Caring for dry skin isn’t easy. Luckily, there are a number of soothing skincare products specifically designed to help you deal with dryness. From serums and moisturizers to facial oils and face creams, there’s a lot you can do to add some extra nourishment to dehydrated skin. 

It’s important to ensure that you’re not using any cleansing products that may be stripping away natural oils from your skin. A key part of this is finding the right face wash for your skin’s needs. While you still need to cleanse dry skin on a regular basis, using the wrong face wash can leave your skin feeling tight and irritated post-wash. 

Key ingredients for dry skin face washes

So, what do you look for when shopping for a face wash for your dry skin? There are a number of mild moisturizing ingredients that cleanse your skin effectively without depleting it of its natural oils. Here are some of the key ingredients that will work to nourish and hydrate your skin when cleansing: 

Sunflower seed oil 

For centuries, people have used the sunflower plant to deal with bug bites, dry skin, and hair conditioning.  Modern skincare brands utilize sunflower seed oil in products for dry skin because of its excellent skin moisturizing properties.  Rich in vitamins and minerals, sunflower seed oil is also a natural source of Vitamin E, which helps to retain moisture, leaving skin hydrated for longer. 

Moringa Oil

Packed with nutrients and essential fatty acids, moringa oil is gaining recognition in the beauty world for the myriad benefits it can provide for skin and hair. Native to regions of Africa and South Asia, moringa oil is rich in vitamins A and E. This lightweight oil is not only fantastic for moisture retention,  but it also helps protect skin against environmental damage and pollutants.

Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Extract

Oats make for more than just a healthy breakfast: they’re also used in many skincare products, especially those designed for dry skin. As anyone who has taken an oatmeal bath knows, oat kernel extract has many nourishing and soothing properties and is ideal for cleansing skin naturally while reducing skin irritation.

Aloe Vera Gel

Used for centuries for its medicinal applications, aloe vera gel is now widely used in skincare and for its healing and soothing properties. Native to the Arabian Peninsula, this now ubiquitous succulent species is remarkable for its ability to store water in its leaves. The gel that comes from these fleshy leaves is packed with vitamins and antioxidants, making it ideal for sensitive skin in need of soothing, lightweight hydration. As aloe vera gel is primarily made of water, it is highly effective at hydrating skin and locking in moisture without leaving behind a greasy residue. 

Skincare ingredients to avoid for dry skin 

Harsh ingredients in your skin cleansing products can strip away the natural oils that protect skin from the environment, resulting in further dryness and irritation, so steer clear! Here are some ingredients to avoid when considering skincare products for those with dry or sensitive skin: 

• Salicylic acid 
• Glycolic acid
• Sodium lauryl sulfate/sodium laureth sulfate
• Alcohol

*includes denatured & isopropyl alcohols

**excludes fatty alcohols that are beneficial for dry skin (cetyl, stearyl, cetearyl)

• Sodium chloride

Dry skin cleansing tips 

Washing your face requires a little more care when you have dry skin. Use the wrong technique and the wrong products and you could inadvertently be making your skin even drier than it was before. 

Here are some tips to help you wash your dry skin the right way: 

Never go to bed without washing your face 

If you suffer from dry skin, you may feel as if nightly cleansing could be harmful for your skin; however, this couldn’t be further from the truth. Choosing a face wash with the right ingredients will prove gentle enough for you to use it twice a day without any negative effects. 

Cleansing your skin every night is essential, no matter what skin type you have. Going to sleep with the day’s dirt, oil and makeup on your skin can lead to breakouts and irritation as impurities work their way into your pores. Wash your face gently with a cream or oil  face wash to cleanse skin without irritation. 

Find a hydrating face wash

This one simple change will reduce overall skin dryness almost immediately. Many people with dry skin have been using harsh cleansers for years without realizing the impact of stripping their skin of its natural oils. 

Luckily, there are several great face washes that are both gentle and moisturizing while still effective at removing dirt and makeup. Hydra Cleanse® is a deeply hydrating face wash for dry skin. It gently removes makeup and impurities without leaving skin feeling tight and uncomfortable. 

Don’t be afraid of using an oil-based cleanser

Natural oils have become increasingly popular in the beauty world with many skincare companies introducing a blend of plant-derived oils to replace harsh chemical ingredients in their cleansing and moisturizing products. Nourish Cleanse™ is a gentle oil cleanser made up of 8 exotic oils, including Argan, Cranberry Seed, Marula, Safflower, and Sunflower oils. These oils work together to dissolve makeup and debris while adding nourishment and soothing dry skin, leaving skin soft and glowing. 

Use only lukewarm water 

While a hot shower may feel soothing at the beginning or end of a long day, it’s best to avoid using hot water to wash your face. Hot water can strip away the natural oils from your skin very quickly. Using lukewarm water to cleanse your face will leave natural oils intact, resulting in skin that feels softer than when rinsed with water that is too hot or too cold. 

Be gentle

When dealing with dry skin, being gentle is key. This doesn’t just apply to the ingredients of your face wash; it also relates to how you physically wash your skin. Avoid using a sonic face brush, sponge or any type of washcloth. It’s best to use your fingertips to massage the cleanser gently in a circular motion before rinsing away with lukewarm water. Avoid manual exfoliants and take care to be extra gentle around the eye area. 

Pat dry

Many people have a tendency to rub their face dry as they would the rest of their body. It’s especially important for those with sensitive skin to be extra gentle. Rubbing skin with an abrasive towel can irritate and even pull and stretch your already dry, sensitive skin. After you’ve washed your face, simply use a clean, soft towel to pat it dry. 

You don’t have to skip the toner

Toners are great for hydrating skin post-cleanse and prepping skin for the serums and moisturizers to follow; however, individuals with dry skin may shy away from them worrying that they may dry out their skin further. 

There’s no need to omit toners from your skincare routine if you find the right one. Botanical Tonique® Mist is ideal for dry skin as it’s completely free of any fragrance or alcohol. It’s made of soothing plant-based extracts such as cucumber and aloe to hydrate and purify skin while also sealing in moisture.