Hydration & Dry Skin Concerns FAQs

It's helpful to understand your skin type, as this means you can choose skincare tailored to your needs more easily. Book a virtual consultation with one of our skincare pros if you need help defining your skin type. Find out more about dry skin in the answers below.

What is dry skin?

Dry skin is a skin type that is lacking in oil and is often characterised by rough skin texture and dry fine lines. Dry skin produces less sebum than normal or oily skin.

What causes dry skin?

While there are a wide range of causes of dry skin, some of the most common include ageing, extreme cold and heat, poor nutrition, environmental pollution and UV exposure. These factors may cause skin to feel tight or taut and appear dull or tired-looking.

What are the signs of dry skin?

Dry skin often looks dull or tired and has a rough skin texture. Dry skin may also experience flaking, scaling, and have dry lines. If your skin feels tight or taut, you likely have dry skin that could benefit from a nourishing skincare routine.

How do you care for dry skin?

Care for dry skin by looking for nourishing formulas that help replenish skin's moisture balance. In addition to starting a skincare routine for dry skin, eat nutritious foods, get enough sleep, and help protect skin from external aggressors like UV rays and pollution to help skin look hydrated and healthy-looking.

What skincare routine should you use for dry skin?

If you have dry skin, cleanse with a gentle, low-foaming cleanser followed by an alcohol-free toner. Dry skin may benefit from a hydrating serum or facial oil in addition to a rich cream or facial balm. A daily sunscreen is a must to help protect from UV rays which can damage skin. You can also use a nourishing mask several times a week to give dry skin a boost of hydration.

Why is my skin so dry?

Environmental factors such as sudden temperature and humidity changes can cause skin to become dry and uncomfortable. Washing skin in water that's too hot will also lead to dry skin, and this includes having long, hot showers. Sometimes overly harsh products can strip skin of natural oils, leaving it depleted and dry. We recommend our bestselling moisturiser Ultra Facial Cream to help repair dry skin.

How to treat dry skin on the face

A consistent daily skincare routine will help to combat dry skin. Always cleanse with a gentle product such as Ultra Facial Cleanser and use lukewarm water, never drying hot water. Choose a hydrating serum, such as Vital Skin-Strengthening Hyaluronic Acid Super Serum and layer on a moisturiser, we recommend Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream.