Why Your Skin Feels Dry and What Helps

When your skin is properly hydrated, it feels soft and supple. This is a sign that the middle and upper layers of your skin (the dermis and epidermis) contain adequate moisture. It’s also a sign of a healthy moisture barrier (called the stratum corneum), the protective layer that helps maintain hydration in the skin.

If your skin isn’t well hydrated, you may notice the following signs and symptoms:

• Skin feels tight or uncomfortable
• Itchiness
• Rough texture
• Scaling, flaking, or peeling
• Grayish appearance on dark skin
• Fine lines or cracks in the skin
• Redness or irritation
• Increased skin sensitivity

Dry skin is one of the four skin types, so it’s an inherited condition for many. If dry skin is a recent development or something you struggle with on a seasonal basis, however, it’s important to get down to the core of the issue so you can find an effective solution.

When your skin feels dry, it’s often due to a loss of moisture in the outer layer of skin or a reduced ability to retain moisture in the inner layers. In many cases, however, dry skin can be linked to certain genetic, environmental, or lifestyle causes. Here are some examples:

1. Genetics (Skin Type)

Dermatologists classify skin type based on sebum production, which is significantly influenced by genetics. Normal skin exhibits balanced oil production while oily skin is defined by excessive oil production and dry skin is characterized by low sebum production. Combination skin is oily in some areas (generally the T-zone) and dry in others.

If dry skin has been a longstanding problem for you, it could simply be your skin type. You might just have a lower density of sebaceous (oil-producing) glands in your skin. Choosing skincare products formulated for dry skin can help improve and sustain hydration levels.

2. Aging

Over time, the skin naturally becomes thinner and the sebaceous glands begin to produce less oil which may result in dry skin. Production of collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid also slows, reducing the skin’s ability to retain moisture. According to skincare experts, skin cell turnover starts to slow down in the mid-20s and 30s with visible signs of aging typically appearing in the 40s.

It’s never too early (or too late to be worthwhile) to start taking care of your skin. Making hydration a priority at any point in your skincare journey can make a difference and help prevent the effects of aging from compounding prematurely.

3. Environment

The climate where you live can have an impact on moisture levels in your skin. If you live in a cold climate or an area with low humidity, for example, your skin may be more prone to dryness. Windy conditions can also strip the skin of essential moisture and sun damage can impair the skin’s ability to maintain optimal hydration.

4. Seasonal Changes

No matter where you live, seasonal changes could affect your skin. Transitioning from the warm summer months into a cold winter, for example, could reduce sebum production—especially with prolonged exposure to indoor heating, which tends to reduce humidity.

Even oily skin can get dry in the transition from summer to fall! Anticipating the effects of seasonal change and making appropriate adjustments to your skincare routine can help you protect your skin.

5. Hormonal Fluctuations

Hormone levels and skin health are closely linked, so changes to one can lead to changes in the other. Whereas rising levels of testosterone or progesterone can trigger an increase in sebum production, low levels of estrogen or thyroid hormone can contribute to dry skin. Many women experience dry skin during perimenopause or menopause, and some have temporary dry skin during certain phases of the menstrual cycle.

6. Skincare Habits

In some cases, resolving dry skin is simply a matter of changing your skincare routine. If you’re not moisturizing on a daily basis, it’s a good idea to start. It’s also wise to examine your routine for products or habits that might be stripping your skin of its natural oils—things like frequent bathing in hot water or damaging your skin with harsh soaps or scrubs.

7. Chronic Skin Conditions

People with certain conditions (or those taking certain medications) may be more prone to dry skin. Some conditions that may cause dry skin include atopic dermatitis (eczema), hypothyroidism, psoriasis, diabetes, and nutritional deficiencies. Medications like diuretics, cholesterol drugs, and chemotherapy treatments can also contribute to skin dryness.

When caring for dry skin, it’s important to avoid unnecessary irritation. It’s also important to take a two-pronged approach to moisturization via immediate hydration paired with protection against moisture loss. Here are some tips for choosing skincare products for dry skin:

Look for Hydrating Ingredients

Whether you’re shopping for cleanser, moisturizer, or any other skincare product, it’s crucial to prioritize hydrating ingredients if you have dry skin. Look for humectants like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and vitamin B5 (panthenol) which draw moisture into the skin. To seal in moisture for long-lasting hydration, consider formulas that also contain emollients and occlusives like shea butter, ceramides, squalane, and dimethicone.

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Get next-level hydration with SkinMedica HA5 Hydra Collagen Replenish+ Restore Hydrator or enjoy the moisturizing benefits of a cleanser/moisturizer duo with the Zerafite Smoothing & Calming Creamy Cleanser & Moisturizer Bundle.

Avoid Strong Fragrances and Alcohol

Harsh chemicals and strong fragrances can irritate your skin and damage its protective barrier, leading to increased moisture loss. Dry skin can be more sensitive to fragrance chemicals and drying ingredients like alcohol, so it’s best to avoid them.

Shop the collection of fragrance-free skincare on Exclusive Beauty Club to find your perfect fit for cleanser, toner, serum, moisturizer, and more.

Choose Gentle Exfoliants

To avoid stripping your skin of its natural oils or causing microtears that might exacerbate dryness, choose gentle exfoliants over harsh scrubs. Be careful when applying exfoliant and always follow it up with a hydrating face oil or rich moisturizer. Chemical exfoliants that contain alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) like lactic acid or glycolic acid work well for dry skin.

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Try a chemical peel like Medature Gentle Makeover Peel+ or a dual-action product like SkinMedica AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser.

Opt for Thicker Formulations

When it comes to moisturizer for dry skin, thicker is generally better. Moisturizing creams and ointments help lock in hydration by forming a protective layer on the surface of the skin. To maximize the benefits, apply moisturizer while your skin is still damp from cleansing or toning.

Restore barrier function with an intensive moisturizing cream like Revision Skincare DermProtect Barrier Defense. Or enjoy lasting moisture and additional anti-aging benefits with something like Murad Restorative Hydro-Hyaluronic Moisture Cream.

Figuring out what’s making your skin feel dry is crucial if you want to correct the issue. In some cases, it may be a matter of genetics and the best you can do is prioritize hydration as part of your daily skincare routine. If it’s an issue with your current skincare regimen or the products in it (for example, your moisturizer is expired), shop for replacements at Exclusive Beauty Club.

Not sure where to start? Try our collection of products formulated for dry and dehydrated skin. You’ll find everything from cleansers and toners to serums and moisturizers, all designed to restore and protect your skin’s hydration.

And don’t forget to sign up for free rewards with the Exclusive Beauty Club loyalty program. Earn up to 7 points per dollar spent and receive exclusive benefits like free shopping and free gifts with purchase.