Do you struggle with dry, cracked and irritated skin? I know how you feel. Dry skin is the worst! The feeling of chapped lips and flaky skin is uncomfortable and super frustrating. In today’s post, I’m sharing 10 genius hacks for dry skin. Learn how to prevent, soothe and relieve dry skin all year long!
Living in Wisconsin my entire life, I’ve picked up a few life-changing dry skin hacks that have completely transformed my skin. Say goodbye to flaky, irritated, red and itchy skin and say hello to beautiful, glowing, radiant skin!
I’m sharing all my best skincare secrets with you today that you won’t want to miss. Keep reading to learn 10 hacks for dry skin!
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1. Avoid Toners (and Cleansers) with Alcohol
Toners are great for your skin because they help remove any extra dirt and grime that your cleanser didn’t get and they help to balance out your skin’s pH levels. However, it’s important to note that toners with alcohol or alcohol based products are extremely drying to the skin.
If you have sensitive skin, the alcohol can sometimes be too harsh and irritating, so I recommend using one that is alcohol free. I use Beautycounter’s Countercontrol Instant Matte Toner every night and it’s amazing. Here are a few other great options as well!
2. Use Gentle Cleansers and Soaps
When cleansing your face, you should make sure you’re using a super gentle cleanser that won’t strip your skin of its natural oils. Look for cleansers that are formulated specifically for sensitive skin, non-irritating and sulfate and fragrance free.
I’ll talk more about the importance of using fragrance-free products below. You can also try using micellar water to cleanse your face! I’ll link a few favorites below.
3. Opt for a Thicker Moisturizer
In winter especially, it’s important to use a thicker, more creamy moisturizer to help prevent dry skin. The moisturizer you use in summer is probably thinner and with a more lotion-y texture to it. In winter, you want a moisturizer that is thicker and that will hydrate and protect your skin. A thicker cream is going to lock in moisture and provide more of a barrier to your skin than a thinner lotion would.
I’ve included a few of my favorite winter moisturizers below. My top recommendation is First Aid Beauty’s Ultra Repair Intense Hydration Cream. It’s perfect for sensitive skin, it’s fragrance free, super hydrating, and the amount of product you get in the tub is insane. I’m still not out of it and I used it this entire winter!
4. Increase the Number of Times you Moisturize
As well as switching to a thicker moisturizer, you may also need to increase the number of times you’re moisturizing every day. If you were normally just moisturizing in the morning, try also moisturizing once during the day and at night as well. It’s important to recognize how your skin feels and treat it properly!
Also as an extra tip, you should make sure that you’re applying your moisturizers to damp skin. After you take a shower would be a perfect time to moisturize because it will lock in all the moisture and be more effective.
5. Don’t use Makeup Remover Wipes!
I’m sure there’s a lot of you who use makeup remover wipes because they’re easy and great for on the go. But, they aren’t the best for your skin! A lot of wipes contain alcohol and other ingredients that can dry out your skin. Not to mention, the process of removing your makeup with a makeup wipe can be really irritating.
It’s best to choose cleansing balms or oils, makeup melts or a gentle micellar cleansing water when it comes to removing your makeup.
6. Don’t Take Super Hot Showers or Baths
I know after you come inside after being out in the cold, it feels so good to take a long, hot shower or bath. Stop doing that! You’re doing more harm than good to your skin! Standing or soaking in the hot water is actually stripping away your skin’s natural oils. So, if you’re the type of person who likes to crank the hot water up, try turning down the water temperature or decreasing the time you spend in the hot water.
This also goes for washing dishes and washing your hands. While doing the dishes, try wearing dishwashing gloves or turning down the water temperature a bit!
And, as I mentioned previously, after you step out of the shower, make sure you apply your moisturizer and lotion immediately so your skin can be silky smooth and hydrated!
7. Start Using a Hyaluronic Acid Serum
If you don’t already use a serum that contains hyaluronic acid in your everyday skincare routine, start using one now! Hyaluronic acid has so many benefits for your skin. Which is why I love it and use it year round.
It hydrates, softens, and smoothes your skin. It reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, improves your skin’s elasticity, and soothes dry skin! I currently use Yeouth’s Hyaluronic Acid Plus with Vitamin C and Tripeptide 31 along with their Vitamin C & E Serum with Hyaluronic Acid and Beautycounter’s Countermatch Intense Moisture Serum and they are amazing.
It’s also important to note that you should always follow your serum with a moisturizer to lock in all the moisture!
8. Cover Up When You Go Outside!
Being outside in the super cold, dry air can seriously dry out your skin and cause it to crack. That’s why it’s important to bundle up before you go outside in the winter. I start wearing my hat and gloves in early October because I absolutely hate dry skin!
If you were to see me outside in winter, you probably wouldn’t recognize me because I’m completely covered up. I do this to prevent my skin from turning red and irritated. When you go outside in cold weather, make sure you bundle up!
9. Avoid Products with Fragrance
According to the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, when you see “Fragrance” on the back of a product label, it isn’t just one ingredient, but dozens to hundreds of hidden chemicals that aren’t listed on the product’s label because they are considered “trade secrets” under the 1966 Federal Fair Packaging and Labeling Act. This act allows companies to keep their ingredients hidden, so that another company can’t steal their formula.
However, having fragrance in a product really has no benefits to your skin. For those of you with sensitive skin, it’s especially bad because you are more prone to itchiness, redness, and irritations. So, especially in the winter, when your skin is dry and flaky, it’s best to avoid fragrance all together.
I switched over to fragrance-free skincare products a few years ago and it’s the best thing I’ve done for my skin.
10. Use an Overnight Lip Exfoliant and Lip Balm Every Day!
We can’t forget about the lips! My lips used to get so dry and cracked until I finally started carrying a lip balm with me. I recommend keeping one in your purse, one at work, one in the car and one by your night stand so that you always have a lip balm near you. Then at night, use a lip scrub and lip mask. When you wake up your lips will feel super soft and moisturized!
Other posts you may like:
8 Beauty Secrets For Flawless Skin!
My Nontoxic Morning Skincare Routine
How and Why I Switched to Clean Beauty (and Why You Should Too)!
This post was all about the best hacks for dry skin in winter and how to soothe dry skin at home.
