Skin concerns are one of the most widely researched topics on the internet, which isn’t surprising. Given how many people are suffering from different skin problems and how different dermatologists and skin care experts are expressing their take on the subject, you already have your answer in the palm of your hand—or, in this case, in front of your skincare. For our folks who suffer from sensitive skin, especially the dry type, then you’re in luck because we’ll be sharing with you the best dermatologist-approved solution for your concern.

What’s the science behind sensitive and dry skin?

To sum up the science behind dry skin, it happens because the skin’s natural barrier is compromised, which makes it dehydrated. Because of this, your skin texture becomes rougher and itchy, and it may even have patches sometimes that will make it more reactive to irritants. You use the best face cream for dry skin to combat this concern, but it’s equally important to develop a routine to prevent this from happening again.

What are some of the recommended dry skincare routines approved by dermatologists?

You know what they say: “Prevention is better than cure,” so why wait until you’re suffering from dry skin before creating a well-crafted routine? You can start now by adopting these dermatologist-approved regimens.

Cleanse your skin gently. If there’s a common factor among the many recommendations uploaded on the internet, it’s the fact that gentle cleansing does wonders for your skin. Use a mild and fragrance-free cleanser to remove gunk without stripping off your skin’s natural oil and barrier. 

Moisturize and hydrate your skin. Some active key ingredients that are good for your skin are hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and ceramides, to name a few, that help strengthen the skin barrier and lock in moisture. Speaking of moisture, it’s important to hydrate your skin. We mentioned before how your skin becomes more reactive to irritants once it’s dry, so make sure you moisturize immediately after cleansing and applying your serums.

Apply sunscreen, regardless of the weather. Thankfully, we live in an era where people are taking the time to apply their SPF in the morning every day! Given how harmful the sun’s UV rays are, make sure you reapply every two hours and use SPF 30 or higher for longer exposure. If your skin is pretty sensitive, then use mineral-based sunscreen instead of the regular ones.

Avoid irritants. Before you buy any skincare products, check that they are alcohol-free because that ingredient is too harsh and will dry out your skin. Aside from that, steer clear of harsh soaps and don’t over-exfoliate because it can disrupt the skin’s natural barrier.

Use hydrating masks. As an extra boost to your overall skincare routine, use hydrating sheet masks; some of the helpful ingredients contain aloe, honey, and oatmeal in them.

Consider using humidifiers. Did you know there are several external factors that can make your skin dry? Your environment can be the top contributor to your skin problems, so with that said, try using a humidifier next time to add moisture to the air.

Although all of these are dermatologist-approved, it won’t hurt to drop by your local dermatologist so they can give you a better diagnosis and treatment plan. As always, it’s crucial to hear from them personally about the appropriate products and routine rather than rely on the internet for solutions.