Natural, Reviva Labs, Skin Care
The Do’s and Don’ts of Skincare for Dry Skin
May
More than 50% of people experience dry skin at some point in their lives, according to recent dermatological surveys. For some, it’s seasonal. For others, it’s a year-round concern. But one thing is clear: the way you care for dry skin can make a dramatic difference in how it feels – and how it looks.
Dry skin isn’t just a cosmetic issue. It can crack, sting, flake, and even lead to premature aging if neglected. But giving it what it needs requires more than simply slathering on lotion. There’s nuance to hydration, from ingredient choices to application timing. If your skincare ritual isn’t relieving that tight, parched feeling – or worse, making it more noticeable – it might be time for a course correction.
Let’s break down the key dos and don’ts that matter most when caring for dry skin, backed by science and practical advice.
Don’t Over-Cleanse – Even If You’re Tempted To
The squeaky-clean sensation might feel satisfying, but it often means your skin’s natural oils have been stripped. For dry skin, this is particularly damaging. Avoid cleansers with harsh sulfates or astringents. Instead, choose products that hydrate as they cleanse.
Gentle, low-foam cleansers are best, especially those with emollients or fatty acid-rich ingredients. And if your skin feels tight after washing, that’s your cue to swap your cleanser.
Do Use a Moisturizing Cleanser with Skin-Soothing Ingredients
Hydration should start with your cleanser. Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid, aloe, or glycerin that attract and retain moisture. Creamy or milky textures tend to leave skin softer than gel-based options.
Reviva Labs’ Glycolic Acid Facial Cleanser fits the bill for mature or sun-damaged skin, offering deep cleansing with mild exfoliation thanks to a 3% glycolic acid concentration, plus hydrating agents like glycerin and aloe.
Don’t Skip Exfoliation – Just Be Gentle
Exfoliation might sound risky for dry skin, but gentle removal of dead surface cells allows moisturizers to penetrate more deeply. What matters is how you exfoliate.
Ditch aggressive scrubs or high-strength chemical peels. Instead, favor enzyme-based masks or mild acids used sparingly. Overdoing it can lead to microtears or worsen dryness.
Do Opt for Enzyme Masks or Low-Acid Formulas
Papaya, pineapple, and pumpkin enzymes work beautifully to lift dull skin without irritation. Reviva Labs’ Gently Exfoliating Fruit Enzyme Mask uses a combination of these, plus kaolin clay and green tea extract to refine skin while hydrating.
You can also alternate with the Light Skin Peel Mild Exfoliant, a gentle physical exfoliant with almond seed meal and papain. Use these 1–2 times a week for smoother texture without triggering flakiness.
Don’t Let Your Skin Air-Dry After Washing
Leaving freshly washed skin to air-dry may seem harmless, but it allows water to evaporate quickly – taking your skin’s internal moisture with it. That tight sensation? It’s a symptom of transepidermal water loss (TEWL), and it’s preventable.
Do Apply Moisturizer to Damp Skin
Your skin is most absorbent immediately after cleansing. Apply toners, serums, and moisturizers while skin is still slightly damp. This seals in hydration and boosts product effectiveness.
The Intercell Hyaluronic Acid Day Crème and Night Gel duo from Reviva Labs offers a smart combination of hyaluronic acid and glycerin – ingredients that draw water into the skin and lock it in place. These work especially well in dry or heated indoor environments.
Don’t Use Just Any Toner
Many commercial toners contain alcohols or synthetic fragrances that can dry out your skin even more. For dry skin, traditional toners can often do more harm than good.
Do Use an Alcohol-Free Toner with Humectants
Hydrating toners help rebalance the skin after cleansing and prepare it for serum or cream. Choose one with soothing botanicals, hyaluronic acid, and no alcohol.
The Elastin Collagen Skin Toner from Reviva Labs delivers this with vitamin E, glycerin, and hydrolyzed elastin and collagen – making it ideal for dry, mature skin.
Don’t Forget to Protect Your Skin Barrier
When your skin barrier is compromised, even the best moisturizers won’t help. Avoid habits and ingredients that erode this barrier – like over-cleansing, skipping hydration, or using abrasive scrubs.
Do Fortify Your Barrier with Ceramides, Peptides, and Fatty Acids
Products rich in ceramides, fatty acids, and peptides can restore skin’s natural protective layer. Reviva’s Calming Rejuvenation Crème includes rosehip, seabuckthorn, hemp oil, and manuka honey – ingredients known to replenish essential fatty acids and calm inflammation.
Don’t Rely on Just Water to Hydrate
Drinking water is essential, but alone, it won’t fix dry skin. Your outer skin layers don’t receive direct hydration from your water intake. Topical products are essential.
Do Combine Internal and External Hydration
While internal hydration supports skin’s health from within, topical treatments with hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, and sodium PCA deliver moisture where it’s needed most. Layer your products strategically – serums first, then moisturizers.
For enhanced results, try Reviva Labs’ Hyaluronic Acid Serum followed by their High Potency Collagen Serum or Ultra Rich Ultra Light Daytime Moisturizer. This layering approach traps hydration in the skin and offers a supple finish.
Don’t Assume All Oils Work for Dry Skin
While face oils can be nourishing, some may sit on the surface without penetrating deeply. Others might clog pores or irritate sensitive skin. It’s essential to choose oils known for their absorption and compatibility with dry, reactive skin.
Do Choose Lightweight, Omega-Rich Oils
Rosehip seed, jojoba, avocado, and hemp oils are rich in essential fatty acids and absorb quickly. Reviva’s Calming Renewal Serum combines all four in an anhydrous (waterless) blend that soothes while deeply conditioning.
Don’t Expose Unprotected Skin to Harsh Weather
Windburn and sun exposure can worsen dryness and inflammation. Low humidity, cold air, and UV radiation all contribute to a weakened skin barrier.
Do Use Protection – Sunscreen and Barrier Creams
Even in winter or overcast weather, UV rays degrade collagen and rob skin of moisture. Choose SPF-infused moisturizers or layer on a dedicated sunscreen. At night, seal everything in with a thicker balm or cream.
Don’t Forget Your Lips and Eyes
Dryness doesn’t stop at your cheeks or forehead. The delicate skin around your eyes and on your lips often needs more targeted care.
Do Use Dedicated Treatments for Vulnerable Areas
The Vitamin E Oil E-Stick from Reviva is a multi-use solution for dry lips and under-eye areas, combining beeswax, allantoin, and vitamin E for lasting moisture. For eyes, the Firming Eye Serum adds peptides and antioxidants that hydrate while reducing puffiness.
Don’t Be Afraid of Active Ingredients
Many people with dry skin avoid ingredients like niacinamide or acids out of fear of irritation. But when properly formulated, these can actually strengthen skin over time.
Do Introduce Active Ingredients Gradually
Niacinamide, for instance, improves barrier function and boosts hydration. Reviva Labs’ Nourishing Niacinamide Serum combines 5% niacinamide with hyaluronic acid and avocado oil – making it both effective and gentle for dry skin types.
Similarly, low concentrations of glycolic acid, as seen in Reviva’s 10% Glycolic Acid Crème, can help slough off dry patches while prepping the skin to absorb moisture better. Just ensure you layer it with hydrating products and apply sunscreen daily.
Don’t Neglect Nighttime Skincare
Dry skin loses moisture overnight due to TEWL. If you go to bed without adequate protection, you miss a valuable repair window.
Do Seal in Moisture Before Bed
Apply a hydrating serum followed by a richer night cream. The Collagen Night Crème by Reviva offers hydrolyzed collagen and vitamin-rich oils like avocado and almond, ideal for overnight renewal.
And if your skin is feeling particularly parched, top it off with a few drops of oil to lock everything in. Think of it as an overnight hydration mask – without the mess.
Don’t Chase Trends Over Substance
A viral skincare hack isn’t always a good idea – especially for dry skin. Lemon juice masks, toothpaste on blemishes, or skipping moisturizer to “balance oil” can damage your barrier or cause irritation.
Do Listen to Your Skin – and Stick to What Works
Consistency is the real secret. You don’t need a 10-step routine. You need the right products in the right order, used regularly. When your skin is hydrated and balanced, it tells you. It glows.
