Whether you have a dry or normal skin type, it's crucial to establish a consistent and effective routine to keep your skin healthy-looking, vibrant, and glowing.1 Let's explore what steps a skin care routine for normal to dry skin type skin should incorporate, including essential tips and useful products for seasonal changes to your skin.
What is a normal skin type?
Normal skin is often considered the most balanced of all skin types. It’s neither too oily nor too dry, has a robust outermost layer, and a smooth and even texture.
Though you might think that having normal skin grants a free pass from regular skin care, this isn’t the case. Even if you have a normal skin type you’ll benefit from a consistent skin care routine. This is because several factors, including ageing, lifestyle choices, or environmental factors have an impact on your skin. By maintaining a daily routine, you can help your skin to stay in its balanced state, ensuring it remains healthy-looking and radiant.
What is a dry skin type?
Dry skin is characterised by a lack of moisture and oil production, so it often feels tight, particularly after cleansing. Additionally, you may have visible roughness, redness, or flakiness.2 External factors as well as genetics may be responsible. For more information on the causes of dry skin read Dealing With 5 Common Causes Of Dry Skin. When you have dry skin, your skin requires extra attention and a regular skin care routine to maintain hydration.1
What is the best routine for normal to dry skin type?
Your skin's balance between oil and water levels is crucial as it determines your skin's health, suppleness, and radiance. When this balance is disrupted, it can lead to a variety of skin concerns. For instance, excessive cleansing, harsh ingredients, or the use of inappropriate products can strip the skin of its natural oils, pushing it into a drier state.
If you have dry skin, opt for gentle cleansers that are free of harsh ingredients and won’t strip away natural oils in your skin, causing further drying and irritation.1 Prioritise hydration and products that include ingredients like Glycerin or Hyaluronic Acid, which help attract and retain moisture.1 Let’s take a look at what a normal to dry skin type routine should include.
Cleanse, tone, and moisturise
A good skin care routine always starts with a gentle facial cleanser.¹ Use the cleanser twice a day, once in the morning and once before bed, to remove impurities and maintain clean skin. Look for a cleanser that is nurturing, such as Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser which rinses away dirt whilst hydrating your skin and protecting its moisture balance. Its mild formulation doesn’t include harsh ingredients that can worsen skin dryness or irritation.²
Once your skin is clean, the next step is toning. This often overlooked step of a skin care routine further cleanses and refreshes your skin and prepares it for a moisturiser. Cetaphil Healthy Radiance Brightness Refresh Toner contains Niacinamide and natural Sea Daffodil extract, and is a gentle formula with illuminating effects.
After toning, your skin is primed for moisturisation. A moisturiser acts as a protective barrier, locking in moisture and ensuring your skin remains hydrated throughout the day. It’s important to moisturise both in the morning, offering your skin protection against daily environmental stressors, and at night, aiding in your skin’s natural regeneration process. Cetaphil Moisturising Lotion is ideal for normal to dry skin type, contains Avocado Oil, Niacinamide and Glycerin,1,2 and provides all-day hydration to ensure your skin remains soothed and hydrated.
Exfoliation
Exfoliation works by removing the upper layer of dead skin cells and daily impurities. This promotes a more even skin tone and smoother texture.³
However, it's important to use a mild exfoliating cleanser, ensuring the benefits of cleansing and gentle exfoliation without damaging the skin. Cetaphil Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser is a good option, as it’s formulated to provide effective yet gentle exfoliation without over-drying or irritating your skin.
Changing your skin care routine in summer and winter
As the seasons shift, so should your skin care routine, because environmental conditions can impact your skin's needs.⁴
Summer skin care routine for normal to dry skin
Summer brings with it a unique set of skin care challenges. Among these is the increased exposure to the sun's UV rays. It's important to incorporate sunscreen or a moisturiser with a high SPF into your daily routine. Cetaphil Daily Defense Moisturiser with SPF 50 hydrates your skin and provides high protection against the sun’s rays, which can cause premature ageing and other skin issues.
The combination of heat and humidity can also cause increased oil production, which can lead to a shiny complexion,⁴ or worsen certain skin concerns, such as skin redness. Opt for lightweight moisturisers that hydrate without adding greasiness, such as Cetaphil Pro Redness Prone Skin Tinted Moisturising Day Cream SPF 30, which offers a hint of colour to even out your skin tone and provides sun protection without clogging pores.
Winter skin care routine for normal to dry skin
As winter sets in, the crisp and cold air coupled with indoor heating, can result in a dehydrating environment that can strip your skin of its natural moisture, leading to increased dryness. If this happen, you should consider using rich, hydrating moisturisers, such as Cetaphil Daily Hydrating Moisturiser. This moisturiser contains Hyaluronic Acid, Glycerin, Panthenol, and Ceramides, which can help dry skin in the following ways:
● Hyaluronic Acid helps to retain water, helping your skin to remain hydrated.
● Glycerin draws moisture from the air and locks it into your skin.
● Panthenol soothes your skin and offers deep moisturisation for healthier-looking skin.
● Ceramides contribute to your skin's natural barrier, making it more resilient against dryness.
Cracked skin is another winter menace. For those battling with irritated, cracked, or chapped skin, Cetaphil’s products for irritated, cracked, and chapped skin are tailored for these specific concerns.
Lastly, nights in winter are a good time to deeply nourish your skin. Try Cetaphil Rich Night Cream, an overnight moisturiser with Sweet Almond Oil, which is clinically proven to nourish skin, and repairs your skin's natural barrier in just one week.
Additional tips for dry and normal skin types
When combating dry skin or maintaining normal skin, don’t forget to stay hydrated from the inside. Apart from drinking water, consider consuming a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, leafy greens, and healthy fats, which contribute to your overall skin health.
During the winter months, a humidifier might add moisture to the air around you and prevent your skin from drying out. You may also want to avoid long, hot showers or baths, as they can further dry out your skin - use lukewarm water instead.
Remember, patience and consistency are key to achieving and maintaining healthy, hydrated skin.
The bottom line
Taking care of your normal to dry skin type requires a gentle and consistent skin care routine and certain adjustments in summer and winter. By using the right products and routine you can achieve and maintain hydrated, healthy-looking, radiant skin.
FAQs
What type of cleanser should I use for normal to dry skin?
For normal to dry skin, it's essential to use a gentle and hydrating cleanser that effectively cleanses the skin without stripping away its natural oils.1 To help you choose the best cleanser for you, read our article Which Cetaphil Cleanser Is Best for My Skin Type?
What type of moisturiser is best for dry skin?
The best moisturiser for dry skin is one that provides intense hydration, helps to lock in moisture, and contains nourishing ingredients to replenish and soothe your skin. If you have sensitive skin as well, you may wish to minimise the risk of irritation by choosing a moisturiser that is fragrance-free.8 Good choices for normal to dry, sensitive skin include Cetaphil Daily Hydrating Moisturizer and Cetaphil Rich Night Cream.
How important is moisturising for normal to dry skin?
Moisturisers play a crucial role in maintaining your skin's hydration and appearance when you have a normal to dry skin type. Moisturisers help to replenish and lock in moisture, they also support the skin's barrier function by forming a protective layer on the skin's surface, making your skin feel smoother and more comfortable. Keeping your skin hydrated can also help to diminish fine lines and wrinkles, which are more noticeable in dehydrated skin.
Could some skin care products irritate my normal to dry skin?
Yes, some skin care products can potentially irritate your normal to dry skin. Certain ingredients or formulations might be too harsh or unsuitable for your skin type, leading to redness, itching, or discomfort.8 If this is the case, look out for gentle, non-comedogenic formulations, that are fragrance-free and hypoallergenic to reduce the risk of irritation, especially if you’re prone to allergies. To find out what these terms mean, read our article What do ‘non-comedogenic’, ‘hypoallergenic’, and ‘fragrance-free’ actually mean?
To avoid potential irritation, do patch test new products before applying them to your entire face or body.
Is a cream or lotion a better moisturiser for normal to dry skin?
The type of moisturiser that is best for normal to dry skin depends on your skin's specific needs, your personal preferences, and the time of the year. If your skin is dry and you prefer a rich, more nourishing feel, a cream might be the best choice. Creams have a thicker and richer texture compared to lotions and are formulated to provide intense hydration. If you prefer a lighter option, a lotion could be a better fit. Lotions work well in milder and warm weather, or when you prefer a lighter texture.
References
- Kim S, Ly BK, Ha JH, et al. A consistent skin care regimen leads to objective and subjective improvements in dry human skin: investigator-blinded randomized clinical trial. Journal of Dermatological Treatment. 2021;33(1):300-305. doi:https://doi.org/10.1080/09546634.2020.1751037
- Baumann LS. Understanding and Treating Various Skin Types: The Baumann Skin Type Indicator. Dermatologic Clinics. 2008. Doi:10.1016/j.det.2008.03.007
- Tang SC, Yang JH. Dual Effects of Alpha-Hydroxy Acids on the Skin. Molecules. 2018; 10;23(4):863. doi:10.3390/molecules23040863
- Qiu H, Long X, Ye JC, Piot B. Influence of season on some skin properties: Winter vs. summer, as experienced by 354 Shanghaiese women of various ages. International Journal of Cosmetic Science. 2011. 33(4):377-83
- American Academy of Dermatology Association, Dermatologists’ top tips for relieving dry skin. Accessed September 20, 2023
https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-basics/dry/dermatologists-tips-relieve-dry-skin
- Bae HS, Choi SI, Ahn HS. Nutritional and antioxidant status by skin types among female adults. Nutrition Research and Practice. 2010;4(3):215-221. doi:https://doi.org/10.4162/nrp.2010.4.3.215
- Columbia University, Irving Medical Center. A Dermatologist's Guide to Healthy Winter Skin. Accessed July 26, 2023. https://www.cuimc.columbia.edu/news/dermatologists-guide-healthy-winter-skin
- Sethi A, Kaur T, Malhotra SK, Gambhir ML. Moisturizers: The Slippery Road. Indian J Dermatol. 2016;61(3):279-87. doi: 10.4103/0019-5154.182427.
- Pinsky MA. Efficacy and Safety of an Anti-aging Technology for the Treatment of Facial Wrinkles and Skin Moisturization. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2017;10(12):27-35. PMID: 29399264; PMCID: PMC5774901.
