cleansing Balm for a soothing double cleanse.

However, if you have dry skin, consider cleansing your face only once daily before bed. Over-cleansing your face can cause sensitivities and dry your skin out even more. Always listen to your skin and how it reacts.

Think of your toner as the prep stage before the rest of your skincare routine. Toners brighten your complexion and prepare your skin for the active ingredients in moisturizers, creams, and face serums. A highly advanced toner is worth incorporating into your skincare routine for dry skin because it's not harsh and supports your complexion with moisturizing ingredients. 

The Essence minimizes the appearance of pores and redness to improve your complexion's tone and texture -- a perfect remedy for the problems plaguing dry skin. The Essence is a gentle, 3-in-1 exfoliant, toner, and hydrating essence formulated to streamline your post-cleanse by reducing discoloration, soothing redness, and protect dry skin from environmental factors. 

Exfoliation is vital for dry skin, and if you don't eliminate flakiness, dead skin accumulates, clogging pores and dulling your complexion. Many popular scrubs are too intense for dry skin, so choosing the right exfoliant is essential.

Mechanical exfoliants can lead to microtears in the skin, disrupting your skin barrier and leading to irritation and sensitivities. Be mindful of how often you exfoliate your skin, as over-exfoliation will strip your skin of its natural oils. The right exfoliant is crucial to your overall skin health. 

The Essence contains phytic acid (a natural exfoliant from rice grains), salicylic acid, and gluconolactone for refreshing exfoliation. The formulation purifies, tones, and exfoliates to reveal smoother, more vibrant skin. Our lightweight formula is perfect for dry skin and is gentle enough to use daily. During our user trials, 100% of participants agreed that their skin felt soft, smooth, and hydrated after 12 weeks of regular use.

After exfoliating, follow up with a hydrating serum or the best lotion for dry skin immediately after. Even after using a gentle exfoliant, your skin loses moisture, so it makes sense to replenish this moisture with products formulated with nourishing ingredients. 

Facial serums are supplemental skincare products that can help you take a more targeted approach to your routine. Unlike creams or moisturizers, they typically contain a potent blend of one or a few ingredients. With the right formula, you can easily combat the symptoms of dry skin and keep your skin hydrated, soft, and supple. 

The Serum glides on your skin, creating a perfect base layer for your moisturizer. Skin feels firmer and looks brightened and renewed. Professor Bader calls it "an all-in-one problem solver for your skin," scientifically designed to promote all-over radiance and a youthful-looking complexion.

Using a serum twice daily before applying your moisturizer will allow the potent formula to penetrate your skin's outer layer, so your skin can reap the benefits of the active ingredients. 

A daily moisturizer is a must-have for dry, sensitive skin. To maintain plump and supple skin throughout the day, it's crucial to consistently include a moisturizer in your morning and evening skincare routine. Failing to do so can lead to moisture loss and losing your skin's protective barrier.

The best moisturizer for dry skin provides hydration, protection, and nutrients to combat sensitivity and symptoms of dryness. The Face Oil is richly emollient, strengthening your skin barrier with antioxidants and antimicrobials. If you'd prefer a product with a thicker texture, The Rich Cream infuses your skin with the same powerful nourishment as The Face Oil, hydrating and conditioning to revive the look of your skin. You can also add a few drops of The Face Oil to The Rich Cream for seriously dehydrated skin.

Every product in this regimen uses TFC8® as a key ingredient. This groundbreaking technology results from decades of scientific research, giving our skincare the power to support cellular renewal and transform the appearance of your complexion.

AM and PM Dry Skincare Routine

Be consistent with your regimen to fully experience the benefits of a skincare routine for dry skin. Most products require twice-daily usage — once in the morning before you start the day and once before you go to bed. Your daytime routine protects your skin from environmental stressors, UV damage, and pollutants. In contrast, the nighttime regimen focuses on hydrating and treating your skincare concerns. Here’s how to use Augustinus Bader products morning and night for the ultimate skincare routine for dry, dehydrated skin:

● The Cleansing Balm and/or The Cream Cleansing Gel (if doing a double cleanse, use the balm first)

● The Essence

● The Serum

● The Rich Cream and/or The Face Oil (put a few drops of oil into the cream to combine. You can also use the oil first or put a drop or two over makeup for an added glow)

Frequently Asked Questions About Exfoliating Skin

What is The Best Way to Exfoliate Skin?

The best way to exfoliate the skin is to utilize a chemical exfoliant formulated with ingredients that accommodate your skin type. You'll want to use it once or twice a week as part of your nighttime routine. Be mindful of how your skin reacts, and don't continue using it if your skin becomes irritated or inflamed. 

Is it Better to Exfoliate Dry or Wet?

It depends on the product you're using and the ingredients. Generally, chemical exfoliants are applied to dry skin and then washed off with warm or cold water. If you're using a physical exfoliant on your body in the shower, exfoliating wet skin is much easier. You'll want to apply it to wet or damp skin for the best results. 

How Often Should I Exfoliate? 

You'll want to exfoliate once or twice a week as part of your daily nighttime skincare routine. This will depend on your skin type and how sensitive your skin is to the ingredients in the exfoliant. If you notice any signs of irritation, consider trying the skin cycling method or cutting it down to once a week for the best results. 

Shop Augustinus Bader to Renew Dry Skin

If you struggle with keeping your dry skin hydrated, it may be time to revamp your skincare routine with results-driven skincare essentials from Augustinus Bader. We have an extensive collection of skincare products formulated for every skin type, with gentle formulas to help you see results and move closer to achieving glowing skin.

Say goodbye to dry, sensitive skin for good. Go from dry to dewy with a luxurious skincare routine from Augustinus Bader skincare.