Regime #7:

Not sure how to treat dry skin on your face? It’s one of the most common skin concerns around, and it can come from many factors — your environment, your lifestyle, even your genetics.

The good news is that the right regimen can make a significant difference. Explore Medik8’s science-backed dry skin routine and provide your skin the hydration it needs.

RECOMMENDED AM ROUTINE

In Layering Order

RECOMMENDED PM ROUTINE

In Layering Order

What Causes Dry Skin? 

Dry skin develops when your skin loses moisture faster than it can hold onto it, weakening the barrier that keeps your complexion looking healthy and feeling comfortable. According to the Cleveland Clinic, this can stem from a mix of internal and external factors. 

These include: 

• Age — As we get older, the skin’s natural oil production slows down significantly, often noticeably so from around age 40. The result is a weakened moisture barrier that struggles to retain hydration the way it once did.
• Climate — Cold temperatures and low humidity draw moisture out of the skin, while indoor heating makes things worse by drying out the air around you. Hot, sunny conditions can have a similar effect through increased sun exposure and transepidermal water loss.
• Health Conditions and Genetics — Some people are simply more predisposed to dry skin based on their genes. Conditions like eczema, psoriasis and atopic dermatitis can also compromise the skin’s ability to hold onto moisture, leading to chronic dryness.
• Occupation — Workers who regularly deal with water, chemicals, harsh cleansers or prolonged sun exposure face a much higher risk of developing dry, irritated skin as a result of their day-to-day environment.

While dry skin can affect the body anywhere, the face is particularly vulnerable, as it’s the area most consistently exposed to environmental triggers and least likely to be covered up. 

What Is the Best Skincare for Dry Skin?

Nailing the right skin treatment for dry skin is less about having a 10-step routine and more about using the right products consistently. The American Academy of Dermatology and other skincare authorities recommend having a few staples in your corner. 

Here’s what to focus on:

• Gentle, Fragrance-Free Cleansers — Harsh soaps and heavily fragranced products strip the skin of its natural oils, making dryness worse. Look for creamy, non-foaming cleansers that clean without compromising your skin’s barrier.
• Moisturisers With Skin-Replenishing Ingredients — Not all moisturisers are created equal. The most effective options for dry skin contain a combination of humectants (ingredients that draw water into the skin), emollients (ingredients that soften and smooth) and occlusives (ingredients that seal moisture in). 

Key ingredients to look for include hyaluronic acid, panthenol (Vitamin B5), ceramides, squalane and natural moisturising factors (NMFs). 

• A Hydrating Serum — Serums penetrate deeper than moisturisers, making them a powerful step for dry skin. Look for one built around hyaluronic acid and Vitamin B5, which work together to draw moisture into the skin and keep it there throughout the day.
• Consistent SPF Use — Sun exposure degrades the skin’s barrier and accelerates moisture loss, even in cooler months. A daily broad-spectrum SPF 50+ that doubles as a moisturiser means you get hydration and protection in one step.
• Vitamin A at Night — Retinoids support skin renewal and can visibly improve texture and firmness over time. Pairing a well-formulated Vitamin A with a ceramide-rich moisturiser helps amplify results while keeping the barrier strong.

The Medik8 hydration routine is built around every one of these pillars, so you can be sure that every step is doing exactly what dry skin needs.

Habits That Make a Difference

Your skincare routine is only part of the picture. Small everyday habits can go a long way in keeping dry skin at bay.

Remember to:

• Use warm water (not hot) and keep showers short  
• Run a humidifier at home to keep indoor air from drying out 
• Drink enough water throughout the day 
• Wear protective clothing when outdoors 

Skin Dryness on the Face? Take It On with Medik8 

Explore Medik8’s full dry skin collection and find the right products for your routine. If you’d like personalised guidance on where to start, visit your nearest Medik8 clinic to connect with a skin expert who can help you build a routine around your skin’s specific needs.