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Dry skin

Dry skin: the routine that works

Dry skin makes less oil than average, so it can feel tight, look dull and flake, especially after washing or in cold weather. A cream or oil cleanser, hyaluronic acid on damp skin, a rich moisturizer with ceramides and a moisturizing sunscreen rebuild hydration and protect the skin barrier.

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Skincare routine

Skincare routine for dry skin

Morning

  1. 1Cream or oil-based cleanser
  2. 2Hydrating toner
  3. 3Hyaluronic acid serum on damp skin
  4. 4Rich moisturizer
  5. 5Moisturizing sunscreen

Evening

  1. 1Oil-based cleanser
  2. 2Gentle exfoliation once or twice a week
  3. 3Hydrating essence or serum
  4. 4Rich night cream
  5. 5A few drops of facial oil as the last step

Key ingredients

Hyaluronic acid
Draws water into the skin; apply it to damp skin and seal it in with moisturizer.
Ceramides
Support the skin barrier that keeps moisture in.
Squalane
A lightweight oil that softens without feeling greasy.
Plant oils (jojoba, argan)
Seal in hydration as the final step at night.

Makeup

Makeup tips for dry skin

  • Prep and prime

    • Moisturize well, then use a hydrating primer.
    • Wait about five minutes so products absorb before foundation.

  • Foundation

    • Choose hydrating, luminous or dewy formulas.
    • Skip matte and powder foundations.

  • Application

    • Pat and press instead of swiping.
    • A drop of facial oil mixed into foundation adds glow.

  • Setting

    • Use very little powder, only where you crease.
    • Finish with a hydrating setting spray.

  • Touch-ups

    • Refresh with a facial mist.
    • Use cream products, not powder, for touch-ups.

General skincare information, not medical advice. Patch test new products, and see a dermatologist for persistent or worrying skin concerns.

How do you know if you have dry skin?

Skin feels tight after washing. You see flaking or rough patches, often around the nose and cheeks. Skin looks dull or fine lines look more obvious. Makeup clings to dry patches.

Questions

Questions people ask

What is the difference between dry and dehydrated skin?

Dry skin is a skin type that makes less oil. Dehydrated skin is a temporary condition where skin lacks water, and any skin type, including oily, can be dehydrated. Hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid help both.

How often should dry skin be exfoliated?

Once or twice a week with a gentle exfoliant is usually enough. Over-exfoliating can damage the skin barrier and make dryness worse.

What foundation is best for dry skin?

Hydrating, dewy or luminous formulas. Apply over moisturizer and a hydrating primer, and keep setting powder to the areas that crease.

Keep exploring

Your skin, your routine

Beautify shows your skin type with a morning and evening routine, plus a skin quality score and seven more beauty scores.

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