Wonder What’s Causing Your Dry Skin? A Moisturizing Mistake Might be to Blame

Moisturizing is one of the most non-negotiable skincare rules to follow. After all, hydrated skin is happy skin. But what happens when your skin continues to feel dry and dehydrated even after you use lotions, creams and other hydrating skincare products? Well, it turns out your product application could actually be causing dry skin.

Applying moisturizer to your body and face may seem easy, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t a technique to it. In addition to applying moisturizer correctly, you also want to be sure that your skin is prepped to receive moisture and you're using products that work for your skin type. Not sure where to start? We connected with Skincare.com consulting dermatologists to determine what not to do.

Dry Skin Mistake: Using a Harsh Cleanser

Even a top-shelf moisturizer can’t save you if you’re using a cleanser that dries out your skin on a regular basis. Many traditional cleansers can strip the skin of vital moisture. If your skin feels tight or squeaky clean after use, chances are you’ve washed away oils and hydration that your skin desperately needs. To avoid this problem, make sure that you’re shopping for a cleanser catered to your skin type. So, if you have dry skin you should reach for more hydrating, nourishing cleansers that can replenish your skin’s moisture. “I like cream cleansers for dry skin,” says Dr. Dhaval Bhanusali, a board-certified dermatologist. Try Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Overnight Hydrating Face Mask with 10.5% Squalane, which can be used as both a cleansing balm and a nourishing overnight mask.

Dry Skin Mistake: Over-Cleansing Your Skin

Although you may want your skin to feel completely clean of all debris, over-cleansing is actually one of the worst mistakes you can make. This is because it disrupts your skin’s microbiome — the microscopic bacteria that make an impact in the way our skin looks and feels. Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Whitney Bowe reveals that washing the skin too frequently is actually the number one skincare mistake she sees amongst her patients. “Any time that your skin feels really tight, dry and squeaky clean after cleansing, it probably means that you’re killing off some of your good bugs,” she says. Instead of cleansing morning and night, try misting your face, rinsing with water or applying a toner before you moisturize in the morning. 

Dry Skin Mistake: Not Moisturizing Damp Skin

Fact: There is a right time to moisturize, and it happens to be when your skin is still damp, either from washing your face or using other skincare products like toner and serums. “Your skin has the most moisture when it’s wet, and moisturizers work best when skin is already hydrated,” explains board-certified dermatologist and cosmetic surgeon Dr. Michael Kaminer. Dr. Kaminer adds that after you shower, water evaporates off your skin, which can leave it feeling more dry. Post-shower or bath, pat your skin dry and immediately reach for a body lotion of your choice. We're a fan of lightweight lotions in the warmer months and creamy body butters all winter. 

Dry Skin Mistake: Using the Wrong Moisturizer for Your Skin Type

Whenever you add a new skincare product to your routine, you should always use one that's been formulated for your specific skin type. If you have dry skin and are using a moisturizer that is formulated for oily or blemish-prone skin, chances are your skin won’t respond in the way you'd like it to. You’ll also want to make sure you look at the product label for key hydrating ingredients, such as ceramides, glycerin and hyaluronic acid. For maximum moisture, we recommend Youth to the People Adaptogen Deep Moisture Cream. Formulated with peptides, squalane, shea butter and plant extracts, it deeply hydrates and provides anti-aging benefits. If you want to replenish your skin with oils, try Momotaro Apotheca Body Oil, which has a combination of argan, jojoba and sweet almond oils.

Dry Skin Mistake: Skipping Out on Exfoliation

Gentle exfoliation is a necessary part of your weekly skincare routine. You can choose between chemical exfoliators formulated with acids or enzymes, or physical exfoliators, like scrubs and dry brushes. If you skip out on exfoliating, it can cause dead skin cells to build up on the surface of your skin and make it difficult for your lotions and moisturizers to do their jobs. 

Chemical exfoliants are typically less abrasive to the skin than physical scrubs, which is why we recommend using L'Oréal Paris Revitalift Derm Intensives 5% Glycolic Acid Peeling Toner one to two times a week. It contains soothing aloe vera and glycolic acid to gently exfoliate and help fade dark spots.

Dry Skin Mistake: Confusing Dehydrated Skin for Dry Skin

Another reason why your skin might still feel dry post-moisturizer is because it’s dehydrated. Although the terms sound similar, dry skin and dehydrated skin are actually two different things — dry skin lacks oil and dehydrated skin lacks water. 

“Dehydrated skin can be the result of not drinking enough water or liquids, as well as using irritating or drying products that can strip the skin of its moisture,” explains board-certified dermatologist Dr. Dendy Engelman. “Look for skincare products that boast hydrating ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, and keep your body hydrated by drinking the recommended amount of water.” We also recommend purchasing a humidifier, which can help add moisture to the air in your home and help keep your skin hydrated.

Dry Skin Mistake: Applying Lotion the Wrong Way

If you're regularly exfoliating, using skincare products that have been formulated for your skin type and applying your lotions and creams immediately after cleansing but you still feel dry, it may be the technique you're using to apply your moisturizer. Instead of haphazardly swiping — or worse, aggressively rubbing — moisturizer on your skin, try a gentle, upwards massage. This esthetician-approved technique can help you avoid tugging or pulling at the delicate parts of your face, like your eye contour.

How to Moisturize Dry Skin the Right Way

Prep Your Skin for Moisture With a Toner

After cleansing and before applying moisturizer, be sure to prep your skin with a toner. Toners can help remove any excess dirt and impurities left over after cleansing and balance your skin’s pH levels.

One of our favorites is the CeraVe Hydrating Toner, which is specifically formulated for normal to dry skin and contains hyaluronic acid, niacinamide and ceramides. 

Use a Serum Before Moisturizing

Serums can give you a boost of moisture and simultaneously target other skin concerns such as signs of aging, acne and discoloration. We recommend opting for a hydrating serum like the Garnier Green Labs Hyalu-Aloe Super Hydrating Serum Gel. For the skin on your body, consider layering a cream and a body oil to lock in moisture.

For Extra Moisture, Try a Hydrating Overnight Mask

Overnight masks can help hydrate and replenish the skin during its regeneration process — which happens while you’re asleep — and leave the skin looking and feeling soft, smooth and hydrated come morning. We’re big fans of the Vichy Aqualia Thermal Night Spa and the IT Cosmetics Confidence in Your Beauty Sleep Night Cream.

Photo: Chaunte Vaughn

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