7 Dry Skin Care Tips to Follow at Home

Perhaps you’ve always had dry skin, or maybe it’s a skin care concern that comes and goes with the seasons. Either way, no matter how much moisturizer you slather on, you know that dry skin isn’t always the easiest skin care woe to beat. Part of this is that when it comes to dry, dehydrated skin it really can be more about your complete routine and less about the amount of moisturizer you use. Try to think about dealing with skin dryness as something that goes beyond moisturizing; achieving glowing, hydrated skin requires the right cleanser, exfoliation schedule, and more. To get your dry skin care routine in order, try our seven dry skin care tips to do at home. That’s right, while caring for dry skin does go beyond moisturizing, it’s nothing you can’t do at home!

Dry skin care tip #1: Skip foaming or gel-based cleansers

While foaming and gel-based face washes are popular cleansing options, those with dry skin should really opt for more nourishing formulas like cream cleansers. Foaming and gel-based cleansers may strip your dry skin of the natural oil it produces on its own, which can make skin dryness become even more apparent. Try the L’Oréal Paris RevitaLift Radiant Smoothing Cream Cleanser or the L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect Nourishing Cream Cleanser, two of our favorite cream cleansers. 

Dry skin care tip #2: Exfoliate more regularly

Dryness can develop when there is a buildup of dead skin cells on the outer layer of your skin. The solution to this is simple, it’s regular exfoliation. You can slough away dead, dry cells to reveal smoother skin underneath. Not only will this help with dryness, but it can make your complexion more radiant and help your makeup go on smoothly.

As for what qualifies as regular, that will differ for everyone. While some can handle daily exfoliation, others may be better off scrubbing their skin just once a week. Your best bet will be to start off slow and see how your skin reacts. If you have sensitive skin, you’ll likely be able to handle less frequent exfoliation, so keep that in mind. As for what to exfoliate with, two options we love are glycolic acid peel pads and exfoliating face masks. The L’Oréal Paris RevitaLift Bright Reveal Brightening Daily Peel Pads are perfect if you prefer chemical exfoliation, while the L’Oréal Paris Pure-Clay Exfoliate & Refining Face Mask will be better if you’re a fan of mechanical exfoliation.

Dry skin care tip #3: Look for a hydrating face mask

We know you’re busy, but we’re betting you can carve out 10-15 minutes of self-care time a few times a week. Use that time to relax while surging your skin with moisture. All you need to do is smooth on a hydrating face mask, then turn on your favorite podcast, grab a good book, or simply shut your eyes for a few minutes. Pamper yourself pretty!

Dry skin care tip #4: Try a moisturizer formulated to provide long-lasting hydration

Do you keep moisturizing more and more to no avail? Well, you could be approaching the issue wrong. Instead of moisturizing all the time, you may need to use a moisturizer that lasts for more time. Some moisturizing formulas simply don’t last long enough, so try looking for a moisturizer that offers all-day hydration. The L’Oréal Paris Hydra Genius Daily Liquid Care - Normal/Dry Skin and the L’Oréal Paris Hydra Genius Daily Liquid Care - Extra Dry Skin will give your skin hours and hours of intense, continuous hydration. Sign us up!

Dry skin care tip #5: Remove makeup with micellar water

Some makeup remover options contain alcohol and can dry skin out even more. Of course, that doesn’t mean you should be sleeping in your makeup or using regular old bar soap to get your makeup look off at the end of the night. To effectively and gently remove makeup, consider cleansing your skin with micellar water at night. The gentle formula can cleanse and hydrate at the same time. We recommend the L’Oréal Paris Micellar Cleansing Water Complete Cleanser Waterproof - All Skin Types, which removes all makeup—even waterproof mascara.

Dry skin care tip #6: Surge skin with moisture at night

Take advantage of the fact that your skin’s recuperating abilities are at their prime while you’re snoozing by treating your dehydrated skin to extra moisture overnight. Consider applying a night mask—like the L’Oréal Paris RevitaLift Triple Power™ Intensive Overnight Mask—after your regular serums and moisturizer.

Dry skin care tip #7: Add a hydrating face serum to your routine

When you have a dry complexion, it's a good idea to layer your hydration. This means instead of relying only on your moisturizer, you can smooth on other hydrating formulas underneath. Our favorite? A hydrating face serum, like the L’Oréal Paris RevitaLift Derm Intensives 1.5% Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum. This serum is formulated with 1.5% pure hyaluronic acid to enhance skin's moisture-retention for lasting hydration.

Now that you know how to adjust your skin care routine for dry skin, you’ll probably want to update your makeup routine accordingly, too. Here are 9 Makeup Products Everyone with Dry Skin Should Own.