Real talk–I feel compelled to share my dry skincare routine not only because it’s wintertime and this is when most people’s skin suffers from dryness, but because I learned the hard way which products to use, and I don’t want the same to happen to you!
Thankfully, with help from my dermatologist and esthetician, I found the best dry skincare routine that completely changed everything for me and I’m so excited to spread the word!
The Skin Mistake that Cost Me Years of Breakouts
For years, I had pretty bad cystic acne and it seemed that everything I put on my skin caused it to completely freak out. Because I was on Accutane (an acne medication that basically “shuts down” [overactive] oil glands in your skin), I assumed my skin was oily. Wrong.
There are definitely consequences (so I found out) to treating your skin with the wrong products. Wish I would’ve known sooner!
About a year ago, I started getting regular no-frill facials (quick 30 min bookings) monthly and talking the ear off any esthetician who would listen and try to help me solve my problem. Well, I learned a lot–mainly that I’d been treating my skin with the wrong products FOR YEARS. FOR YEARS, GUYS. EMBARRASSING.
I was treating hormonal acne with acne (read: drying) products which was causing my already dry (psoriasis-inflicted) skin to flake and clog pores, creating more acne.
My dermatologist and esthetician both explained to me how skin works closely with the digestive system and that not only would I have to switch up my skincare routine entirely, but I’d have to work on cleaning up my diet, too.
Using the Right Products
Making the switch to treat my skin with “dry to very dry” skin products has made a world of difference!
Also, acne breakouts tend to stay at a minimum as long as I keep my diet low in dairy and sugar and get the amount of water I need.
Hopefully my skin trials and tribulations can help some of you if you have similar skin to mine (sensitive, very dry, occasional acne)!
Time needed: 15 minutes.
Dry Skincare Routine: Evening
- Remove Makeup
Remove makeup with makeup wipes (I love Garnier Micellar Face Wipes for Sensitive Skin) and then wash my face with micellar water. - Wash Face
Wash face with Cerave Hydrating Cleanser or SheaMoisture African Black Soap Clarifying Facial Wash & Scrub.
I was a true skeptic, but the results I got from the African Black Soap Scrub were enough to shut me up. Also you can get it for $10 at Target, so it’s at a price you won’t feel bad about trying.
Cerave is my daily go-to recommended by my dermatologist. Works perfectly to moisturize just the right amount without being heavy. - Apply Toner
I use either Clinique Clarifying Lotion for dry/extra dry skin or Biore Witch Hazel Toner. I’m a huge advocate for witch hazel–this changed my skin’s texture completely. - Add Serums as Needed
My go-to is TruSkin Tea Tree Clear Skin Super Serum, but I also love Truskin’s hyaluronic acid and vitamin C serums (which brighten & tighten), Paula’s Choice AHA Exfoliant (this is a medicine cabinet staple for me when my skin gets flaky–it’ll fix it overnight), and Lancome’s Genifique Serum. The Clear Skin Super Serum is amazing. Using this just for a few weeks changed my skin’s texture.
Full disclosure, I got hooked on Lancome’s Genifique when it was gifted to me at an event, not because I bought it.
I am more of a mid-range price skincare gal, but I will splurge if it is proven to work and try something if it is cheap but gets rave reviews.
On that note, I recently discovered The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% + Hyaluronic Acid, which you can snag for under $10 at Sephora.
It makes my skin look way younger and is widely considered to be a (way) more affordable dupe to the cult favorite: Sunday Riley Good Genes. - Spritz Rosewater Spray
For some reason this makes a difference in my skin. It calms down the redness, and my skin just looks more “glowy” and overall healthier.
I love Mario Badescu’s version. - Apply Night Moisturizing Cream
I’ve been using Cerave’s night hydrating cream.
I’ve used Cetaphil’s dry skin night cream and it works pretty well. Minimal greasiness in the morning and no breakouts.
Dry Skincare Routine Products
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