A Nourishing Skincare Routine for Dry Skin

Key Ingredients in This Routine

Dry skin lacks sufficient moisture and can appear dull, rough, and flaky, with more visible fine lines. It may also feel tight, itchy, uncomfortable. To help relieve these symptoms of dryness, it’s important to look for skincare products that contain beneficial ingredients for dry skin. Here are a few key ingredients to look out for in CeraVe’s gentle, nourishing skincare routine for dry skin:

• Hyaluronic acid: This popular humectant helps attract and retain the skin’s natural moisture.
• Ceramides: A key component of the skin barrier, ceramides can help lock in moisture to support the skin’s natural moisture barrier.
• Niacinamide: Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3 that can help calm the skin and promote a more even-toned complexion.
• Marine & Botanical Complex: Formulations with this complex, like our Eye Repair Cream, can help brighten the entire eye area.
• Glycerin: Also known as glycerol or glycerine, this sugar alcohol is an effective moisturizer that can help boost skin hydration and improve skin texture.
• Dimethicone: Used as a skin protectant in many moisturizing products for dry skin, dimethicone is a silicone-based polymer that helps improve skin’s softness and flexibility.
• Vitamin B5: Sometimes known as panthenol, this hydrating ingredient helps support smoother, softer, and more hydrated skin.
• Squalane Oil: When applied topically, this ingredient mimics your skin’s natural oils to help improve skin hydration and reduce moisture loss.

Dry Skin, Explained

When your skin appears supple and soft, it’s a sign that it has plenty of moisture in its uppermost layer. According to Harvard Health, balanced, healthy skin requires a minimum of approximately 20% to 35% water in its top layer.¹ Unfortunately, for those with dry skin, water evaporates off the skin’s surface too quickly. This occurs when internal or external factors deplete your skin’s natural oils (sebum), which are responsible for helping your skin hold on to water. Examples of potential dry skin triggers include harsh weather, low humidity, improper skincare techniques, and certain dry skin conditions (such as eczema or psoriasis).

Who can experience dry skin?

Dryness is a common skin issue that can affect people of all ages. However, research shows that dry skin tends to worsen with age (especially after age 40) as the skin becomes thinner and produces less sebum.² You may also be more likely to experience dryness if you live in a cold, low-humidity climate. Lastly, this skin concern may be more common in people who have a weakened skin barrier, according to recent studies.³ Your skin’s natural moisture barrier (formally known as the stratum corneum) plays a crucial role in filtering out harmful toxins and helping to prevent dryness. This is why, for those with dry skin, maintaining a healthy skin barrier can be especially important.

What Do Dermatologists Recommend for Dry Skin on the Face?

When it comes to skincare for dry skin, dermatologists tend to agree on a few basic guidelines. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends following a consistent, hydrating skincare routine that includes daily cleansing, moisturizing, and sun protection.⁴ You may also want to look for moisturizing products that contain beneficial ingredients like ceramides, urea, or dimethicone. Here are some additional tips that dermatologists often recommend for those with dry skin:

• Choose cleansers that are gentle and fragrance-free. Fragrance chemicals may worsen dryness or cause skin irritation in some people.
• Avoid long, hot showers. Excessively hot water may strip moisture from your skin and contribute to dryness.
• Treat your dry skin gently and avoid harsh scrubbing or rubbing. After bathing, gently pat your skin dry with a clean, soft towel.
• Apply moisturizer regularly to help relieve dry skin. Doing so within five minutes of bathing, onto slightly damp skin, can be especially beneficial for locking in moisture.
• Wear protective clothing, such as gloves and scarves, before heading outdoors into harsh, cold weather.
• Apply sunscreen daily with broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher, in addition to taking sun protection measures like wearing protective clothing and seeking shade during peak hours. Unprotected ultraviolet (UV) exposure may contribute to skin damage and dry skin.

Note: It’s important to remember that everyone’s dry skin is unique and may require different care. If your dry skin is persistent, uncomfortable, or experiences cracking, chafing, bleeding, or extreme itching, seek the help of a doctor or board-certified dermatologist. A dermatologist can also answer general questions and recommend appropriate skincare products for dry skin.