My Dry Skincare Routine Recommendations

My Dry Skincare Product + Routine Recommendations

I’m 33 and have been suffering from eczema all my life. Now, I focus my skincare routine on both leveling out the impact of my eczema and preventing advanced aging-related to my dry skin. While I suffer from dry skin all year round, the transition from fall to winter is a great time to revisit your skincare routine.

Thanks to my blog and my freelance writing career, I’ve had the pleasure of trying many more products than the average person. This blog post is a resutl of years of research. This post is for anyone who has dry skin beause of eczema, allergies, rosacea or a reaction to climate changes. Below, I’ve broken down different parts of a typical 7-step skincare routine. I explain why certain products are important for dry skin sufferers like me and how to use the produts.

Exfoliant: With dry or sensitive skin, you may not want to exfoliate as much as other folks, but it’s still an important skincare step. I limit exfoliating to 1-3 times a week. Look for products that moisturize while they exfoliate. Glycolic acid is another great ingredient that will help remove dead cells and encourage skin cell turnover. Exfoliating not only renews your skin, but it helps products sink in more effectively. Try the Mario Badescu Botanical Exfoliating Scrub ($12) and the Shiseido Soft & Cushy Polishing Exfoliator ($34). The latter won the Allure honor for best exfoliators in 2020.

Cleanser: If you have dry skin, then you know the cleaning part of your skincare routine can be the harshest. I’ve discovered cleansing balms are really gentle. They are often even more effective than other water-based cleansers for dry skin. I first tried the Beauty Counter Cleansing Balm ($69) and then the Clinique Cleansing Balm ($31). If I’m lazy, I reach for moisturizing face wipes. Sephora carries several for $8 a pack. I love the Watermelon Hydrating and Cleansing Wipes.

Toner: I used to think that because I had dry skin that I didn’t need toner. I was wrong. Thanks to my skincare friends, I discovered that toners don’t have to dry your skin out. There are many hydrating and calming toners that don’t remove the skin’s natural oils. In fact, using a toner can help reduce your dry skin symptoms because it helps your skin absorb other products like serums and moisturizers. Use it right after you wash your face, so it soaks in better. Let it dry a minute before applying your serums and moisturizers. I love the Mario Badescu Facial Spray with Aloe, Herbs, and Rosewater ($12).

Serum: Serums are a dry skincare routine must. I used to fo straight to moisturizer, but I know better now. Serums are highly concentrated formulas that have active ingredients designed to penetrate our skin. Every serum is different, so look for serums that are made for hydrating your dry skin. Ingredients like Hyaluronic Acid are good for dry skin. I have the Maelove set of three facial serums–a steal at $67. My favorite is the Hydrator, which you can get alone for $27.

Facial Oils: This is always my favorite part of my skincare routine. This is when I feel truly renewed. Facial oils are perfect for people with dry skin. I Iook for facial oils with lots of vitamins and properties like hemp. For a splurge, go straight to the HydroPeptide Moisture Reset Phytonutrient Facial Oil for $134. I’ve never been more satisfied with a moisturizer, and it really lasts. For something more affordable, head to Sephora for the Sunday Riley Juno Superfood Facial Oil for $27.

Eye Cream: The eye area is a growing concern for me as I inch deeper into my 30s. My eczema can really dry out this area, too. For me, eye creams must be rich to make it to the line up of my dry skincare routine. The best product I’ve tried lately has been the Hempathy Refreshing Eye Cream for $27. It is a hemp-cucumber-infused formula that incorporates retinol, peptides, vitamin C, and jojoba. It also helps reverse dark circles and fine lines–so there’s a plus.

Setting Spray: As with toners, I didn’t think a makeup setting spray was right for me. I typically use a tinted mosturizer and limited eye, brow, and cheek makeup. I don’t use any true foundation or powders because they simply cake up or irritate my skin. Either way, I don’t want my makeup disappearing when I do put my back into it. Most of the sprays I had experienced in the past were basically hairspray. I didn’t need or want any extra chemicals o my face. Then, I discovered more natural setting sprays like the Lavender + Aloe Face Tonic and Setting Spray from Rebelle Naturelle based in Richmond, VA. For $10, it smells glorious and feels refreshing every time. Pro tip: if you don’t have setting spray, you can always use your toner according to all my beauty guru pals!