Top 5 daily habits for Dry Skin recommended by Experts

Dry skin can be more than just a minor inconvenience; it can impact both the health and appearance of your skin. Fortunately, experts agree that incorporating a few daily habits can significantly improve dry skin's condition. Here are the top five daily habits recommended by skincare experts for those battling dry skin.

1. Gentle Cleansing

The foundation of any skincare routine, especially for dry skin, is gentle cleansing. Over-washing or using harsh cleansers can strip the skin of its natural oils, exacerbating dryness. Opt for a hydrating, soap-free cleanser that maintains your skin's pH balance, like an oil cleanser with gently clarifying properties. Use lukewarm water instead of hot water, which can further dry out the skin. Pat your skin dry gently with a soft towel instead of rubbing it.

We have tried and recommend Pai's Rosehip Cleansing Oil, awarding 2 Stars out of 3. It is a rich, emollient cleanse and we like that it has a very clean formula.

2. Layered Moisturizing

After cleansing, it's crucial to lock in moisture. Experts recommend a two-pronged approach: first, apply a hydrating serum that contains hyaluronic acid or glycerin. These ingredients are known for their ability to attract and hold water. Following the serum, use a thicker, cream-based moisturizer to create a barrier that seals in moisture. This approach ensures deep hydration and lasting moisturization. Now, here's where everyone tends argue but our team does not love slugging with vaseline (one of us ended up with a sacrificial breakout after trying) because there are so many products out there that do a great job of sealing in moisture without being 100% pure petroleum oil. It may work for some people, but for the pore-sensitive ones like the one in our team with the collateral breakout damage, it definitely is not for everyone.

We have tried and recommend the Eve Lom Moisture Cream, awarding it 1 out of 3 stars. It is a rich, luxuriously delectable cream but it is quite similar to a lot of other thicker face creams out there in the texture and application experience. It's not amazingly special but still deserves a recommendation.

3. Daily Use of Sheet Masks

Sheet masks are a boon for dry skin, but only when they are free of potentially irritating ingredients like added fragrances or gimmicks like bubbling or random gold flakes (that is SO 2008). These masks create a physical barrier that locks in beneficial ingredients and moisture, allowing for deeper penetration and while you don't have to use it every day, many Korean and Japanese women swear by daily or weekly sheet masking to keep them looking fresh and young even during dry winter months. Opt for sheet masks formulated with soothing and hydrating ingredients like aloe vera, ceramides, and essential fatty acids. Using a sheet mask a few times a week can provide an extra hydration boost and soothe dry skin.

We recommend Snow Fox Skincare's Arctic Rescue Mask, awarding it 3 out of 3 stars. This one has been a team favorite for many years and we still have not found any other sheet mask brand close to performing on the same level for dry, irritated skin types without containing fragrances and more.

4. Humidifying Your Environment

Dry environments can pull moisture away from the skin. Using a humidifier, especially during dry months or in air-conditioned rooms, can help maintain a more skin-friendly level of humidity. This ensures that your skin doesn't lose moisture to the air around you, keeping it hydrated and healthy.

We recommend the Vitruvi Cloud Humidifier, awarding it 3 stars out of 3. It humidifies up to 600 sq ft and is surprizingly quiet and compact. It is not meant to be used with essential oils as it is functionally mainly meant to be a humidifier for skin and comfort. The design is sleek and chic, while helping skin feel less dry.

5. Sun Protection

Sun exposure can be particularly harmful to dry skin, leading to further dehydration and damage. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 daily, even on cloudy days. Look for sunscreens with moisturizing ingredients to provide hydration along with protection.

We recommend the Ultra Violette Preen Screen SPF50, awarding it 2 out of 3 stars. We love the spray application, which allows for easy re-application of sunscreen throughout the day.

Incorporating these daily habits into your skincare routine can significantly improve the health and appearance of dry skin. Remember, consistency is key. Regularly practicing these steps can help you achieve and maintain smooth, hydrated, and healthy skin.