As I have gotten older, my skin went from being combination and slightly oily to very dry. I’ve had to rethink my entire skincare routine and change up what I use in order to help keep my skin balanced and nourished. Dry skin is one of the most common skincare concerns causing tightness, flaking, irritation, and dullness. Many people can accidentally worsen their dry skin by using harsh cleansers, over exfoliating, or skipping moisturizing steps. In today’s post, I am sharing a skincare routine for dry skin that you can use as a guide.

For more tips on dealing with mature skin, here are some popular posts:

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Best Skincare Routine For Dry Skin

Dry skin occurs when the skin lacks enough natural oils and moisture to maintain a healthy protective barrier. Choosing the right ingredients and avoiding harsh products can significantly improve skin comfort and appearance. Building a simple, consistent routine that prioritizes moisturizing and protective skincare practices can help you achieve healthier, smoother, and more balanced skin over time.

What Is Dry Skin?

Dry skin often has a weakened skin barrier, which makes water evaporate more easily from the skin’s surface. Dry skin produces less natural oil than normal skin which makes it more prone to flakiness, redness and irritation.

What Does Dry Skin Look Like?

• Rough or flaky skin texture
• Tight feeling after washing the face
• Redness or irritation
• Dull appearance
• Visible dry patches
• Fine lines appearing more noticeable

What Causes Dry Skin?

Environmental causes

Cold weather, wind, and low humidity are contributing factors to dry skin.

Hot showers and harsh cleansers

While I do love a hot shower, it can strip the skin of it’s natural oils. The same can be said for harsh cleansers.

Aging

Skin produces less oil over time making it more dry in texture and feel.

Skin conditions

Conditions such as eczema or dermatitis may contribute to skin dryness.

Lifestyle factors

Dehydration, excessive exfoliation, or overuse of active ingredients are some of the biggest factors for causing dry skin.

What Does Dry Skin Need?

Hydration

Your skincare routine must focus on ingredients that attract water into the skin. Also making sure you are drinking enough water and possibly using a humidifier during certain times of the year.

Barrier repair

Look for products with ingredients that help to strengthen the skin’s protective moisture barrier.

Moisture sealing

Rich occlusive creams and/or oils are great at helping nourish dry skin by preventing water loss.

Gentle products

While many people love that “squeaky clean” feeling that many cleansers or skincare products give, that is often a sign that it’s stripping your skin barrier and natural oils. This can result in dry skin or an overproduction of oil to help balance out the skin barrier. Try to use non-stripping cleansers (milks, gels, creams, etc) and mild formulas.

What Are the Best Ingredients for Dry Skin?

Hyaluronic acid

Attracts water to hydrate the skin.

Ceramides

Strengthen the skin barrier.

Glycerin

Helps retain moisture

Squalane

Provides lightweight moisture.

Shea butter

Creates a protective moisture barrier.

How to Build a Skincare Routine for Dry Skin

Start with a gentle cleanser

Choose a hydrating, non-foaming cleanser that removes dirt without stripping natural oils. Look for ingredients like glycerin or ceramides. Also, avoid harsh sulfates that can worsen dryness.

Add hydrating layers

Use lightweight hydrating products such as toners, essences, or serums to add moisture before applying heavier creams. Ingredients like hyaluronic acid and aloe help draw water into the skin.

Use a moisturizer that supports the skin barrier

A rich cream moisturizer helps seal hydration into the skin. Look for ingredients such as ceramides, shea butter, squalane, or fatty acids that strengthen the skin barrier and prevent moisture loss.

Apply sunscreen daily

Dry skin can be more sensitive to sun damage, which can worsen dryness and irritation. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen every morning to protect the skin and maintain healthy hydration levels.

Adjust your routine for day or night

Keep your morning routine simple with hydration and protection, while nighttime routines can include richer moisturizers or facial oils that help repair the skin barrier overnight.

Introduce new products gradually

When building a routine, add products one at a time. This helps prevent irritation and allows you to see how each product affects your skin.

Avoid over-exfoliating

Exfoliating too often can damage the skin barrier and make dryness worse. Limit exfoliation to once or twice a week and choose gentle exfoliants if needed.

Stay consistent with your routine

Dry skin improves with consistent hydration and care. Using moisturizing products daily helps maintain the skin barrier and prevent ongoing dryness.

What is the Best Skincare Routine for Dry Skin?

Step 1: Use a gentle hydrating cleanser

Whether you are removing your makeup or just cleansing your skin the morning, look for formulas that are gentle and hydrating. Below are a few of my favorites:

Elemis Pro Collagen Cleansing Balm

I’ve been using the Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm for nearly 10 years and loved it from my very first use. It’s one of the best cleansers to remove makeup (even waterproof makeup) and leaves my skin feeling nourished, moisturized and soft. None of that “squeaky clean” feeling that often cleansers will leave me with – which often means it has stripped my skin of all the necessary moisture and oils leaving it dry and dehydrated. A really good cleansing balm should give a thorough deep clean without stripping the skin.

OneSkin Prep Facial Cleanser (discount code: MAREE15)

This cleanser is a gel texture but feels really unique and silky. In addition to giving my skin a great cleanse, it has gentle enzymes that help remove dead skin cells and impurities. Especially with mature skin, exfoliation is so important to help the skin look and feel its best. Additionally, this formula contains arnica extract which is an anti-inflammatory ingredient that helps stimulate microcirculation. This cleanser offers so many great benefits for those with mature skin!

Dieux Baptism Gentle Foaming Facial Gel Cleanser

This gel cleanser is an absolute moisturizing dream! One of the main ingredients is glycerin which is a powerhouse hydrator, while the gentle cleansing complex in the formula helps to remove impurities without stripping the skin.

Step 2: Apply a hydrating toner or essence

Often toners can be an afterthought but can actually make a huge difference for dry skin types. After you cleanse, use a hydrating toner and/or essence to help balance the skin and add back in moisture. I love to layer my toners and essences so here are the two that I use every morning and night.

Sarah Creal Beauty Moisture Source

This is one of the most hydrating and plumping essences I’ve ever tried. An essence is heavier than traditional toners so it is best used after you have cleansed/toned, but before you apply your serums. Skip a cotton pad and pour the essence into the palm of your hands so you can press it gently into damp skin. It’s a bi-phase formula so be sure to shake it up before you apply.

TirTir Milk Skin Toner

Formulated with niacinamide, rice bran extract and ceramides, the TirTir Milk Skin Toner delivers intense hydration while also comforting and soothing the skin. The addition of panthenol helps make it suitable for sensitive skin and especially great for those with very dry and reactive skin. Like with all the milky toners that I have, I prefer to pour a small bit into my hands and pat it into the skin. This does leave a slightly tacky finish on the skin which I like since my skin is more dry and mature, but this is a lighter version for those who don’t prefer that feeling.

Step 3: Use a hydrating serum

Every skin type can benefit from adding in a hydrating serum but dry skin types need them daily. There are so many to choose from but I have two that I regularly use and love.

Experiment Beauty Super Saturated Serum (discount code: MAREE15)

If your skin is feeling dehydrated or lacking moisture, this hydrating serum will solve all your problems. It is a barrier support serum so it will help strengthen and protect the skin barrier while also delivering intense hydration. The serum is formulated with 30% glycerin as well as a ton of other humectants. So it will also aid in helping your skin hold onto that moisture all day long. This is a thicker serum so layer it accordingly in your skincare routine (thinnest to thickest) but it will truly help increase your skin’s hydration immediately as well as for the long term.

Cocokind Ceramide Barrier Nourishing Daily Serum

The Ceramide Barrier Nourishing Daily Serum is lightweight but super creamy and nourishing. It’s easy to add in to any skincare routine and works for all skin types. Formulated with a blend of five types of ceramides and lipids, this daily serum helps reduce irritation, hold onto moisture in the skin and soften the skin with the addition of lactic acid.

Step 4: Apply a rich moisturizer

Thicker moisturizers will be your best friend when you have dry skin. This is a newer moisturizer that I’ve been testing for the past few months and LOVE for dry skin types.

Versed Rich Barrier Cream

This formula is designed to help support the skin barrier, restore moisture and also calm the skin. It is safe for sensitive and eczema prone skin as well as being super affordable at $20 for 1.5 oz.

Step 5: Apply sunscreen in the morning

It’s important to wear sunscreen every single day not only for protection against UVA/UVB rays but also because the sun can be incredibly drying to the skin. Ensure you are using a moisturizing formula under your makeup. Here are two of my favorites:

Versed Good Defense Daily Sunscreen SPF 50

I love this sunscreen because intensely hydrating as soon as you apply it leaving my skin feeling plump and well-balanced. It’s a clear formula that leaves no white cast on the skin. So for anyone with dehydrated skin, this SPF is a must try!

Bloomeffects Tulip Dew Sunscreen Serum SPF 50 (discount code: Maree)

This sunscreen has been a staple in my routine for more than a year. For those with dry or mature skin types, this is truly one of the best sunscreen serums I have ever tried. It leaves your skin nourished, glowy, plump and supple. It also provides protection against UVA & UVB rays, pollution, blue light and free radicals. There is a slight tint to it that evens out the complexion and gives the skin a fresh radiant glow.

Step 6: Use a nourishing night cream in the evening

The last step of your evening skincare routine should be something that really helps to comfort and nourish the skin. Focus on formulations that strengthen the skin barrier like the two I have listed below:

Dieux Instant Angel Moisturizer

The Dieux Instant Angel Moisturizer is a skin-restoring moisturizer designed to deeply nourish, provide barrier support and give an “ethereal glow” to the skin. It doesn’t focus on anti-aging concerns or other targeted treatments. It is truly the ultimate final step in taking care of your skin.

Mother Science Molecular Genesis Barrier Repair Moisturizer (discount code: MAREESYE)

This moisturizer has the fantastic benefits of Malassezin with added ingredients such as growth factors and peptides to really strengthen and support the skin barrier. When my skin needs the extra support and nourishment, this is the moisturizer that I use at the end of my evening routine.

Liquid bronzers is one of the easiest ways to add warmth, dimension, and a healthy glow to your skin. It’s different from contouring which is designed to sculpt and define the face by mimicking natural shadows which create a more chiseled look. If you want to add a bit of sun kissed color or warmth to your face, using a liquid bronzer is one of the best ways to achieve that. Today’s post is dedicated to helping you understand how to apply liquid bronzer to give a radiant, natural finish.

How To Apply Liquid Bronzer

Liquid formulas create a more skin-like finish than powder which also makes them a great option for mature skin. Deciding on the placement of your liquid bronzer can determine whether the result looks radiant and lifted or slightly muddy and unnatural. In order to get the best result with liquid bronzer, it’s important to focus on shade selection, blending techniques and strategic placement to get the most natural result.

What Is Liquid Bronzer?

Liquid bronzer is a fluid or cream-based complexion product designed to add warmth and dimension to the face It can come in matte, satin, and radiant finishes depending on your preference and skin type. They can be worn alone or mixed into your foundation to give an all over glow. Because of the formulation of most liquid bronzers, they blend effortlessly into the skin rather than sitting on top like powder bronzers can do.

What Is Liquid Bronzer Used For?

• Adding warmth to pale or flat foundation
• Soft contouring
• Enhancing a tan
• Creating dimension in minimal makeup routines
• Mixing with moisturizer for all over glow

How To Choose the Right Bronzer Shade

Choose 1 to 2 shades darker than your skin tone

In order to create that sun-kissed look, it’s important to choose a bronzer shade that is slightly darker than your skin tone. Don’t go too dark or it will look unnatural and slightly muddy. If you are fair-skinned like myself, I do a blog post on the best bronzer for fair skin if you need recommendations.

Match undertone

This can be a bit tricky if you struggle with identifying your undertone so don’t worry if you can’t. Sticking to the rule of thumb that it should be a tad darker than your skin tone is a safe way to choose a shade you will like. If you are confident in your undertone, it definitely can help in choosing the best liquid bronzer shade though you may need to browse different brands to find an undertone that matches you.

Avoid overly orange tones

Brands have gotten better at formulating bronzing products with a more golden base so it’s getting easier to avoid overly orange shades. But it’s best to check swatches  online to see what they look like on bare skin to help you decide on a shade that doesn’t skew orange.

Where To Apply Liquid Bronzer

Round Face

If you have a round face, focus on the temples and below the cheekbones.

Square Face

For a square face, blend along the jawline and temples.

Heart Shaped Face

With a heart shaped face, it’s best to apply the product lightly to the forehead and blend outward.

How Do You Apply Liquid Bronzer

Step 1: Prep skin with moisturizer and primer

Ensure your skin is well prepped and you are starting with a hydrated base.

Step 2: Apply foundation or base product

Once your skin is moisturized, apply your foundation or complexion product. When using a liquid bronzer, it’s best to apply it over a cream or liquid foundation. If you want to add powder, do it after your liquid bronzer.

Step 3: Dot liquid bronzer lightly on outer perimeter

Focus the product on the outer perimeter of the face since that is where the sun would naturally hit you.

Step 4: Blend upward and outward using stippling motions

Whether you decide to use your fingers, a sponge or a brush, be sure to blend the product up and out towards the hairline. Do not use downward strokes because it will ultimately blend the product down and not create a natural warmth to the cheeks. Also, be sure you blend the product starting from the center of the face and out towards the hairline. Do not blend the product from the hairline to the center of the face because it will bring the product too close to the nose.

Step 5: Buff out the edges

This can sound a bit confusing but it is actually probably the easiest part of the process. I like to use the sponge or brush I used to apply my foundation and with whatever small bit is left on there, I will tap it along the edge of where the bronzer ends both on the top and bottom of the cheek. This is to avoid a harsh line of where the bronzer stops and instead gives a smooth blended look. Your bronzer may look blended from the front but from the side, it can still show a definitive line of product so it’s a final step that I feel makes my bronzer look much more natural and seamless.

Step 6: Set lightly if needed

If you worry that your liquid bronzer won’t last all day, you can always use a bronzing powder to set it.

Best Liquid Bronzers

Makeup by Mario Bronzing Serum in Light

This is a definitely a product that is super user friendly and almost foolproof to apply. There is a pump so you can choose to mix product in with your foundation/skin tint or you can choose to use the doe foot applicator to place the product where you want it on the face. You can use it as a bronzer or as a sculpting/contour product to define certain parts of the face. Before I purchased it, I saw a ton of videos on social media of people using the product and it looks so great that I had to try it for myself.

It doesn’t have a shimmer finish but it looks healthy and radiant when on the skin. This bronzing serum is the most user friendly product ever! You don’t have to worry about using too much or blending it out quickly before it dries down. It’s creamy, smooth and melts into the skin with minimal effort.

Sacheu Contour Stay-n in shade 1

Though this is technically a contour, I use it the same way I do all of my bronzers. And if all your bronzers end up being too warm or turning orange, this is a great option since it is so cool-toned. The formula is very lightweight, blends like a dream and lasts all day long!

Westman Atelier Sun Tone Bronzing Drops

My skin is loving all things Westman Atelier so I ordered these bronzing drops during the Sephora sale. The formula is absolutely stunning especially for mature skin. I purchased shade 1 which is subtle enough to give a hint of warmth to the skin. It’s a matte finish but because the formulation is liquid, it doesn’t look flat or dull on the skin. My only complaint is that the packaging gets very messy. Product gets all over the inside of the cap which is frustrating but not enough of a deal breaker for me not to keep using and recommending it. Hopefully they can fix the packaging in the future.