Dry skin

Dry skin doesn't just need more cream. It needs a routine that understands how it works.

Dry skin often arises from two combined mechanisms: reduced sebum production, which leaves the skin less protected, and a weakened skin barrier, which is unable to retain water in its deeper layers. The result is skin that feels tight, appears dull, flakes, and is more susceptible to external aggressors.

In Korean and Japanese skincare, the approach to dry skin is based on layered hydration and ingredients that strengthen the skin barrier : not only do you add water, you help the skin retain it. Ingredients such as ceramides , hyaluronic acid , panthenol , and emollients work together to restore comfort, softness, and elasticity to the skin.

 
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  • sensation of tight skin, especially after cleansing or exposure to cold
  • rough or soft texture to the touch
  • flaking or small flakes of skin, even without using exfoliants
  • dull or grayish complexion
  • redness or discomfort in response to new products or weather conditions
  • makeup that tends to accentuate fine lines rather than covering them
  • Ceramides: These are natural components of the skin barrier—lipids that hold skin cells together and reduce water loss. Supplementing them with skincare helps restore the barrier function and make skin less dry and reactive over time.
  • Hyaluronic Acid: A humectant molecule that attracts and retains water in the surface layers of the skin. It exists in forms with different molecular weights: low-weight forms penetrate deeper, while high-weight forms act more superficially. Often, the best formulas combine both.
  • Panthenol (Pro-vitamin B5): Hydrates, soothes, and supports the skin's barrier function. It is one of the safest and most well-tolerated ingredients, effective both in cases of intense dryness and in daily routines.
  • Emollient ingredients (vegetable oils, butters, squalane): They help nourish the skin and reduce the feeling of roughness. Squalane in particular is light, non-comedogenic, and also suitable for dry skin that doesn't like a heavy texture.
  • Rice extracts: Widely used in J-Beauty to improve the softness and radiance of dry skin. Fermented rice is one of the most traditional ingredients in Japanese skincare.

The routine for dry skin follows a simple principle: layer hydration from lightest to heaviest , to maximize water retention in the skin.

  1. Gentle cleanser, preferably creamy or oil-based: Harsh foaming cleansers strip away the skin's natural lipids, worsening dryness.
  2. Toner or moisturizing essence: First layer of hydration to be applied on the still slightly damp skin
  3. Hydrating serum: Hyaluronic acid or panthenol in a light texture to provide hydration before the cream
  4. Nourishing cream: The most important step. A cream rich in ceramides, emollients, and lipids seals in the moisture of the previous layers.
  5. Oil or balm (optional, evening): For very dry skin, an oil or balm applied over your evening cream adds an extra layer of protection overnight.

6. Sunscreen every morning — It's best to choose formulas with creamy textures that hydrate while protecting.

  • Dry skin is a type of skin: it structurally produces less sebum and tends to become chronically dry. It needs lipids, ceramides, oils, and emollients to compensate for what it doesn't produce naturally.
  • Dehydrated skin, on the other hand, is a temporary condition that can affect any skin type, even oily skin. It manifests itself with a lack of water in the surface layers, tightness, more visible fine lines, and a dull complexion, but not with a lack of sebum.

Understanding the difference helps to choose the right products: dry skin needs lipids and humectants, dehydrated skin mainly humectants and barrier

  • Switch to a richer cream in the colder months, even if you use a lighter texture in the summer
  • Add an oil over your evening cream for a more intense occlusive effect
  • Don't overdo it with hot water when cleansing, very hot water removes the skin's natural lipids.
  • Use a humidifier in your home if the air is very dry from heating
  • Don't skip sunscreen, cold and wind stress the skin and make it more vulnerable to UV damage.
  • Does dry skin need exfoliation? Yes, but gently and infrequently. It's best to opt for enzymatic exfoliants or acids like lactic acid, which are gentler than mechanical scrubs and suitable for even the most sensitive skin. Once a week is sufficient.
  • Are facial oils suitable for dry skin? Yes, very much so. Vegetable oils like jojoba, argan, rosehip, and squalane help nourish the skin and reduce the feeling of dryness. They're best used in the evening, applied over your serum and before or mixed with your cream.
  • Can dry skin become sensitive? Yes. When the skin barrier is compromised, the skin loses its ability to protect itself from external agents and can become more reactive. In these cases, it's helpful to prioritize barrier ingredients, ceramides, and panthenol before introducing more intense active ingredients.
  • Why is my skin dry but also prone to blemishes? Dry skin can lead to blemishes, especially if you use products that are too heavy or occlusive. In this case, it's best to choose non-comedogenic emollients like squalane and textures that nourish without clogging pores.