Dry skin can feel tight, flaky, or dull, and often needs a routine that supports both hydration and comfort. The good news is that building an effective regimen doesn’t have to be complicated with The Ordinary. With a few thoughtful steps, you can support your skin’s hydration and create a routine that feels both effective and approachable.
Below is a simple guide that helps dry skin feel replenished, along with The Ordinary recommendations you can explore at each stage.
1. Start With a Gentle, Hydrating Cleanse.
Cleansing should remove impurities without leaving skin feeling stripped. A hydrating cleanse creates a soft, comfortable base for the rest of your routine and helps reduce the tight-feeling discomfort that often comes with dry skin.
Squalane Cleanser effectively cleanses the skin by removing makeup, dirt, and impurities while supporting the skin’s moisture barrier through hydration.
2. Add Multi-Layer Hydration to Replenish Moisture.
Dry or dehydrated skin often benefits from hydration at multiple levels of the skin’s surface. Layering hydration early in your regimen helps restore comfort and prepare your skin for moisturizer.
The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (with Ceramides) enhances hydration, barrier support, and helps skin feel smoother. This hyaluronic acid serum combines 5 types of hyaluronic acid that work together to hydrate the surface of the skin at multiple levels, re-plumping dry, dehydrated areas and improving suppleness. This serum absorbs quickly and dries to a non-tacky finish, making it suitable for layering with other skincare products.
3. Seal In Hydration With a Nourishing, Barrier-Supporting Moisturizer.
Moisturizers help keep the surface of the skin feeling comfortable. Dry skin often needs long-lasting hydration and support for the skin barrier.
The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + PhytoCeramides is our most nourishing moisturizer, formulated with nearly 4 times more moisturizing emollients and 2 times more humectants than our Natural Moisturising Factors + HA. We formulated The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + PhytoCeramides to hydrate and reinforce the skin barrier.
The combination of natural moisturizing factors and plant-derived PhytoCeramides helps give your skin a plump and healthy appearance. This rich and replenishing cream immediately boosts skin hydration by 68 percent,* helps strengthen the skin barrier, and offers all-day hydration, making it ideal for dry skin.
*Clinical testing on 30 people after a single application.
- Tip: A richer texture can help cushion dry skin and maintain comfort throughout the day.
- Add Targeted Support When Needed.
Dry skin can sometimes experience visible dryness or uneven texture. A targeted treatment can help support comfort when your skin needs something extra. Think of this step as optional care that you can use depending on how your skin feels on any given day.
100% Plant-Derived Squalane is a fast-absorbing oil-like serum for enhanced hydration. Squalane is an exceptional hydrator found naturally in the skin, and this formula uses 100% plant-derived squalane derived from sugar cane for a non-comedogenic solution that enhances surface-level hydration.
4. Stay Consistent With Your Regimen.
Dry skin responds well to consistency. A morning and evening regimen can help maintain hydration levels and keep your skin feeling supported day after day.
5. Adjust Your Regimen With the Seasons.
Changes in weather and humidity can impact how dry your skin feels. Adjusting your routine with lighter or richer textures can help your skin stay balanced.
Support Dry Skin With Simple Steps.
Caring for dry skin doesn’t have to be complicated. A gentle cleanse, multi-layer hydration, and a barrier-supporting moisturizer can help restore comfort and keep your skin feeling its best. Consider adding Squalane Cleanser, The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (with Ceramides), The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + PhytoCeramides, and/or 100% Plant-Derived Squalane to your skincare regimen for added hydration.
FAQ
What’s the difference between dry and dehydrated skin?
Dry skin produces less oil, while dehydrated skin lacks water. You can experience both at the same time.
Do I need to moisturize twice a day?
Consistency helps dry skin feel more supported. Morning and evening regimens are a good place to start.
Can dry skin still need exfoliation?
Gentle exfoliation may help smooth areas of visible dryness, depending on how your skin responds.
Does dry skin change with the seasons?
Yes. Temperature, humidity, and lifestyle changes can all influence how dry skin feels.
