The Ultimate Hydrating Skincare Routine for Dull, Flaky Skin

Has your skin ever felt tight, rough, and flaky? Maybe those cracks are highlighting your fine lines? If so, welcome to the world of dehydrated skin. Something  7 out of 10 Aussies deal with at some point in their life. And here’s the kicker: piling on moisturizer isn’t going to cut it. You need a hydrating skincare routine to reverse that Sahara situation on your face.

Keep reading if you want that youthful, dewy, and radiant skin back.

Key Takeaways:

• The core steps in a hydrating skincare routine are: cleanse, tone, target dryness, treat under-eye, moisturize, and protect from the sun.
• Dehydrated skin lacks enough water and feels rough, dry, flaky, and itchy.
• Dehydrated skin is a condition that can be improved, whereas dry skin is a genetic skin type.
• Healthy skin requires both hydration (water in skin) and moisture (oil barrier on the skin).
• Skincare ingredients that promote hydrated skin are: hyaluronic acid, ceramide, urea, niacinamide, etc.
• Beyond daily skin routine, weekly, monthly, and seasonal adjustments are also necessary.

How Do Derms Define Dehydrated Skin?

By definition, dehydrated skin lacks sufficient water. It means your skin is losing more water than it is taking in.

Our skin contains 30 percent water. And, this water content plays a role in making your skin soft and plump. So, to protect those tiny water molecules from escaping, the outer layer of your skin forms a barrier.

When this protective barrier is compromised, a process called TEWL (trans epidermal water loss) speeds up. As a result, the water starts to escape from your skin faster than it can be replaced. Thus, leaving you with dull, dehydrated skin. A skin thirsty for water.

This water loss can occur due to a mix of external and internal factors, like

• Damaged Skin Barrier
• Genetics
• Seasonal changes
• Age
• Lifestyle factors like excessive alcohol and caffeine consumption

Dehydrated Vs Dry Skin: Is There Any Difference?

According to a board-certified dermatologist interviewed by Byrdie, there is a difference between dry and dehydrated skin.

• Dry skin is one of the common skin types, similar to sensitive or oily skin. It is permanent and something you’re born with. Dry skin naturally produces less oil (sebum). And that oil is essential for forming a protective layer on the skin and preventing water loss.
• Dehydration, on the other hand, is a temporary condition. It occurs when your skin doesn’t have sufficient water in the outermost layer. Dehydrated skin lacks water content but can still produce sebum.

Hydration vs Moisture: What Does Your Skin Need?

So what does dry, dehydrated skin need to regain its glow and softness? Hydration, moisture, or both? Let’s find out.

Hydration

Hydration is basically how much water your skin can hold onto. Well-hydrated skin cells would appear plump like a grape. When that water starts leaking into the environment, your skin becomes dehydrated. A dehydrated skin cell appears shrivelled and rough like a raisin.

Moisture

Unlike hydration, moisture is not about water levels within the skin cells. It refers to the ingredients that form a protective oil barrier above the skin surface to lock in the hydration.

Does Your Skin Need Both?

Absolutely yes. Hydration and moisture work in a partnership. Hydration supplies water to your skin while moisture shields it from escaping. Without one, the other won’t work as effectively.

That is why an effective skincare routine for dehydrated skin should include both.

What ingredients to look for in a Hydrating Skincare Routine?

To build a hydrating routine for your flaky, dull skin, look out for the following ingredients:

Hyaluronic Acid

Hyaluronic acid is considered a gold standard when it comes to skin hydration. This star ingredient pulls water from the air into deeper layers of your skin.

Ceramides

Ceramides are naturally occurring fats that strengthen your skin barrier. They prevent water loss and maintain the skin’s hydration level.

Niacinamide

Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3 that stimulates ceramide production in your skin. It also calms the itchy, red, inflamed skin. So, niacinamide is a must-have in your hydrating skincare routine.

Glycerin

Glycerin, again, boosts skin hydration by acting as a magnet for water.

Urea

Urea is one of the key elements in your skin’s natural moisturizing factor (NMF). It is a natural humectant that hydrates your skin and gives it a supple radiance.

Squalane

Squalane closely resembles your skin’s natural oil (sebum). When applied to the skin, it helps seal moisture and keeps skin supple.

Panthenol

Panthenol (Vitamin B5) is a hydrating hero that keeps skin supple.

Dimethicone

Dimethicone is used in skincare products due to its emollient and occlusive properties. It locks in hydration and improves skin texture.

Despite common myths, dimethicone is considered safe, non-comedogenic, and hypoallergenic. It does not suffocate skin and dermatologists approve its use in skincare.

Here is a tip: If you have sensitive, acne-prone skin, always do a patch test before using products that contain silicones.

Stepwise Hydrating Skincare Routine: Morning

Step 1: Gentle Cleanser

If your skin is dry, start with a cream cleanser. They are formulated with hydrating ingredients to provide extra moisture. Cream cleanser effectively removes dirt and makeup without disrupting your skin’s moisture barrier.

Skip anything with foamy, harsh surfactants. They would only seep natural oil from your skin and worsen dehydration.

Best Cleanser Options

1. Best Budget: Good Molecules Hydrating Facial Cleansing Gel
   $11.99 at Amazon
2. Best Drugstore: CeraVe Hydrating Cream To Foam Cleanser
   $15 at Amazon

Quick Product Comparison

Step 2: Soothing Toner

Follow up your cleanse with a toner. It will remove any impurities that the cleanser might have left behind. And it’ll also prepare your skin for the later steps of your skincare routine.

Make sure to choose an alcohol free hydrating toner. Toners containing hyaluronic acid work best for dry, dehydrated skin.

Best Toner Options

1. Best hydrating: Byoma Hydrating Milky Toner
   $15 at Amazon
2. Best for sensitive dehydrated skin: haruharu wonder Black Rice Hyaluronic Unscented Toner
   $12 at Amazon

Quick Product Comparison

Step 3: Hydrating Serum:

A serum is a concentrated skincare product that targets a specific skin concern. Face serums are usually applied after toning and before moisturizer.

Lack of hydration is the main concern for dull, dehydrated skin. So it’s better to choose a serum with ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and glycerin, etc. Such serums will deeply hydrate your skin and restore its moisture balance.

Best Serum Option

1. Best Plumping: Paula’s Choice Hyaluronic Acid Booster
   $31 at Paula’s choice
2. Best for deep hydration: Indeed Labs Hydraluron Moisture Boosting Face Serum
   $17 at Amazon

Quick Product Comparison

Step 4: Eye Cream

Follow up with an eye cream with hydrating and barrier-repairing properties.

Why?

The skin around the eyes is the most delicate part of your entire body. It is more sensitive to environmental stressors like the sun and pollutants. This makes the eye area more prone to dryness, wrinkles, puffiness, and dark circles.

So, a nourishing eye treatment is crucial.

Best Eye Cream Options

1. Best anti-aging: Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Retinol Eye Cream
   $22 at Amazon
2. Best Hydrating: BIOSSANCE Squalane and Marine Algae Eye Cream
   $56 at Amazon

Quick Product Comparison

Step 5: Rich Moisturizer

The next step is to seal all that hydration with a good moisturizer.

Go for a moisturizer with a nice blend of occlusives, emollients, and humectants if you have dry, cracked skin. Massage a generous amount on the face and neck for optimal benefits. This step is essential for locking in the serum benefits and moisture retention throughout the day.

Best Moisturizer Options

1. Best rich formula: CeraVe Moisturizing Cream
   $18 at Amazon
2. Best Lightweight formula: La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer
   $26 at Ulta

Quick Product Comparison

Step 6: Daily SPF

Applying sunscreen is the last step of any skincare routine, especially for dry skin. It protects from harsh UV rays that could further damage dehydrated skin.

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, a sunscreen should be

• Broad spectrum
• SPF 30 or higher
• Water resistant for 40-80 minutes

Specifically talking about flaky, parched, pick a lotion or cream sunscreen. Look out for hydrating ingredients. Lastly, avoid the ones with alcohol or harsh chemicals, as they could further dry out your skin.

Best SPF Options

1. Best for dull skin: Kate Somerville Hydrakate Illuminating SPF 50+ Drops
   $46 at Amazon
2. Best for hydration: Tower 28 SOS FaceGuard SPF 30 Sunscreen
   $32 at Sephora

Quick Product Comparison

Extra Steps for Nighttime Hydrating Skincare Routine

Makeup Remover

Your Hydrating skincare routine at night should begin with wiping off the makeup. Rubbing and scrubbing waterproof makeup can damage your skin barrier.

And using alcohol based fragrant wipes is a big no if your skin is dry.

Cleansing balms work best for flaky and rough skin. These are oil-based cleansers that gently dissolve the makeup without drying out your skin.

You can also try micellar water with hydrating ingredients to melt away that stubborn makeup.

No matter which cleanser you use, always read the instructions on the label for best results.

After removing makeup, follow up with a water-based cleanser for a double cleanse. It ensures that you do not have any of the nasty impurities remaining.

Then, apply your usual toner, serum, and eye cream.

Best Makeup Remover Options

1. Best for heavy makeup: BANILA CO Clean it Zero Nourishing Cleansing Balm
   $22 at Amazon
2. Best for sensitive and dehydrated skin: Bioderma HydraBio H2O Miceller Water
   $14 at Amazon

Quick Product Comparison

Barrier-Repair Night Cream

The last step is to seal all the goodies with a moisturizer.

Our skin repairs itself while we sleep. It recovers the cells from the environmental damage of the day. Also, the skin barrier is not fighting any external stressors and is more relaxed at night.

So, night is a great time to support the skin’s natural renewal process. And you can do this by using an emollient-rich hydrating night cream if you have dry skin. It will not only strengthen your barrier but also provide a boost of hydration while you snooze.

Best Night Cream Options

1. Best nourishing: Rhode Barrier Butter
   $36 at Rhode
2. Best for improving skin tone and texture: No7 Future Renew Damage Reversal Night Cream
   $22 at Amazon

Quick Product Comparison

Weekly Beauty Regime For Skin Hydration

A daily hydrating skincare routine is an absolute must. But environmental factors and dead skin buildup call for a deeper weekly reset. Here are the following things you can do weekly to maintain a dewy, youthful look.

Overnight Masks

If you want to make the most out of your beauty sleep, use a hydrating overnight face mask. These masks carry a higher concentration of actives than your regular moisturizer. So they can make your skin plumper, softer, and bouncier while you sleep.

Just apply the mask as the last step of your nighttime routine and hit the bed. No need to rinse off. You will wake up with the dewy skin of your dreams. You can use them 2-3 times a week if you have severely dehydrated skin.

Here is a tip: Be very careful with night masks if you have acne-prone or sensitive skin. Always read the ingredients and perform a patch test before using.

Exfoliation

Exfoliation can make a huge difference for flaky, dehydrated skin. It clears away the dead cells and encourages cell turnover.

But exfoliation can also damage the skin barrier if done wrong. Using physical exfoliators, especially harsh scrubs, on dry skin can further irritate it.

I recommend using a gentle chemical exfoliator 1-2 times a week to restore smoother and youthful skin. Go for alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) with hydrating and barrier-repairing properties for exfoliating dry skin.

DIY Face Masks

Ever thought of raiding your kitchen for that weekly beauty ritual?

You actually can. You can whip up fresh hydrating ingredients like aloe, honey, and yogurt into a concoction for that extra moisture surge.

And the good news? Derms back up the effectiveness of some homemade face masks, too.

But here is the catch. Not everything edible can be put on your face. Figure out your skin type, thoroughly research ingredients, patch test, and then enjoy the homemade glow.

Monthly Hydrating Skincare Routine

A good hydrating skincare routine keeps your skin glowy and fresh. But monthly check-ins are important to see the bigger picture and make necessary changes.

Check Expiry Dates

No hydrating skincare products will work for you if they are expired. So, make it a monthly habit to check the expiry dates of your serums, cleansers, and moisturizers.

Examine Your Skin

Skincare might sound like a fancy hobby to some. But it is so much more than that if you understand. It is not just about trying out viral products and popular remedies.

Believe it or not, your skin is the largest organ you have. And, it deserves some serious care. So, it is smart to give your skin a quick check every month. Be on the lookout for moles, spots, or any unusual changes. And, if there are any, consult a dermatologist.

Review your Hydrating Routine

Even the best hydrating skincare routine needs occasional refresh. Think about it. Your skin doesn’t feel the same when you travel or when the season changes.

So, every month, reassess your products and check what is still working and what needs a swap. This way, you will be able to maintain a consistent dewy, hydrated look.

Deep Hydrating Facials

While a daily skincare routine is a must, the advanced monthly facials can do wonders for dry, dehydrated skin. These will exfoliate, hydrate, rejuvenate, and brighten your skin all at once.

So, if your skin is severely parched and nothing seems to work, it might be worth booking an in-clinic professional hydrating treatment.

Seasonal Skincare Tips For Hydrated Skin

The climate changes all year round. We can’t control that. But we can surely adjust our skincare routine.

Here are a few tips that could come in handy when you are trying to adapt to weather changes.

Summer Skincare Tips

• Drink plenty of water to combat dehydration.
• Add food packed with vitamins and antioxidants to your diet.
• Wear sunscreen religiously to prevent damage from harsh UV rays.
• Staying in air-conditioned rooms can further dry out your skin. So, use a humidifier indoors.
• Don’t skip moisturizer. Go for a lightweight moisturizer as a part of your hydrating skincare routine in summer.

 Winter Skincare Tips

• Choose a mild, creamy cleanser in dry, colder months.
• Use a rich moisturizer for prolonged moisture retention. Put it on right after a shower on a slightly wet face to lock in maximum hydration.
• Long hot showers feel great, I know, but they can dry out your skin. So, limit them.
• Use hydrating balms to avoid dry, chapped lips in winter.
• The heating systems indoors lower the moisture level. So use a humidifier inside the house.
• Daily SPF is as important in winter as in summer.

Common Skincare Mistakes To Avoid For Hydrated Skin

While you might be doing everything right, some skincare slip-ups can undermine all your efforts. The following are a few skincare mistakes to avoid for that effortless, hydrated glow.

1. Overexfoliation: Excessive exfoliation or harsh scrubbing can damage the skin barrier. And this is the last thing you want if you already have dehydrated skin.
2. Sleeping with makeup on: Trust me, leaving makeup overnight can wreak havoc on your skin. It can block your pores, causing breakouts and a dull complexion.
3. Overwashing: Cleansing your face too much can backfire by removing natural oils from your skin. A gentle wash twice a day is sufficient for flaky, dry skin.
4. Being inconsistent: Never be impatient with skincare. Skipping steps and switching products too often can lead to delayed or no results at all.
5. Layering products in the wrong order: Always start with the lighter products and then move to heavier ones. Layering the products in the wrong order can cut down their benefits.
6. Lifestyle: Poor lifestyle choices show up on your face. Improper sleep, an imbalanced diet, and stress can lead to dull, aged skin.

Wrap Up

An effective hydrating skincare routine will not only make your face dewy on the outside but also strengthen your skin barrier at a deeper level. You only need to find the right products and give them time to work.

Avoid over-exfoliating, long hot showers, and alcohol-based products that can undo your progress.

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