Buzz
Looking for ways to treat dry skin on your face while you sleep? Chronic dryness can cause irritation, sensitivity, and a dull complexion. It may also make fine lines and wrinkles appear more pronounced and lead to flaky skin that interferes with your makeup. These are all signs your skin is lacking moisture.
Luckily, there are a variety of skincare habits you can incorporate to help hydrate your skin—from using moisturizing products to placing a humidifier in your room. Here are some dermatologist-approved methods to help repair dry skin while you rest.
Factors Behind Dry Skin
“Dry skin signals that the skin barrier is weakened,” states Carmen Castilla, MD, a board-certified dermatologist. “When the skin barrier is compromised, it becomes more prone to irritation and sensitivity.” Several key factors contribute to a weakened skin barrier.
Skin Disorders
Conditions such as various forms of dermatitis (atopic, perioral, seborrheic, etc.) and psoriasis can contribute to excessive dryness. Additionally, conditions that cause itching can lead to dry skin due to constant scratching over time. It's important to note that treatments for some skin conditions can also worsen dryness.
Health Conditions and Medications
Certain health issues like diabetes, thyroid disease, kidney disease, HIV, and eating disorders such as anorexia can lead to dry skin. Similarly, some medications and treatments (such as statins, diuretics, and chemotherapy) used to manage various health conditions may also have dry skin as a side effect.
Nutrient Deficiencies
The skin needs essential nutrients to stay hydrated and in good health. Deficiencies in vitamins D and A, for example, can result in dry skin. Likewise, a lack of niacin, zinc, or iron may contribute to the problem of dry skin.
Environmental Influences
Dry air can have a negative impact on the skin, causing it to become dry. This is particularly true in colder regions or during seasonal transitions when temperatures fall. Exposure to sunlight can also cause the skin to dry out. In areas with higher humidity, the air holds more moisture, leading to better skin hydration.
Dalina Rahman/Getty Images8 Techniques to Soothe Dry Skin on Your Face
Skin Flooding
Skin flooding has recently gained attention on TikTok, but it's actually a time-tested strategy recommended by dermatologists. The key is to apply your serums and moisturizers on damp skin.
"Moisturizing on damp skin helps to lock in moisture and increases the effectiveness of your moisturizer by allowing it to penetrate better,” says Castilla. “Use lukewarm water to wash your face, gently pat it dry leaving it a little damp, then apply the moisturizer.”
Switch to an Oil-Based Cleanser
An oil-based cleanser is one of the simplest ways to add more moisture to your skincare routine, says Audrey Kunin, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of DermaDoctor. Not only does it effectively remove even the most stubborn makeup, dirt, and oils, but it also provides an added moisture boost compared to gels and foams.
Layer Your Moisturizers
Layering different moisturizing products on top of each other can help deliver more hydration to your skin. The general guideline is to layer from thinnest to thickest consistency: start with a toner or essence, then apply serum, and finish with your cream. Candace Marino, a medical aesthetician, even adds a hydrating mist between these layers.
Skin Slugging
Another popular trend on #SkinTok, “slugging” involves applying a thin layer of petroleum jelly over your skin to lock in moisture. Its slimy texture is what inspired the name. Petroleum jelly acts as an occlusive ingredient, creating a barrier that prevents water loss. Simply apply a thin layer as the final step in your skincare routine, wait for about 30 minutes, and then go to sleep.
Use Products Containing Hyaluronic Acid
Many moisturizing skincare products include hyaluronic acid, a vital ingredient. Hyaluronic acid, a glycosaminoglycan, is the main molecule responsible for your skin's moisture. It has the ability to bind and retain water molecules. When your skin is dehydrated, this ingredient can help replenish its moisture.
Apply Colloidal Oatmeal
Colloidal oatmeal can be a powerful skin moisturizer and calming agent due to its beneficial properties. The finely milled oats contain a mix of lipids, proteins, polysaccharides, and saponins, which together form a protective layer on the skin that helps retain water and hydrate. It is also rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that can soothe irritated or inflamed skin.
Apply AHA Cream to Your Feet & Cover with Socks
Also dealing with extremely dry hands or feet? Kunin has a solution: “Apply a thick layer of a rich lotion, cream, or ointment—ideally one containing 10% AHAs—then cover with gloves or socks,” Kunin suggests. “The product helps to soften and exfoliate the skin, while the cloth covering creates humidity, enhancing the effects.”
Use Ceramides
Certain skincare products contain ceramides, which are essential for maintaining healthy skin. They play a crucial role in forming the skin’s natural barrier, which helps retain moisture. Ceramides make up a significant part of the skin's lipid structure, safeguarding water retention and protecting against environmental damage. However, ceramide levels naturally decrease with age, contributing to dryness. Applying ceramides topically can replenish these vital lipids.
Prevent Dry Skin
If your skin is currently well-hydrated, it's important to maintain that state. Here are some tips to help prevent dry skin from occurring or to stop it from coming back.
Keep a Humidifier in Your Bedroom
Have you ever noticed how your skin feels especially dry during the winter months or when indoor heating or air conditioning is on? This happens due to the lack of humidity, but a humidifier can quickly resolve the issue.
“Even in areas with humid outdoor air, indoor heating systems tend to drastically reduce the humidity inside. Humidifiers help by releasing moisture into the air, preventing the negative effects of dry, cold winter air,” says Castilla. Just remember to clean it regularly to avoid mold buildup.
Exfoliate Once Every Week or Two
Exfoliation is crucial for maintaining your skin’s moisture levels. “If you don’t exfoliate and remove the buildup of dead skin cells, your serums and creams won’t penetrate properly,” Marino says. “When you hydrate dead skin, you end up thickening the outermost layer, essentially wasting your products since they’re never absorbed and don’t have a chance to work.”
Marino advises using a mild chemical exfoliator once a week. It’s crucial not to over-exfoliate, as doing so could result in the opposite effect, causing further dryness.
Get Your Beauty Sleep
While you may know that seven to eight hours of sleep helps prevent dark circles and improves your overall well-being, it also plays a significant role in healing dry skin.
“During sleep, there is an increase in blood flow to the skin, which aids in its repair,” explains Castilla. “Lack of sleep hampers the skin’s ability to heal, leading to skin barrier damage and dryness.” Maintaining a consistent nighttime routine will be beneficial in the long run.
Use a Silk Pillowcase
A silk pillowcase can also help prevent dry skin. Unlike cotton, silk generates less friction and helps retain moisture. The smooth surface of silk is gentler on the skin, reducing the likelihood of irritation. This also helps combat fine lines and wrinkles, which can contribute to dry patches.
Wash with Cold or Warm Water
Steering clear of hot, harsh water when washing your face or taking a bath can help prevent dryness. Hot water strips away the skin’s natural oils, which are crucial for maintaining moisture. Without these oils, your skin becomes more vulnerable to dryness.
