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Skin type
Dry skin
Feels tight, flaky, or rough.
Dry skin doesn't produce enough natural oil to stay comfortable on its own, which is why it can feel tight right after cleansing or show visible flaking. The routine focuses on rich, barrier-supporting hydration layered on to ease tightness and lock in moisture.
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How to tell
- Skin feels tight, especially right after cleansing
- Visible flaking or rough patches, particularly around the nose and cheeks
- Fine lines look more noticeable when skin is dehydrated
- Makeup can look patchy or cling to dry areas
What causes it
Dry skin produces less natural oil than other types — sometimes genetic or age-related, and often worsened by cold weather, hot showers, and harsh cleansers that strip the skin barrier.
Ingredients & formulas
Look for
- Cream or milk cleansers that don't foam
- Hyaluronic acid for hydration
- Ceramides to support the skin barrier
- Rich cream moisturizers
- A nourishing facial oil to seal everything in
Avoid
- Foaming or sulfate-based cleansers
- Hot water, which strips natural oils further
- Alcohol-based toners
Common mistakes
- Washing with hot water, which strips natural oils further
- Using a foaming cleanser that leaves skin feeling "squeaky clean" — a sign it's over-stripped
- Applying moisturizer to fully dry skin instead of slightly damp skin, which locks in less hydration
Frequently asked questions
Does dry skin need to exfoliate?
Yes, but gently and less often — a mild exfoliant once or twice a week helps product absorb better, while daily exfoliation will worsen dryness.
Is facial oil necessary for dry skin?
It's optional but genuinely helpful — a nourishing oil applied after moisturizer seals in hydration and softens rough or flaky patches overnight.
Does dry skin still need SPF?
Yes — dry skin is not protected from UV damage, and daily SPF matters just as much regardless of skin type.
Products for dry skin
Skin concerns
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