The Best Skin Care Products for Dry Skin

Skin Care Products to Relieve Dry Skin

High quality skin care products for dry skin are essential for maintaining healthy skin, no matter the time of year. As someone with sensitive, acne prone skin, the cooler times of year can bring on new struggles with dry skin. Other times, this is brought on not necessarily by weather, but by other beauty routine changes, whether that’s a new acne medication or a type of chemical peel I’ve had. Either way, I’ve developed a tailored skincare routine that works routinely with my sensitive skin to prevent dryness and discomfort. Here, I’m sharing the top skin care products for dry skin, suitable for those of us with sensitive and acne-prone complexions.

Table of Contents:

Understanding Dry and Sensitive Skin

One can have sensitive skin without having dry skin, and vice versa. Having both, though, can make finding effective beauty products difficult. Cold weather can exacerbate these conditions, particularly around the eyes, nose, and mouth. Maintaining a routine with gentle, hydrating products can help fend off dryness from starting, and limit any discomfort that has already appeared.

Top Products to Combat Dryness in Sensitive Skin

Cleansers to Try

For anyone with sensitive skin, a gentle but effective cleanser is an absolute must-have. For this, look for something sulfate and fragrance free. The goal is to pick a cleanser that removes impurities without stripping the skin of beneficial natural oils.

My go-to gentle cleanser is the aptly-named Obagi Gentle Cleanser. Designed for normal to dry skin, this cleanser is super gently yet effective, capable of removing makeup without drying the skin out too much. A little goes a long way, so don’t get scared off by the price point; this cleanser is 100% worth it.

My second choice for a gentle-yet-effective cleanser would be the Indie Lee Brightening Cleanser. I have a full review of this face wash here, and have purchased it myself a number of times. It has a nice jelly consistency that is easy to spread and helps clean sensitive skin without exacerbating any dryness.

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Moisturizers for Sensitive Skin

When it comes to moisturizers for sensitive skin, I find that water-based formulas work best for me. Also called oil-free moisturizers, a water-based moisturizer uses water-attracting humectant ingredients to help hydrate the skin from within, rather than creating a barrier above the skin. For more information on this type of moisturizer, check out my full guide to the water-based formulas here.

That being said, I have a handful of moisturizers that I would recommend for sensitive skin dealing with dryness. Belif’s Cream Aqua Bomb is one of the thickest water based cream options. I had to double check the ingredients to make sure it was a water-based lotion, because it is so rich and thick. It’s a soothing formula that layers well while still providing long-term hydration to sensitized skin.

My second recommendation for a moisturizer in this category would be the Biossance Squalane + Probiotic Gel Moisturizer. As far as skin care products for dry skin, this moisturizer features a robust list of skin care super ingredients, including squalane, which can help protect and revitalize skin.

For a lighter option, I’d recommend checking out the Youth to the People Superfood Air Whip Moisture Cream. It is a lightweight, long-lasting formula that is easy to layer. This formula has always worked well with my sensitive skin. Read my full review of this option here for more details.

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Serums & Skin Care Treatments for Dry Skin

If you are interested in trying something beyond a moisturizer to combat dry skin, I would recommend looking in to a calming and nourishing facial oil. Ideally, go with something that features squalane oil, a non-comedogenic and non-irritating ingredient that both moisturizes and protects the skin barrier. For me, I find Biossance’s Squalane + Vitamin C Rose Firming Oil to be the best option; it’s gentle, nourishing, and always sensitive-skin friendly. For a more affordable option, I would recommend The Ordinary’s Squalane Oil as well.

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Learn more about squalane oil and read up on frequently asked questions about the ingredient here.

General Tips for Dry Winter Skin Care

Beyond your daily beauty routine, there are a few things you can do in your daily life to help prevent dry skin in the cooler months.

First, be sure you are staying hydrated. This seems basic, but it’s really easy to lose track of how much water you are actually drinking a day. Skin care products for dry skin can only do so much if you’re woefully dehydrated.

Second, invest in a good humidifier. Run the humidifier when you’re home to help prevent the dry winter environment from irritating your skin.

Third, get ahead of the problem if dry skin irritation flares up. When you first notice your skin becoming extra sensitized and dry, incorporate higher levels of moisturizer or squalane into your routine. Keep a good lip balm on hand to stop cracked lips when they start. You can try a thicker balm product for spot-treating winter-dried skin, as well. I’ve had good results from this Lucas Papaw Ointment, which is gentle on sensitive skin.

Caring for Dry, Sensitive Skin

Taking care of dry, sensitive skin can seem overwhelming, but you really can just build on your foundational skin care routine to craft a solution that works for you. Keeping on top of your beauty regimen with quality products for dry skin will help, as will being cognizant of environmental stressors and your own hydration levels. Besides these details, be sure to routinely clean your makeup brushes and sponges — a simple chore that is easy to forget about! So, give these products a try and adjust based on your personal skin care journey to find a system that reliably works for you!

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