The Best Routine for Dry Skin, Complete with Ultra-Hydrating and Moisturizing Ingredients
Posted on January 28, 2024 Written by: 100% PURE®
Many of us have experienced dry skin at one point, especially during the colder weather that zaps precious moisture from our skin. Sometimes we’re born with a dry dermis, too. Dry skin not only feels itchy and overall uncomfortable, it’s also a primary cause for a dull complexion. That’s because flaky skin doesn’t reflect light as well as a smooth surface, resulting in a drab complexion.
Enough on why dry skin happens, you want to know if that dry, flaky mess is fixable, right? Yes! We’ve curated a special dry skin treatment that you can use as your daily skincare routine. Moisturizing coconut oil, hydrating seaweed, and nourishing superfruits, and more are here to save your skin care conundrum and groom your skin into a goddess-worthy complexion.
So, what are the telltale symptoms of dry skin? You may experience itchiness, irritation, tightness, and even notice your makeup “catching” on your dry skin and flaking off. That might not always be the fault of your makeup product, since some chemicals in conventional cosmetics DO cause skin irritation and flakiness. In addition to the extra bumps and flakes, your complexion may be more dull than usual.
The key to the best dry skin treatment relies on a one-two punch: hydration and moisturization. Yes, there’s a difference between hydration and moisture. You can pump your skin all you want with water – that’s what hydration is – but what’s going to lock that precious H2O into your skin and prevent it from evaporating? That’s where moisturization comes in.
Water needs a humectant to protect and reinforce your skin’s natural lipid barrier to keep water in and environmental aggressors out. Moisturization involves adding oil to protect your skin to help repair and reinforce the lipid barrier and to keep it from losing water. If you have dry skin, you definitely need a good amount of both!
We know you’re probably frustrated and over the dry skin woes. That’s why we curated the ultimate skincare regimen with our top natural picks for dry skin that that you can use as your daily skincare routine with some added night care.
It features skin-loving ingredients like ultra-moisturizing essential oils, hydrating seaweeds, nourishing superfruits, and more that can take your dry skincare routine to the next level!
Step 1: Blood Orange Cleansing Balm
This luxe balm was created to melt away makeup, sunblock, and impurities in a cinch. Cleansing doesn’t have to strip your skin of precious water. Yes, it’s true, this cleansing balm has all the characteristics of a rich, creamy balm that moisturizes and softens skin with organic avocado oil, coconut oil, and beeswax. It’s great at removing eye makeup too. So, massage away and bask in the uplifting scent of blood orange essential oil!
Step 2: Coconut Oil Moisturize Cleansing Milk
Purify and gently cleanse with this softening cleanser as you enjoy the scent of soothing coconut and divine rose. Remember how we touched on the importance of both hydration and moisturization? Well, this cleanser does both! Skin-softening coconut milk hydrates skin, while soothing calendula moisturizes to lock hydration in. This rich cleanser only has a handful of ingredients, making it extra nourishing and suitable for dry or sensitive skin. Massage into skin and enjoy skin bliss in milky goodness.
Step 3: Restorative Sea Culture Hydrating Toner
This toner is essential for hydrating and prepping your skin for the next power players in your daily routine. You might have heard of the heavy lifter hyaluronic acid that can hold 1000 times its weight in water? What would a dry skin treatment be without it? We’re also partnering this skincare miracle with chia water for extra hydrating action. Another mighty little gem from Mother Nature is seaweed. Think about how much dried seaweed expands when you add it to your soup. Seaweed is excellent at trapping moisture into your skin, which is exactly why we tapped into its skin loving minerals and nutrients. Pat this water-drenching elixir all over face, eyelids, and neck with clean hands or cotton pad.
Step 4: Restorative Sea Hydrate Serum
Speaking of the heavy lifter hyaluronic acid, this skin super-serum had to include the hero hydrator for that extra hydrating boost. As we age, the natural production of lubricating hyaluronic acid decreases in our body – a major culprit for aging skin – so we didn’t want dry skin types to miss out on another opportunity to pump your skin cells with it! The seaweed extracts in this serum have been fermented for extra potency. Combined with the hundreds of beneficial sea nutrients, gelatinous chia and algin work to hydrate your skin off the charts for a more plump, glowing complexion. Apply a pea-sized amount of serum onto fingertips and gently massage into skin.
Step 5: Super Fruit Oil Nourishing Eye Cream
We chose the most nourishing superfruit oils to help moisturize your skin. These oils have been cold pressed to retain their nutrient-rich properties. Organic acai oil is rich in vitamins A, C, and E for skin strengthening; goji berry, acerola, and elderberry contain a range of potent antioxidants to protect and repair skin. Apply a quarter-sized amount to ring fingers and gently apply to your eye area, including upper and lower lids. Remember to be extra gentle as the skin around your eye area is more sensitive.
Step 6: Green Tea EGCG Concentrate Cream
A high-performing moisturizer is crucial for maintaining your skin’s moisture barrier. We understand that dry skin can result from environmental damage too (like the sun!), so we’ve packed this cream with the best skin-repairing ingredient we could find. EGCG from green tea is a mighty cancer-fighting antioxidant. It not only neutralizes harmful free radicals that cause your skin to dry and age, but also enhances DNA repair for stronger, healthier skin. EGCG also helps soothe inflammation and fight dull skin – all symptoms that come with dry skin, making it one of your best friends in your daily routine. Don’t forget this final step and let your dry skin treatment efforts go in vain! Apply a quarter-sized amount of this rich moisturizer to your face and neck while gently massaging.
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The skincare remedy for dry skin is to add more hydration and moisture, and as obtainable as that may seem for some skin types, super-dry skin may require a bit more TLC. So, rather than starting with what parched skin needs, let’s start with what this ultra-dry skin type should avoid.
Tip #1: Changing skincare products too often
Dry skin can take a while to adjust to and show changes and reactions to skincare products. Rather than layering additional products to address the dryness, using as few products at a time and consistency will help to shine a light on what’s working and what isn’t.
Tip #2: Refrain from overuse of heaters & hot baths
Using central heating or even heaters during extreme weather conditions, including hot baths and showers, can often lead to dehydration in the skin. Avoiding these extremes whenever possible will help the skin to better retain moisture in the moment, even if it feels refreshing at that time.
Tip #3: Avoid Sulfates
SLS, otherwise known as sodium lauryl sulfate, can be extremely drying on any skin type. This surfactant can strip the skin of moisture and oils which dry skin desperately needs to hold onto. Dry skin types should avoid facial cleansers or body products containing SLS.
Tip #4: Frequent exfoliation
It may sound like a good idea, as it’s often a great way to slough off dull skin and allow the remainder of our skincare routine to better treat the skin, but it’s a no-no for dry skin types. As dry skin can often go hand in hand with being sensitive and reactive, this process could delay healing the acid mantle. That doesn’t help preserve moisture in the skin. The occasional gentle exfoliation may be okay, but regular or frequent exfoliation is not recommended for dry skin types.
Tip #5: Avoid drying ingredients
Conventional skincare products often contain drying alcohols, synthetic ingredients and fragrances, harsh acids, and other toxic ingredients that you want to avoid. In some cases, mainstream retinol products should also be avoided, or used infrequently, as these can also cause drying of the skin. You may want to opt for a safer and gentler plant-based retinol alternative to address anti-aging concerns.
What Are the Primary Causes of Dry Skin?
Dry skin can result from various factors, including genetic predisposition, environmental elements like cold weather and low humidity, over-washing or using harsh products, aging, and certain medical conditions. It occurs when the skin doesn’t retain sufficient moisture, leading to a tight, uncomfortable feeling, and sometimes flaking.
How Can Diet and Hydration Impact Skin Dryness?
Yes, diet plays a crucial role in skin health. Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids (like fish, nuts, and seeds), vitamin E (like almonds and avocados), and antioxidants can help improve skin’s moisture levels and overall health. Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water is also essential.
What Are the Most Effective Ingredients in Moisturizers for Dry Skin?
For dry skin, look for moisturizers that contain hyaluronic acid, glycerin, ceramides, superfruits, essential oils, seaweeds, and vitamin E. These ingredients help in attracting and locking in moisture, thereby restoring the skin’s hydration levels.
Can Over-Exfoliation Worsen Dry Skin Conditions?
Absolutely! Over-exfoliating your dry skin will worsen your symptoms. Your skin may overcompensate by producing too much oil, which could lead to clogged pores and breakouts. Your skin could go in the opposite direction and become so parched that it’s red and irritated, an requiring even more TLC.
How Often Should People with Dry Skin Moisturize?
Moisturizing should be a daily routine, especially for dry types. For dry skin, it’s best to moisturize immediately after bathing and hand washing, and throughout the day as needed. Using products specifically formulated for dry skin, which typically contain ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin, can provide more effective hydration.
Now that we have covered the best ways to treat dry skin and some ultra-hydrating and moisturizing products to help get you there, you’ll be well on your way to happy, balanced skin. By keeping the skin hydrated and moisturized, your skin can better maintain its elasticity and firmness, which can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Many ultra-hydrating products also contain anti-aging ingredients like retinol, peptides, and antioxidants, which can further aid in reducing signs of aging and promoting a more youthful complexion.