7 Reasons You Have Dry Skin

Most likely, you’ve experienced dry skin at one point or another, so you know how uncomfortable it can be. General dryness, aka a loss of skin’s natural moisture, is a common skin care concern shared by many—and skin dryness doesn’t discriminate against skin types. For example, you could have oily skin around your T-zone and still experience dryness on your cheeks from time to time. Sometimes, it can be hard to tell if you have a naturally dry skin type or if there is something else causing your dryness. Here, we explain seven of the most common causes of dry skin, from the weather to lack of exfoliation. Plus, we’re sharing how to hydrate dry skin with a proper skin care routine.

DRY SKIN CAUSE #1: THE WEATHER

There’s a reason your skin gets extra dry and chapped-feeling during the winter time. Dry, cold air draws the moisture out of your skin. Additionally, if you're living in or visiting a cold-weathered climate, you’re also likely spending time indoors—and indoor heat is extremely drying. These conditions will facilitate dryness and call for extra moisture. To help combat the effects of dry air, try using a hydrating facial serum that’s formulated with hyaluronic acid, layered underneath your facial moisturizer. Reach for the L'Oréal Paris Revitalift Derm Intensives 1.5% Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum and apply it onto freshly-cleansed skin before you put on your moisturizer.

When indoors, you can also follow the American Academy Of Dermatology’s (AAD) recommendation of using a humidifier to put moisture back in the air. For more on why you may want to invest in a humidifier, here’s How Using a Humidifier Can Benefit Your Skin.

DRY SKIN CAUSE #2: OVER-CLEANSING

This one may seem obvious, but with the current skin care trends of double and even triple cleansing, it’s worth restating: Washing your face more than twice a day can dry out skin too much. If you feel dry skin coming on, scale back on your cleansing routine—but never phase it out completely! If cleansing the recommend amount (twice per day) makes your skin feel tight and dry, it may be a sign you need to reach for a more gentle facial cleanser. We recommend trying a micellar water, like the L'Oréal Paris Micellar Cleansing Water Complete Cleanser Waterproof – All Skin Types.

DRY SKIN CAUSE #3: LACK OF EXFOLIATION

When dead skin cells build up on the surface of your skin, you may notice your complexion looking dry and dull. The build-up can also impede your hydrating products from working their best. To help slough away dead skin cells, along with other dirt and debris, reach for a gentle facial scrub, like the L'Oréal Paris Pure-Sugar Nourish & Soften Cocoa Scrub.

DRY SKIN CAUSE #4: YOU’RE WASHING WITH WATER THAT’S TOO HOT

Very hot water may feel relaxing in the moment, but unfortunately, it’s another common cause of dry skin. This is because hot water can strip your skin of its natural oils. Wash your face with lukewarm water instead and shower with the same. The AAD also recommends keeping your showers short to help with dry skin relief.

DRY SKIN CAUSE #5: YOU’RE NOT APPLYING MOISTURIZER AT THE RIGHT TIMES

What some people don’t realize is that the best time to apply facial moisturizer is right after you’ve cleansed, while your skin is still moist. You might be inclined to do other things after cleansing, like brush your teeth or pop in your contacts, but these things should come after moisturizing. Here’s how to hydrate dry skin with moisturizer: While skin is damp, apply your day or night cream before layering a facial oil over top. We recommend looking for moisturizers formulated with nourishing manuka honey, like the L'Oréal Paris Age Perfect Hydra Nutrition Honey Day Cream and the L'Oréal Paris Age Perfect Hydra Nutrition Honey Night Balm.

DRY SKIN CAUSE #6: YOU’VE GOT MATURE SKIN

Aging is unavoidable, and unfortunately, dryness is a common sign of skin aging. Your skin’s natural oil production will inevitably decrease as you get older. You can replenish and nourish your skin by looking for skin care products that are extra hydrating and formulated for mature skin, such as the L'Oréal Paris Wrinkle Expert 55+ Moisturizer.

DRY SKIN CAUSE #7: YOU HAVE A SKIN CONDITION

Unfortunately, if your dry skin isn’t caused by any of the above, it could be the case that there's an underlying skin condition, such as eczema, at play. If your dry skin persists even after you’ve attempted to hydrate it, make an appointment with a dermatologist and have it checked out.

Next: 5 Ways to Encourage a Natural Glow and Address Skin Dullness