According to the American Academy of Dermatology, well more than half of us (56 percent) have sensitive skin, which is essentially synonymous with dry skin. The reason that dry skin is equated with sensitive skin is because maintaining moisture in the skin from the inside can be very challenging for both skin conditions.

People with dry, sensitive skin typically have to do battle with uncomfortable flare-ups of red, itchy and flakey skin. They also endure skin sensitivity issues like rashes that result in blotchy skin, redness, and burns or stings. These reactions can come as the result of using certain products or the weather. Another cause for severe irritation of the skin is frequently changing skin-care products that have irritating ingredients. Allergies and disease are two other factors that can lead to dry, sensitive skin. 

Some people may find themselves dealing with dry, sensitive skin as a result of using various anti-aging treatments that contain irritating ingredients like spa facials that use chemical peels or micro-abrasions.

Fortunately, there are steps you can take to significantly improve the condition of your skin. All that is needed is to create a skin care routine that will transform your dry, sensitive skin into hydrated, healthy, and smooth skin.

Skin-Care Routine for Dry & Sensitive Skin

Use Hydrating Cleanser for Your Skin

If you have sensitive, dry skin, you will do well by your skin to use a hydrating cleanser every morning and again at night. This should be the initial step in your daily skin-care routine.

By utilizing a hydrating cleanser, you will be infusing your skin with skin-enriching ingredients while also preparing your skin to absorb moisture.  The type of cleanser you opt for and how often you use it will be based upon your sensitivity to products and your skin’s existing moisture levels.

You may want to think about double cleansing your skin, as this will remove all impurities. For a double cleanse, simply use an oil cleanser and follow that up with a cream cleanser to refresh your skin and leave it with a dewy finish.

Exfoliating your skin is a critical component of your daily skin-care regimen.  However, it is advised that you exfoliate just once a week to keep your skin balanced, as this way you will not strip away moisture. You will reap the benefits of having a glowing, vibrant complexion.

Use Toner

If you contend with dry, sensitive skin, then every morning and night, you should follow washing your face with applying a hydrating toner. Toners are among the most vital products in your skin-care regimen and they can be applied with a cotton pad or with your hands in an upward motion.

When searching for the right toner for your skin, seek out a hydrating toner that will assist in sealing in moisture throughout the day. You will also want a toner that is free of alcohol.  Look for helpful ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin, as they both add moisture and lock in hydration.

Use Hydrating Serum

After applying toner, follow this up with using serum on your face. For dry skin, you will want to select a hydrating serum that provides moisture and protects against environmental aggressors such as pollution.

When searching for the ideal serum for your skin, look for the following important ingredients:

Ø  Ceramides:  Ceramides are fats that assist the skin in forming a barrier to retain moisture.

Ø  Vitamin C:  Vitamin C is an antioxidant that helps shield the skin from environmental aggressors, while fostering collagen production. It can also thicken the dermis layer of your skin. 

Ø  Plant Oils and Extracts:  You will find that shea, jojoba, and coconut will assist the skin in forming a barrier to lock in moisture.

Ø  Squalane:  Squalane is a naturally occurring lipid that you find in the skin that helps to hold onto moisture.

Use a Moisturizer

Moisturizers are one of the best assets for your dry skin.  In order to reap maximum benefits from a moisturizer, you will want to apply it both day and night. It is best to use a lighter moisturizer for daytime and a heavier cream at night.

When choosing the right moisturizer for your dry, sensitive skin, search for fortifying, rich ingredients that will deeply penetrate the skin barrier. Your skin will feel smoother, softer, and more plump.

You want to make sure that you look for skin-nourishing ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and ceramides. An effective moisturizer will also contain B vitamins like niacinamide, as this will assist in balancing your skin’s texture.

Use Facial Oil

If you want to boost the amount of hydration in your skin, then apply a facial oil after you’ve applied serum and a moisturizer to your skin. You can apply facial oil in the morning, at night, or both. 

For your facial oil, search for oils infused with antioxidant ingredients such as vitamin C or vitamin E.

Apply Sunscreen

Treating your dry, sensitive skin should always include applying sunscreen on a daily basis. Apply sunscreen on your face every morning, after applying moisturizer or face oil. Having dry skin makes it even more imperative that you apply sunscreen due to the harsh UV rays that have the potential to cause more damage to your skin.

The sun’s rays will make your skin stressed, unbalanced, and drier.

When it comes to selecting the appropriate sunscreen, seek out a lightweight sunscreen that will not clog your pores or bring about breakouts. You will want to find a chemical or mineral sunscreen of, at minimum, SPF 50.

Apply Eye Cream 

Eye cream is a critical component in your skin-care routine, especially if you have dry skin.  Apply a small portion of cream under your eyes and below the brows. Keep in mind that the skin surrounding your eye is one of the most sensitive areas on the body, which is why it warrants extra care.

For eye creams, search for ingredients that will help you avoid dryness, in addition to fatigue and signs of aging.  Your eye cream, similar to other skin-nourishing products, should contain vitamin C, collagen, hyaluronic acid, shea butter, and vitamin B, as these ingredients will assist your skin in restoring and retaining moisture. 

These skin-care habits will do wonders for effectively nourishing your dry, sensitive skin with ingredients that pamper and moisturize your skin, leaving it supple, soft, and smooth.

Agora — The Future of Skincare

Agora has a vision to provide its customers with a quality alternative to skin-care products available on the market today. We set out to deliver high quality skin-care products that provide excellent results while utilizing outstanding customer service. 

Our products utilize unique and potent ingredients that make a revolutionary difference in the quality of skin that our customers enjoy. Our expert Cosmetic Formulation Chemist provides Agora with superior ingredients from around the world to produce the best skin-care products in the industry!  At Agora, we deliver the most effective and results-oriented skin-care treatments to our customers.