With the winter months approaching it’s a good idea to develop a skincare routine to tackle your dry skin concerns. We’ve developed a skincare regimen/routine for dry skin using only products by The Ordinary .
What causes dry, flaking skin?
Dry skin has several causes, below are just a few:
- Hot Showers: Hot showers are an excellent way to de-stress and help your muscles relax, but this water can wreak havoc on your skin. Hot water strips the skin of natural oils and moisture it needs to function properly. This can cause dry, red, and flaking skin.
- Aging: Skin dryness becomes a bigger problem as we age. Aging skin produces less oily secretions, coupled with reduced collagen synthesis which contributes to drier, wrinklier skin.
- Over-cleansing: Cleansing your face too often or using harsh soaps can cause dry skin. It’s best practise to wash your face twice a day using a gentle cleanser. Always follow up with a moisturiser.
- Genetics: Dry skin can potentially be inherited, something you have little control over. The best thing you can do in this case is develop good skincare habits to deal with your dry skin to keep it looking at it’s best.
Of course there are many other causes of dry skin, including medical conditions and allergies but the above are some of the most common. Now, let’s get onto the dry skin routine:
The Ordinary Regimen For Dry Skin
We have assembled two routines, one for the AM and the other for the PM. Both of these routines include the most effective products by The Ordinary which seek to minimise skin dryness and hydrate the skin.
Daytime routine
- Squalane Cleanser: Dry skin or not, cleansing is an essential step in any skincare routine. This Squalane cleanser by The Ordinary is effective at achieving a thorough cleanse without overly drying the skin. Squalane is an excellent non-comedogenic oil with several benefits for the skin, including anti-inflammatory and hydrating properties.
- Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5: When it comes to restoring skin moisture, Hyaluronic Acid is the holy grail of all ingredients. Hyaluronic acid can hold 1000x it’s weight in water, this means it’s a fantastic hydrator working to keep your skin supple and soft. Regular use of hyaluronic acid can help combat dry skin and also reverse signs of aging.
- Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA: Moisturising is critical step of any skincare regime. NMF’s work to provide a protective barrier on the outer layer of the skin. Not only will these protect the skin from pollutants and free radical damage, but it also means the skin’s moisture is locked in.
- Mineral UV Filters SPF 30 with Antioxidants: This SPF solution neutralises free radicals, reduces transepidermal water loss and helps the skin stay hydrated for longer.
Night time routine
- Squalane Cleanser: Cleansing twice a day is crucial, this squalane cleanser is effective for both night time and daytime use.
- Lactic Acid 10% + HA: Chemical exfoliation is essential to even out the skin tone and minimise any skin flakiness. Conventional acid treatments such as glycolic acid can often be harsh to dry and sensitive skin. This Lactic Acid 10% Solution by The Ordinary is a mild exfoliant which is excellent for dry and flaky skin, and the addition of Hyaluronic Acid helps to restore lost moisture. Tasmanian pepperberry also works to reduce skin redness and irritation.
- Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5: Hyaluronic acid immediately boosts skin moisture and plumps the skin. Not only will this reduce signs of aging, but it will also combat dryness.
- Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA: Every skincare routine should be followed up with a moisturiser. As described earlier, NMF’s work to provide a protective barrier on the outer layer of the skin, preventing damage and locking in moisture.
- “B” Oil: This blend of non-comedogenic skin oils works to provide extreme skin hydration, enhance radiance and to fight harmful skin radicals. This blend includes squalane, marula, argan and brazil nut oils to promote skin health.
Things to look out for
All of the above products carry low risk of irritation, but as with any new products it’s good practise to carry out a patch test. We’ve written an effective patch testing guide here.
Any questions or comments? Leave them down below 🙂