5 Dermatologist Tips for Dry Skin

The hot, humid months can take already-dry skin to the next level. Summer weather and high humidity can cause some skin issues with already thirsty skin, especially if you’re still using your rich, thick moisturizer from the cooler months. It can be hard to decide on the best way to care for dry skin, and on top of those skin woes, difficult to figure out how to adjust your skincare routine throughout the year when you have temp-eramental skin.

That’s why we’ve done your homework for you, and scoured the web to discover top dermatologists’ recommendations for dry skin! No more scratching your head – or skin – with the best dry skin treatments below and how to modify your cleansing routine. It’s time to kick the summertime skin blues!

The Best Expert Tips for Dry Skin

If you’re prone to dry skin, it can be tempting to buff away the flaky surface of your skin using an exfoliating scrub. In an interview with Women’s Health magazine, dermatologist Dr. Tina Alster suggests that you should exfoliate with caution. Exfoliating scrubs (particularly those with larger grains) can cause micro-cuts in your skin, and can wear down your skin’s protective lipid barrier, preventing your skin from keeping moisture locked in.

Instead of a harsh scrub, Dr. Alster recommends that you exfoliate with a sonic cleansing brush or a gentle konjac sponge. To avoid causing inflammation (and further drying out your skin), you should also avoid exfoliating more than three times per week, and should make sure to follow up with a gentle moisturizer when you do.

For dry skin on your body, the American Academy of Dermatology recommends that you take shorter, cooler showers. Try to spend no more than ten minutes under the water, and to reduce the heat to a comfortably warm temperature. Sure, it can be hard to give up long, hot showers when you’re used to them. But hot water can irritate, dry out, and strip your skin of its natural oils, so it’s best to be exposed to it for as little time as possible. When you get out of the shower, gently pat your skin dry instead of rubbing the towel against your skin. Next, follow up with a rich body cream like our Honey Almond Body Butter, or even a lightweight body lotion. Honey is a natural humectant that will help to lock moisture into your skin.

The American Academy of Dermatology also recommends steering clear of products that certain artificial fragrances and other chemical ingredients - especially for those with dry skin. As dry skin can be especially prone to irritation, chemical irritants can have an even worse impact than they would upon healthy skin, causing inflammation and adverse reactions. We recommend selecting a range of skin care products that will work for your skin, and not against it. Some of our favorite products for dry skin are our Restorative Sea Culture Replenishing Serum and our Deep Hydration Sheet Masks.

The American Osteopathic College of Dermatology recommends that you avoid excessive use of washcloths when cleansing your skin, as the grains of a washcloth can be harsh against your skin. Instead of removing your cleanser with a washcloth, use clean fingers or a konjac sponge. You can also ensure that your cleansing routine isn’t taking a toll on your skin by using lukewarm water, and opting for gentle, natural cleanser such as our Argan Oil Creamy Cleanser. This cleanser moisturizes while it cleans your skin, harnessing the power of argan oil to restore moisture and suppleness to your skin. To avoid over-cleansing, you should aim to wash your face no more than twice per day.

The best dry skin treatment is moisturizer - specifically, moisturizer that works hard to lock hydration into your skin. When caring for dry skin, Dr. Cynthia Bailey recommends finding a moisturizer that will prevent moisture from escaping from your skin; one that will work to build up your lipid barrier, rather than breaking it down.

One of our favorite treatments for dry skin is our Restorative Sea Culture Extra Riche Cream, a luxurious treatment made with rich butters and oils, which also uses sea minerals and seaweeds to strengthen and enhance your skin. If you’re seeking a natural oil to seal moisture into your skin, you could also try applying a light layer of our pure Argan Oil beneath your moisturizer during your nighttime skin care routine. Argan oil is rich in vitamins and minerals, and contains fatty acids to help bolster your skin’s lipid barrier, locking in moisture and defending it against the harsh elements.

While you work on healing and restoring your skin, you can continue to enjoy your makeup routine as usual by sticking to natural makeup products that won’t aggravate your skin’s surface. For makeup lovers who are suffering from dry skin, we love our BB Cream for a dewy finish.

This hydrating liquid-cream formula gives you a luminous complexion with buildable light to medium coverage and a dewy, natural finish.

For full coverage, the Water Foundation gives you flawless coverage and a satin, slightly dewy finish for a naturally glowing complexion. It’s concentrated with anti-aging red wine resveratrol and alpha lipoic acid, plus protective green tea and hydrating aloe.

Seasonal Skincare: Adjusting Your Routine for Dry Skin Throughout the Year

Dealing with dry skin can feel like an uphill battle, especially if you need to swap out some of your skincare products to get along with seasonal changes. But with care, patience, and the right combination of natural products, you’re sure to see results! Here are some tips for adjusting your skincare routine for dry skin throughout the year.

Spring & Summer:

For many of us, spring and summer are the most anticipated seasons of the year. But the extra light, heat, and time outdoors means a bit of extra maintenance for our skin, too. Since we always want our skin to look and feel its best, it can be tricky to nail down the exact products we need for a glowing, supple complexion especially if it’s dry, temperamental skin! Let’s avoid the ‘spring-back’ and summertime skin blues with the following tips:

Tip #1: Cleanse: Be sure to thoroughly cleanse your skin with a gentle, natural cleanser in the morning and at night to remove sweat, debris, and leftover products at the end of each day.

Tip #2: Hydrate: In the warmer months, your skin can lose moisture rapidly. Incorporate a hydrating serum into your skin regimen to keep your skin plump and supple while also remembering to drink enough water. You’ll also want to add a natural moisturizer to nourish and lock in hydration.

Tip #3: Protect: Sunscreen’s important all year-round, but it’s especially essential during spring and summer. Be sure to also reapply sun protection every two hours when outdoors to shield your skin from harmful UV rays that are strongest in summer.

Tip #4: Coverage: To avoid buildup or clogged pores from the extra sweat during the warmer months, opt for lightweight makeup products that allow your skin to breathe. Heavy makeup can clog pores and lead to breakouts in hot, humid conditions.

Fall & Winter:

As temperature’s cool and humidity levels drop, so does the condition of dry skin if you don’t adjust your skincare routine. Whether it’s leaves changing colors or trees become bare while bears become scarce, your delicate dermis could fall into the blustery realm of increased sensitivity, irritation, and parched skin.

The good news is, that dry skin is avoidable if you’re proactive about upgrading your skincare routine with ultra-hydrating and moisturizing ingredients. Let’s avoid fall-ing behind or facing wintry skin woes with the following tips:

Tip #1: Cleanse: Using mild, moisturizing cleansers is best to avoid stripping the skin of its natural oils, which you want to protect in the moisture-stealing cooler months.

Tip #2: Hydrate: Instead of slathering on a lightweight moisturizer that works for the warmer months and calling it a day, you’ll want to curate your regimen to deeply hydrate your complexion. Replace your basic lightweight formula with a deeply hydrating moisturizer that can quench and soothe dry skin. Our final offering from the heavenly hydration gods is to use a hydrating sheet mask that will heal and calm dry skin during the fall, as well as help to soothe common winter skin culprits, like itchiness and dryness.

Tip #3: Moisturize: Don’t forget your body will need TLC during the cooler months. When you get out of the shower, gently pat your skin dry instead of rubbing the towel against your skin. Next, follow up with a rich body cream like our Honey Almond Body Butter, or even a lightweight body lotion. Honey is a natural humectant that will help to lock moisture into your skin.

Tip #4: Exfoliate: A balanced skincare routine for the cooler months also involves gentle exfoliation. Exfoliating is important in removing dead skin cells and aiding with the absorption of your moisturizer as well as the potential benefits of your products – but beware of overdoing it! That’s why we love the gentle exfoliation properties of our Acai Pulp Facial Scrub. Combining antioxidant-packed yumberries with heavenly acai berry, our berry gentle scrub is truly superfruit heaven.

Tip #5: Protect: Not all facial products need to hibernate during the colder months. Take sun protection, for example. You might wonder, why bother with sunscreen in virtually the sunless winter, anyway? It’s cooler out, so you shouldn’t have to worry about sunburns or photodamage, right?

These all-season rock stars are essential year-round – even in winter! It may be gray outside but don’t skimp on that SPF number. Be sure to also reapply sun protection every two hours when outdoors to shield your skin from harmful UV rays.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dry Skin

How often should I exfoliate dry skin?

Generally, for dry skin, it’s best to exfoliate it once or twice a week. Exfoliating too often can irritate dry skin, so it's best to be careful not to overdo it. Use gentler exfoliants like natural scrubs that don’t contain large particles that could cause micro-tears in the skin. You can also opt for gentle acids like lactic acid that can help remove dead skin cells without drying out your skin. You can also try exfoliating at night to encourage skin repair while you sleep.

What are the signs that a product isn't right for my skin type?

Signs that a skincare product might not be suitable for your skin type include irritation, redness, excessive dryness or oiliness, breakouts, and discomfort. If you experience any adverse reactions after using a product, discontinue its use immediately and consult with a dermatologist or skincare professional for guidance.

Can my skin type change over time or with seasons?

Yes, absolutely. Your skin type can evolve due to various factors such as aging, hormonal changes, environmental influences, and lifestyle habits. Additionally, seasonal changes can impact your skin, with shifts in humidity, temperature, and sun exposure affecting its condition and needs. It's essential to adapt your skincare routine accordingly to address these changes effectively.

Are there any 100% PURE products that work well for all skin types?

While individual preferences and sensitivities vary, some 100% PURE products are formulated to be gentle and suitable for most skin types. Examples include their fruit-infused cleansers, hydrating serums, and antioxidant-rich moisturizers. However, it's essential to patch-test new products and monitor how your skin responds to ensure compatibility.

What ingredients should I look for in a moisturizer for dry skin?

Must-use ingredients in skincare products for dry skin are hyaluronic acid, ceramides, niacinamide, and stable vitamin C and moisturizing vitamin E. These ingredients hydrate and nourish skin, brighten and soften your complexion, and help with cellular turnover. Look for ingredients rich in antioxidants, such as green tea and berry-infused formulas, that have skin-boosting benefits.