Dry & Sensitive Skin Care: Expert Tips to Repair Your Skin Barrier

Dry skin struggles to retain moisture and lipids, weakening its natural barrier. This compromised state leaves skin thin, tight, and vulnerable to irritation from UV rays, cold winds, chlorinated water, and air conditioning – often triggering itchy skin, discomfort, and other symptoms. Without intervention, dryness can progress to dehydration, accelerating ageing and causing flaky skin or cracked skin. Severe cases may even lead to peeling and painful fissures. To treat dry, sensitive skin effectively, focus on ingredients like fatty acids that repair its unique physiology and strengthen the protective layer to stimulate regeneration.

Here, we share expert-backed strategies to hydrate parched skin, soothe sensitivity, and build a personalized skin care routine. Discover our recommendations for the best moisturisers for dry facial skin and science-driven solutions for lasting relief.

Why my skin is dry, sensitive, or dehydrated?

Dry skin fails to produce enough sebum, weakening its protective barrier. This triggers increased transepidermal water loss (TEWL), stripping moisture and leaving skin tight, rough, and irritated. Over time, this compromises firmness, accelerates visible ageing, and heightens sensitivity to damage.

Dehydrated skin lacks both water and lipids. Without adequate hydration, fine lines, flakiness, and persistent tightness develop – even if your skin feels oily on the surface.

Key factors that develop dry skin:

Harsh skincare routines: Overusing stripping cleansers or mattifying products.
Extreme climates: Cold winds, dry winter air, or excessive sun exposure.
Ageing: Natural decline in sebum and lipid production, leading to severely dry skin.
Poor nutrition: Diets low in omega fatty acids and antioxidants.

Did you know? Oily skin can dehydrate too! When moisture levels drop, skin overproduces thick sebum to compensate – a process that clogs pores, traps impurities, and leads to blackheads. No matter your skin type, gentle cleansing that maintains your natural lipid balance is essential to prevent dryness and manage symptoms.

Unsure about your skin’s needs? Explore The Complete Guide: How to Recognize Your Skin Type? for a simple, step-by-step assessment to understand you skin type and tailor your skin care routine.

	Dry Skin	Dehydrated Skin
The core issue	Lack of lipids	Lack of water
How it feels?	– A feeling of tightness – Stinging / Burning sensation – Redness	– A feeling of tightness – Fine dehydration lines – Rough texture – Shininess ~1 hour after cleansing
Its nature	A skin type	A temporary condition
Skincare goal	Barrier repair & nourishment	Hydration & moisture retention
Key ingredients	– Lipids – Hypoallergenic formulas – Lack of allergens	– Humectants – Unsaturated Omega-6 fatty acids

How to cleanse sensitive, dry skin without compromising its natural skin barrier

Cleansing forms the foundation of any dry skin routine – yet missteps here often worsen dryness. Beware of “gentle” or “moisturising” cleansers containing sulfates (SLS/SLES), synthetic fragrances, or allergens that strip your skin’s delicate balance. Instead, opt for fragrance-free formulas with non-ionic surfactants like decyl glucoside, which cleanse without disrupting your hydrolipid barrier. If deciphering ingredient lists feels daunting, try cleansers designed for newborns – these prioritize hypoallergenic, pH-balanced formulas to protect sensitive skin.

Time matters: Cleanse for at least 60 seconds to dissolve impurities, residues, and allow active ingredients to work. Pair this with gentle circular motions to boost microcirculation and promote renewal.

Drying done right: Pat skin dry with a soft cotton or disposable towel – never rub. Rough handling damages the skin’s natural barrier, leaving even the richest moisturiser ineffective.

What is the best cleanser for sensitive and dry skin on the face?

Smoothing Cleanser by Alexandra Kubas is a moisturising cleansing cream meticulously formulated for very dry skin and sensitive skin. Its lipid-rich base purifies deeply while safeguarding the hydrolipid barrier – critical for preventing severe dryness and irritation. The formula efficiently removes impurities and cosmetic residues without disrupting the stratum corneum’s intercellular structure, making it ideal for dehydrated or reactive complexions.

How It Works:

Barrier-Preserving Cleansing: Free of sulfates and harsh surfactants, it gently dissolves buildup while maintaining skin’s natural moisture balance.
Gentle Exfoliation: Emollients and natural polishing particles lift dead cells without abrasion, smoothing texture and enhancing absorption of active ingredients.
Multi-Functional Care: Use as a daily cleanser, weekly exfoliant, or hydrating mask to reinforce the protective layer and support microbiome health.

By focusing on restoring hydrolipid balance, Smoothing Cleanser operates on three levels: cleansing without stripping, smoothing uneven texture, and strengthening resilience against environmental stressors. Dermatologist-tested for sensitivity, it’s a cornerstone of routines for skin prone to tightness, flaking, or premature ageing.

How to moisturise dry and sensitive skin?

For dry, sensitive skin, hydration starts with lipid-rich serums and water-free moisturisers packed with Omega-6 fatty acids like linoleic acid – a key component of ceramides that form the stratum corneum’s intercellular cement. A deficiency in these lipids weakens the skin barrier, increasing transepidermal water loss (TEWL), irritation, and environmental sensitivity. Additionally, using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF 50 is crucial to protect the skin from UV damage, even on cloudy days, and should be reapplied every two hours, especially when swimming or sweating.

Why Choose Water-Free Moisturisers? Water-based formulas evaporate quickly, offering fleeting relief. A water-free cream or serum, however:

Locks in lipids: Delivers occlusive agents that regenerate the hydrolipid barrier.
Reduces TEWL: Strengthens the skin’s protective function, improving elasticity and moisture retention in deeper layers.
Prevents irritation: Creates a resilient shield against external stressors like pollution or dry air.

Our Recommendation: Serum +q10 by Alexandra Kubas combines 1% ubiquinone (Coenzyme q10) with nourishing plant oils to:

Stimulate collagen production and barrier repair.
Lock in moisture for 24-hour hydration.
Protect against UV and pollution-induced damage.

Pro Tip: Apply the serum to damp skin, then massage your skin gently. You’ll see the results immediately!

Layered Skincare for Dry Skin: The Order That Makes a Difference

Proper product layering is essential for maximizing skincare efficacy and improving moisture retention – a universal rule for all skin types. Begin with water-based formulas like hyaluronic acid serums or thermal water mists to deliver instant hydration. However, these require a follow-up step to seal in moisture. Apply lipid-rich creams or oils immediately after to create an occlusive barrier that prevents evaporation and reinforces the hydrolipid layer. This dual approach ensures lasting comfort and resilience for dry, sensitive skin.

Best Cream for Very Dry Skin

Cream by Alexandra Kubas is a water-free, lipid-intensive formula designed for severely dry or compromised skin. Unlike conventional moisturisers, it contains no water, fillers, or synthetic additives—only active lipids and antioxidants that rebuild the epidermal barrier.

Key Benefits:

Barrier Repair: Plant butters and Omega-6-rich oils mimic skin’s natural lipids, restoring the stratum corneum’s structure.
Occlusive Protection: Locks in hydration and reduces transepidermal water loss (TEWL) by 63% in clinical trials.
Antioxidant Defence: Neutralises free radicals from pollution and UV exposure, slowing visible ageing.

How to Use for Best Results:

Mist skin with thermal water or apply a hyaluronic acid serum.
Warm a pea-sized amount of Cream in your palms and press gently onto damp skin.
Massage in upward motions until absorbed, leaving a satin finish.

For optimal results, pair with Smoothing Cleanser and Serum +q10 to create a lipid-layered routine that combats dryness at every level.

Dry & Sensitive Skin: The Ultimate Do’s and Dont’s

The Do’s:

Follow the 60-Second Rule when cleansing your face morning and night.
Use gentle, low-foaming cleansers that respect your skin’s natural oils.
Choose moisturisers rich in lipids, like Ceramides and Omega-6 fatty acids.
Layer your skincare correctly, applying water-based products before oil-based ones.
Opt for hypoallergenic and fragrance-free formulas whenever possible.
Wear a broad-spectrum SPF daily to protect your vulnerable skin barrier.

The Dont’s:

Harsh, foaming cleansers that contain sulphates (SLS/SLES).
Rubbing your face with a towel – always pat your skin gently dry instead.
Skincare products with drying alcohols (like Alcohol Denat.) in the ingredients list.
Products with common allergens, especially synthetic fragrances.

FAQ

Can I use these products if I have oily but dehydrated skin?

Yes, absolutely. Skin that overproduces oil is often trying to defend itself against dehydration and irritation. By using a water-free formula like the Cream, which is rich in unsaturated fatty acids, you provide external protection. It acts like a soothing compress, helping to regulate sebum production over time. As your skin’s barrier strengthens, it will rebalance and find its natural equilibrium.

How soon will I see results on my dry skin?

You can expect to feel immediate relief and comfort after the very first use. A visible improvement in hydration, skin texture, and radiance is typically noticeable to yourself and others within about a week of consistent use.

Is a water-free (anhydrous) cream comedogenic?

No, anhydrous formulas are often non-comedogenic as they don’t contain the thickeners and emulsifiers that can sometimes clog pores. The key is to apply a small amount to damp skin, which allows it to form a protective barrier without feeling greasy. It’s also important to remember that pores are most commonly clogged by a build-up of dirt, impurities, dead skin cells, and leftover cosmetics.

Why is the 60-second cleanse so important?

It’s a cornerstone of effective cleansing. Sixty seconds is the minimum time needed for your cleanser’s ingredients to properly dissolve impurities like makeup, sebum, and SPF. It also allows any active ingredients in the formula to get to work. This thorough approach ensures every part of your face is properly cleaned, leading to a clearer, brighter complexion with fewer inflammatory issues.

Can I “cure” my dry skin?

Since dry skin is often a genetically determined skin type, it can’t be permanently “cured”. However, you can absolutely manage it and bring it to a state of complete balance, where you no longer experience the negative symptoms. Achieving this requires a consistent skincare routine focused on barrier support, combined with a holistic approach that includes supplementation, a healthy diet, and a balanced lifestyle.