Dry Skin: What’s Going On and How to Get Your Glow Back
If your skin’s feeling tight, flaky, or just...thirsty, you’re not alone. Dryness can show up year-round (not just in winter), and it messes with everything from texture to glow. The good news? You can hydrate, soothe, and bounce back with the right routine.
What is dry skin?
Dry skin happens when your skin isn’t holding on to enough moisture. It might feel rough, look dull, or even get flaky or itchy. While some people have naturally drier skin, others experience it temporarily due to weather, products, or habits.
What causes dryness?
- Weather: Cold temps, wind, and low humidity can strip your skin’s moisture barrier.
- Overcleansing: Washing your face too often (or with the wrong cleanser) can dehydrate your skin.
- Hot water: Long, steamy showers feel great—but they’re a moisture thief.
- Harsh products: Ingredients like alcohol or high-concentration acids can dry things out.
- Aging: As we age, skin produces less oil and holds less water.
- Medications or conditions: Some medications and skin conditions (like eczema) can contribute.
Ingredients that help hydrate and soothe
Look for these heroes on your product labels:
- Hyaluronic acid – Pulls moisture into the skin (think of it as a sponge)
- Glycerin – Another top-tier humectant that hydrates without clogging
- Ceramides – Help restore and protect your skin’s barrier
- Squalane – A lightweight oil that seals in hydration
- Colloidal oatmeal – Soothes itchy, irritated skin
- Aloe vera – Calms and hydrates, especially for sensitive skin
- Shea butter – Rich and nourishing for very dry or flaky skin
💡 Ready to put these ingredients to work? Take the skin quiz and get top notch recommendations tailored to your skin type and concern.
Tips for managing dry skin
- Use a gentle, non-stripping cleanser (no foaming or fragrance bombs)
- Apply moisturizer while skin is still damp to lock in hydration
- Layer hydrating serums under a richer cream, especially at night
- Skip the hot showers (or at least keep them short!)
- Use a humidifier when indoor air is dry
- Don’t over-exfoliate—once or twice a week is plenty
In-office treatments that can help
If your skin needs a little extra love, consider these professional options:
- Hydrafacial: A gentle treatment that deeply cleanses, exfoliates, and infuses hydration
Downtime: None
Results: Immediate glow and smoother texture - Biorevitalization (like Skinvive): Micro-injections of hyaluronic acid to deeply hydrate from within
Downtime: Minimal swelling or redness for 1–2 days
Results: Plumper, dewier skin over several weeks - LED Light Therapy (Red Light): Stimulates healing and calms inflammation
Downtime: None
Results: Subtle but cumulative improvement in tone and texture - Barrier-repair facials: Focused on rebuilding hydration and soothing sensitivity
Downtime: None
Results: Skin feels calmer, more supple immediately
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Dry Skin
What’s the difference between dry skin and dehydrated skin?
Dry skin lacks oil, while dehydrated skin lacks water. You can have oily skin that’s dehydrated, or dry skin that’s also lacking hydration. Treating both often requires layering moisture and hydration together.
What causes skin to feel dry or tight?
Dryness can be caused by cold weather, harsh cleansers, over-exfoliating, or a damaged skin barrier. Some people also naturally produce less sebum, which leads to a lack of moisture.
What ingredients are best for hydrating dry skin?
Look for humectants like hyaluronic acid and glycerin to draw in water, plus emollients and occlusives like squalane, ceramides, and shea butter to seal it in.
How can I tell if I’ve damaged my skin barrier?
Signs of a compromised barrier include flakiness, redness, sensitivity, or stinging when applying products. A good rule of thumb: if everything burns, your barrier might need a break. Use gentle products for sensitive skin to help protect and repair the skin barrier.
How do I fix dry skin without making it greasy?
Focus on lightweight hydrating layers — like hyaluronic acid followed by a nourishing cream. You don’t need a heavy, oily moisturizer to stay hydrated — just the right mix of humectants and barrier-repair ingredients.
One last thing…
Hydration isn’t just about what you put on your skin. Drink plenty of water, manage stress, and get enough sleep—your skin’s barrier will thank you.
