How To Build A Skincare Routine For Dry Skin

If you're prone to dry skin, hunting for skincare products or hacks that reduce flaking and the appearance of cracks is pretty routine for you.  But with every miracle cleanser or moisturizing lotion you test out, your skin soaks up all of the moisture — only to look and feel drier hours later. Per Healthline, your environment, personal hygiene practices and even genetics may be the culprit. 

Implementing a skincare routine to combat your dry skin is important. The longer you put it off, the more irritated your skin will become. Melanie Speed, RN, BSN, CAN, and owner of Flawless Aesthetics told Healthline that there's a chance that your dry skin might eventually get infected if you aren't properly caring for it. "As skin dries, it shrinks and causes cracks, which can get deep, painful, and even start to bleed. Cracks allow germs and bacteria to enter the body, which can potentially lead to a skin infection," she explained.

If you're committed to making changes in your skincare routine but are all out of ideas on where to start, these beauty tips will keep your skin feeling rejuvenated and hydrated for the long haul.

Renée Rouleau, celebrity esthetician and founder of Renée Rouleau Skin Care, told Byrdie that when your skin is cracked, it dries out faster. "Dry skin has a damaged moisture barrier. Your skin has invisible cracks in it and it allows moisture to escape and irritants to get in more easily," she explained. Combat this by strategically adding hydrating products into your skincare routine. Rouleau also advised that you prep your face with a mild cleansing lotion first thing in the morning and before you go to bed. Blank canvas ready, saturate your skin with a pH-balancing toner such as Indie Lee's COQ-10 Toner and vitamin E, A or C infused antioxidant serum like Skin Inc Supplement Bar Vitamin A Serum (via Byrdie). 

Per Cosmopolitan, after you apply your cleanser, toner and serum, target your eye area by investing in eye creams that list caffeine as an ingredient. The caffeine will help reduce the appearance of under-eye bags in a short amount of time. For your night routine, use a lighter eye cream that will work its magic while you sleep. Don't skip out on the sunscreen. Sunscreens infused with vitamin C and ceramides work best on dry skin because they seal in moisture (via Prevention).