The Best Skincare Routine for Dry Skin

Why Dry Skin Needs Special Care

If your skin often feels tight, rough, flaky, or irritated, you most likely have dry skin. Dry skin occurs when the outer layer of your skin lacks water and natural oils, making it more prone to redness, itching, and premature aging. Factors like cold weather, hot showers, harsh skincare products, and genetics can worsen dryness.

The good news is that a simple and effective skincare routine can help restore hydration, soothe irritation, and keep your skin looking and feeling healthy.

The Ultimate Skincare Routine for Dry Skin

Step 1: Use a Gentle Cleanser

Cleansing your skin daily should be the first thing you do in the morning and night, but dry skin needs extra care. Opt for a hydrating, non-foaming cleanser that removes dirt and impurities without stripping natural oils. For added moisture, look for ingredients like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and aloe vera.

Tip: Do not wash your face with hot water; it can further dry your skin. Use lukewarm water instead.

Step 2: Exfoliate (but with products that are not too invasive!)

Exfoliating removes dead skin cells; this helps the products you apply penetrate the skin better after this step. However, over-exfoliating can worsen dryness. Stick to a gentle exfoliator with moisturizing ingredients like jojoba oil or shea butter, and if you have dry skin, exfoliate only 1-2 times a week. Daily use is ok if you're using the &SOM Skin Charcoal Face Scrub. (because it is gentle on the skin and doesn't contain any alcohol)

Pro Tip: Avoid harsh scrubs or alcohol-based exfoliants. Instead, opt for mild ingredients like lactic acid or enzyme-based exfoliators. ( like this one :) )

Step 3: Hydrate With a Serum

A hydrating serum is a must-have in a dry skin routine. Serums contain concentrated ingredients that deeply hydrate and repair the skin barrier.

Best Serums for Dry Skin:

• Hyaluronic Acid Serum – Instantly boosts hydration and plumps skin.

• Vitamin C serum helps brighten the skin and even tone out.

• Niacinamide Serum – Strengthens the skin barrier and soothes irritation.

Step 4: Moisturize to Lock in Hydration

Moisturizing is the most important step for dry skin. Choose a rich, nourishing moisturizer with ceramides, shea butter, and glycerin. This helps trap moisture and restore the skin's protective barrier.

Daytime Moisturizer:

• It is a lightweight but hydrating formula.

Nighttime Moisturizer:

• Thicker cream with deep hydration ingredients like shea butter.

• It helps repair the skin overnight.

Step 5: Use Sunscreen Daily

Many people with dry skin skip sunscreen, but UV rays can further dehydrate your skin and cause premature ageing.

Pro Tip: Reapply sunscreen every 2-3 hours outdoors for the best protection.

Step 6: Lip & Hand Care

Dry skin isn't limited to the face—your lips and hands need hydration, too. I suffer from dry lips a lot, and many high-street brands contain nasty ingredients. To moisturize these areas, use a fragrance-free lip balm and a non-greasy hand cream.

Extra Tips to Keep Dry Skin Healthy

1. Avoid Hot Showers

Long, hot showers strip your skin of natural oils, making dryness worse. Stick to 5-10 minute warm showers and apply moisturizer immediately after drying off.

2. Choose Fragrance-Free Products

Whilst they might smell like freshly picked strawberries or sliced cucumbers, fragrances and alcohol-based products can irritate dry skin. Opt for gentle, naturally scented skincare products.

3. Stay Hydrated

Drinking enough water and eating foods rich in healthy fats (like avocados and nuts) helps keep skin hydrated internally.

4. Protect Your Skin in Cold Weather

Wear gloves and scarves to protect your skin from harsh winds. Apply extra moisturizer before heading outdoors.

FAQs About Dry Skin

1. How often should I moisturize dry skin?

Apply a lightweight moisturizer twice daily, morning and night. If your skin feels tight or flaky during the day, apply it as needed.

2. What's the best ingredient for dry skin?

Hyaluronic acid, argan oil, glycerin, Jojoba oil and shea butter boost moisture and repair the skin barrier.

3. Can dry skin be cured?

While you can't completely change your skin type, a tailored routine for your skin controls dryness.

Final Thoughts

I've met so many men who have given up on their skin because they can't find the right solution—looking after your skin doesn't have to be complicated. A simple cleanse, repair, hydrate, and protect routine can keep your skin soft, smooth, and healthy. Stick to hydrating products, avoid harsh cleansers, and moisturize to prevent dryness.

Ready to upgrade your skincare? Try &SOM Skin's hydrating skincare range, designed to nourish and protect dry skin with natural ingredients.