What is Dry Skin?
Dry skin is a skin type with low oil and low moisture,
where the natural oil water balance is not sufficient.
Because the barrier is weaker, it often feels tight, rough, or flaky,
especially after cleansing or in cold, dry climates.
Pores are usually small and less visible, but the skin can look dull and fine lines may appear more quickly if hydration isn’t maintained.
A well-structured routine focused on hydration and barrier protection can help dry skin stay comfortable, healthy, and radiant.
Cleansing
You should wash your face twice a day, once in the morning to refresh your skin from overnight
and once at night to remove sunscreen and impurities.
It is important to use a creamy, low pH cleanser (around pH 5.0–5.5) that cleans without stripping away natural oils.
Always wash with lukewarm water, never hot, because hot water worsens dryness and damages the skin barrier.
After cleansing, gently pat dry with a towel instead of rubbing, since friction can irritate the skin and make dryness more noticeable.
How to Use Cleansers
Foam Cleansing
- Dispense a small amount
A pea-sized amount is enough. - Lather into foam
Add water and work it into a soft, rich foam before applying it to the face. - Cleanse gently
Cover your skin with the foam and cleanse for 20–30 seconds, letting the bubbles do the work instead of rubbing harshly. - Rinse and pat dry
Wash away all the foam with lukewarm water, then gently pat the skin dry with a clean towel.
Oil Cleansing(If needed)
- Start with dry hands and face
Do not wet your face. Pump 2–3 pumps of oil cleanser into your hands. - Massage gently
Spread the oil evenly and massage in circular motions for 30–60 seconds to dissolve sunscreen, sebum, and impurities. Focus on the T-zone (forehead, nose, chin). - Emulsify
Add a little lukewarm water to your hands and continue massaging until the oil turns milky. This step breaks down residue effectively. - Rinse thoroughly
Rinse with lukewarm water several times until no oily feeling remains.
Moisturizing
After cleansing, it’s important to moisturize right away because dry skin loses hydration much faster than other skin types. A well-structured routine focused on hydration and barrier protection can help your skin stay comfortable, smooth, and radiant.
Opt for moisturizers that feel comforting and soothing without leaving a heavy film, since dry skin needs both hydration and breathability.
Always apply moisturizer while the skin is still slightly damp to trap water inside.
On days when your skin feels extremely parched, layering an extra cream in the evening or adding an overnight moisturizing mask can give your skin a noticeable boost by morning.
How to Use Cleansers
Follow the order: Toner → Essence/Serum → Cream.
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Toner
Dry skin benefits the most from applying toner as quickly as possible after cleansing—ideally within the first minute—because moisture evaporates very fast.
Place a few drops into your palms and press gently into the skin instead of wiping harshly. This step helps restore hydration and prepares your skin to absorb the following layers more effectively. -
Essence/Serum
These steps provide an extra layer of hydration that dry skin often craves.
Essence is light and watery, so you can use it every day after toner to soften and relieve tightness.
Serum is more concentrated and works well for dryness or rough texture. For very dry skin, daily use is fine, but you can also save serum for evenings if your skin feels overloaded with too many products. -
Cream (instead of Lotion)
For dry skin, cream is more effective than lotion because of its richer, more protective texture.
It creates a stronger barrier to lock in water, prevent flakiness, and protect the skin from external stress like wind and cold.
Cream works especially well in autumn and winter, or at night when your skin needs extra nourishment. During hot, humid seasons you can still use a lighter cream, but avoid skipping this step altogether.
Sun Protection
For dry skin, sunscreen is not just about blocking UV rays.
It also helps prevent the skin barrier from becoming weaker and more dehydrated.
When the skin is already prone to tightness and flaking, too much sun exposure can accelerate collagen breakdown and leave the surface feeling rough.
Daily sun protection is therefore one of the most effective ways to slow visible aging and maintain comfort at the same time.
The most important point is to choose a sunscreen that feels hydrating rather than drying.
Creamy or lotion-like textures usually sit more comfortably on dry skin,
forming a protective layer that shields against both UV rays and moisture loss.
If your skin tends to flake, applying sunscreen over your usual moisturizer works well because the base layer keeps hydration steady throughout the day.
This prevents patchiness and helps the sunscreen blend smoothly without clinging to dry spots.
Even when the weather is cloudy or the season feels cooler,
UVA and UVB rays are still present, so skipping sunscreen can leave the skin vulnerable.
Using an SPF 30–50 with PA+++ provides reliable coverage for everyday life,
and reapplying every few hours when outdoors ensures that the protection stays consistent.
Sunscreen should be thought of not only as a shield against the sun but also as part of your hydration routine, supporting both comfort and resilience so your skin stays smooth and healthy.
Understanding Sunscreens
There are two main types of sunscreen.
Chemical sunscreens absorb UV rays and convert them into heat, like a sponge. They usually feel light, spread easily, and do not leave a white cast, making them comfortable under makeup. However, they may sometimes cause stinging or irritation, especially on sensitive or reactive skin.
Mineral sunscreens sit on top of the skin and reflect UV rays like a shield. They are generally gentler and more stable, making them safer for sensitive skin, but they may feel heavier and can leave a white cast. To improve this, newer formulas come in lightweight or tinted versions that reduce chalkiness and blend more naturally with the skin.
To understand why sunscreen is essential, it helps to know about UV rays.
UVA rays penetrate deeply into the skin and are the main cause of premature aging such as wrinkles, sagging,
and pigmentation.
A simple way to remember is “A = Aging.”
UVA can pass through windows and is present year-round, even on cloudy days.
UVB rays affect the skin’s surface and are responsible for sunburn, redness, and DNA damage,
which can increase the risk of skin cancer. Think “B = Burn.”
UVB is strongest during summer and midday hours, but both UVA and UVB must be blocked to protect sensitive skin fully.
This is where SPF and PA ratings come in.
SPF (Sun Protection Factor) measures how well sunscreen blocks UVB.
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SPF 30: This means it makes the time it takes for your skin to burn 30 times longer.
→ For example, if your skin normally starts to burn in 10 minutes, with SPF 30 it would take about 300 minutes (10×30). - SPF 50: This means it makes the time to burn 50 times longer.
→ If you normally burn in 10 minutes, with SPF 50 it would take about 500 minutes (10×50).
The higher the number, the stronger and longer protection against UVB (sunburn).
PA (Protection Grade of UVA) measures UVA protection, shown by plus signs: PA+ (basic), PA++ (moderate), PA+++ (strong), PA++++ (very strong).
Extra Guide
Dry skin tends to lose moisture quickly and the barrier can weaken more easily,
so lifestyle and daily care play an important role. Beyond skincare products,
overall balance matters: getting enough sleep, eating a varied diet, managing stress,
and drinking plenty of water all help the skin feel more comfortable.
Getting enough quality sleep is critical, since nighttime repair helps replenish moisture.
Poor or irregular sleep often makes dryness, flakiness, and dullness worse,
while a stable routine keeps the skin more resilient.
Stress also plays a role in worsening dryness by weakening the barrier
and making it harder for the skin to stay hydrated.
Practicing relaxation techniques helps reduce sensitivity
and allows the skin to hold onto moisture more effectively.
Diet strongly supports hydration from the inside.
Including healthy fats such as avocado, olive oil, and omega 3 rich foods nourishes the skin,
while fruits and vegetables high in antioxidants like vitamin C aid repair.
Drinking water consistently throughout the day prevents tightness and dullness.
Cleansing should always be gentle.
It is best to avoid hot water and stripping methods,
since over-cleansing or layering too many products at once can weaken the barrier and make dryness worse.
Choose non-stripping cleansers that leave the skin calm and comfortable.
Environmental protection is especially important.
Cold weather, heaters, and air conditioning can strip away moisture quickly, so using a humidifier, covering the skin outdoors,
and washing pillowcases with mild detergents help reduce hidden triggers.
Since skin often becomes drier depending on season
and environment, adjusting the richness of your routine is effective.
In cold, dry weather, richer creams help lock in hydration,
while in humid climates, lighter
but still hydrating products feel more comfortable.
This flexible approach keeps the skin nourished
without feeling heavy or overloaded.
Avoiding smoking and heavy drinking is also essential,
as both reduce circulation and damage collagen, making dryness worse.
Gentle exercise, on the other hand, promotes blood flow
and helps deliver nutrients to the skin, improving comfort and resilience.
Finally, avoid unnecessary touching or scratching.
Dry skin can be fragile, and bacteria transfer can worsen irritation.
Keeping your environment and items like bedding clean supports the barrier
and ensures the skin stays calm.
Skincare Glossary
- Low-pH Cleanser: A gentle face wash close to skin’s natural pH that cleans without stripping. For dry skin, it should minimize tightness after cleansing.
- Skin Barrier: The skin’s outer “shield” that locks in moisture and protects from irritants. Dry skin is more prone to barrier weakness, so supporting it is essential.
- Toner: A watery product used immediately after cleansing to quickly rehydrate the skin. Applying it within the first minute helps prevent moisture from evaporating.
- Essence: A light, watery formula that adds hydration and helps other products absorb more effectively. For dry skin, it can be used daily to keep skin soft and supple.
- Serum: A concentrated liquid that delivers deeper hydration when dryness or rough texture is noticeable. It can be used daily or in the evening depending on skin needs.
- Lotion: A lighter moisturizer that feels fresh and absorbs quickly. For dry skin, lotion alone often isn’t enough, so it works best as a layering step or in humid weather.
- Cream: A richer moisturizer that seals in hydration and creates a protective barrier. Especially effective in autumn and winter when dryness increases.
- Hyaluronic Acid: A “moisture magnet” that draws water into the skin and helps keep it plump and hydrated. Particularly helpful for dry skin to boost softness and elasticity.
- Glycerin: A classic humectant that pulls water from the air into the skin, keeping it soft and preventing dryness throughout the day.
- SPF & PA+++: Ratings that show sunscreen’s ability to protect against UVB (burn) and UVA (aging). Daily use helps prevent UV damage that can worsen dryness.
- UV Rays (UVA & UVB): UVA causes wrinkles and aging, while UVB leads to sunburn and irritation. Both can weaken already dry skin, so consistent protection is important.
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