Best Skin Care for Dry Skin 2024

For some, searching for the “best dry skin care” usually happens when they feel the first chill in the air – and while this is also a sign that the holidays are coming, it also starts the countdown to dry, flaky skin.

“Dry skin is often a sign of a damaged skin barrier, which can lead to dry, itchy or flaky skin.” Dr. Mina AminMD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist in Los Angeles. “The most common cause of dry skin is when the skin does not receive enough moisture. This can be caused by many factors, such as aging, weather changes, frequent hand washing, or skin conditions.

Having dry skin means you need completely different products than someone with oily or combination skin. We’re not doctors, so we asked two dermatologists to give us the lowdown on building the best skincare routine for dealing with dry skin.

The best dry skin care products, according to dermatologists

Best face wash for dry skin

Seraphic

Moisturizing facial cleanser

CeraVe is a drugstore staple for good reason, as the brand makes some pretty good skincare products. Double board certified dermatologist Dr. Brendan CampMD, FAAD, recommends CeraVe Moisturizing Facial Cleanser for people looking for a gentle face wash. Although it doesn’t exfoliate, “ingredients like ceramides and hyaluronic acid are in this cleanser to remove dirt, product residue, and grime without damaging the skin’s protective barrier,” he says.

La Roche-Posay

Toleriane Gentle Moisturizing Facial Cleanser

As recommended by Amin, La-Roche Posay’s Toleriane Cleanser contains all the elements needed for a good face wash for dry skin: ceramides retain the skin’s natural moisture and niacinamide soothes and rebalances the skin. It’s also non-foaming, so the cleanser doesn’t overly strip the leather, while still being good at removing dirt, oil, and other debris.

Best exfoliators for dry skin

Youth for the people

Gentle Superfruit Exfoliating Cleanser with Vitamin C + Papaya

Youth to the People Gentle Scrub helps brighten and cleanse skin, all without excessively stripping away the natural oils you want to retain. Use this only three times a week to avoid damaging your skin and making dryness worse.

OSEA

Seaglow resurfacing scrub

If you need the feeling of a physical exfoliant to feel like you’re doing something right, OSEA makes an excellent exfoliant that won’t burn a hole in your face. Fine rice particles and a touch of chemical exfoliant provide just the right amount of exfoliation to leave pores clear and your face overall feeling clean and refreshed.

Best serums for dry skin

SkinCeuticals

Hyaluronic acid polyglycan concentrator

To make sure your skin is able to absorb the extra moisture from your personal care products, you’ll need to introduce hyaluronic acid into your routine. This serum from SkinCeuticals “amplifies the skin’s hyaluronic acid levels to improve hydration and reduce the appearance of fine lines,” according to Camp, so that the additional products you layer on top are able to do their job. Additionally, this serum helps plump the skin for a more youthful appearance.

ordinary

Hyaluronic Acid Serum 2% + B5

The Ordinary’s line of affordable skin care products has become a hit for those looking to step up their skin care game without losing a lot of money. One of their most popular products is the Hyaluronic Acid Serum, which plumps and hydrates the skin even after the first use, providing greater effects after continued use.

The best moisturizers for dry skin

Seraphic

moisturizing cream

This rich, nourishing moisturizer from CeraVe aligns with the brand’s use of ceramides to help keep skin ultra-hydrated. Despite its thick texture, it is not greasy and helps retain skin moisture for up to 24 hours.

Keels

Advanced Repair Barrier Cream for Face

“Key ingredients like colloidal oatmeal and beta-glucan help maintain the integrity of the skin barrier for soft, smooth, healthy-looking skin and reduced irritation and discomfort,” says Camp. This is a great – albeit expensive – option for someone with very dry skin, and a little goes a long way to help prevent dryness.

The best sunscreens for dry skin

La Roche-Posay

Anthelios UV Hydra Sunscreen SPF 50

Not only does this chemical sunscreen protect the skin from UV rays, it also does double duty as a facial moisturizer. The combination of antioxidants and hyaluronic acid helps boost any moisturizer you’re already wearing, and can also be used if you find yourself out of your usual moisturizer.

Eltamed

UV face sunscreen with SPF 46

EltaMD sunscreen is universally loved regardless of skin type. Those with dry skin will love how hydrated their skin feels after applying this product, and because it’s a mineral sunscreen, it’s less likely to cause skin irritation while providing instant sun protection.

The best sheet masks for dry skin

111The skin

Y Theorem Bio Cellulose Facial Mask (5 Pack)

111Skin’s Y Theorem Bio Cellulose Sheet Mask is packed with ingredients that leave your skin more hydrated, less irritated and overall better. Good stuff like vitamin C, amino acids and licorice root come together to help skin repair itself naturally, while soothing irritation and redness for long-lasting results.

Dr. Jart+

Cooling rubber face mask

Requires Dr. Mask. Jart+ Sheet This is a little more work than most other face masks, as you have to apply the serum by hand rather than pre-soaking it, but the work is worth the effort. This mask is packed with hyaluronic acid, which is the secret to hydrated, plump skin, no matter how dry you are.

The best dry skin care routine

The skin care routine for someone with dry skin or even sensitive skin doesn’t look significantly different than for people with other skin types. The foundation is almost the same: cleanse, moisturize, protect and repeat. What changes between skin types is the type of products you will use. Mostly anything will add moisture to the skin (even something that is meant to cleanse) and everything will definitely leave you feeling hydrated, soft and supple.

You did nothing at night except sleep, but your natural facial oils will still build up on your skin, and whatever was on your pillow will also be sticking to your face.

“Those with dry skin may not need to wash their faces with a cleanser twice a day.” Dr. Brendan CampMD, FAAD, is a dual board-certified dermatologist. “Rinsing your face with water in the morning may be enough without putting your skin at risk of severe dryness. Excessive use of cleansers, or ingredients that remove oils like salicylic acid, can strip the skin of oils and leave it dry.

However, if you feel the need to use a full-on cleanser in the morning, Amin recommends using a gentle cleanser in the morning, and opting for something more foaming at night to “remove the sunscreen and allow for a fresh start to your nighttime routine.” “Just be sure to avoid hot water, which can worsen dry skin. Although some skin types can benefit from using a toner after washing, you can skip it if your skin is dry.

Exfoliation is a crucial step in your skincare routine, especially if you have dry skin, because it helps remove excess dead skin cells. The buildup of dead skin cells can lead to pimples, and even dry skin can lead to acne, which is a skin problem that deserves its own routine. When it comes to exfoliation, there are two types: chemical and physical. The former typically involves using acids to penetrate the skin to break down skin cells, while the latter uses a natural exfoliant as an abrasive to manually remove dead skin cells, which you may see as flaking.

People with dry skin may benefit more from chemical exfoliants because abrasion can irritate the skin and cause increased sensitivity. If you’re going to go the physical exfoliation route, just get something gentle, not like the harsh apricot scrub you used when you were an acne-prone teenager. As Camp reiterates: “Use exfoliants sparingly to avoid skin irritation and worsening dryness,” since worsening dry skin can lead to eczema.

After you wash your face, however before If you moisturize your skin, consider using a serum. These are highly concentrated skincare products that give your face an extra boost of everything it needs. “Apply a hydrating serum, such as a hyaluronic acid serum, after washing to improve penetration of hydrating ingredients,” says Camp. You don’t need a lot of serum, usually just a drop or two, to get the full effects, and it really enhances the effectiveness of the rest of the skincare products you follow in your routine.

Dry skin needs moisture, so it makes sense that a moisturizer or face wash is the most important step in your routine. Amin recommends using a “rich moisturizer,” which should contain emollients, buffers, and humectants like hyaluronic acid and glycerin to boost skin’s moisture and plumpness. Anything lightweight, which is usually great for those with oily skin, may not be suitable. Providing the nutrition that dry skin needs, and being fragrance-free is key to avoiding skin irritation.

Anyone with skin, regardless of skin type, should wear sunscreen. Besides harmful UV rays, the sun can dehydrate the skin, worsening dryness. A good sunscreen can be used as a second moisturizer, but no matter what you choose, we’re just glad you’re using SPF. Pro tip: Use sunscreen after moisturizer (this applies to your morning skincare routine) so it acts as an external UV blocker when you’re out in the sun.

Although they’re not necessary, sheet masks provide an extra boost of moisture to the skin and remind you to take a few minutes to sit down and enjoy your self-care routine. Hyaluronic acid is your friend, so look for a sheet mask that puts a bunch of this goodness in your cup, because skin hydration is no joke.