Best Skincare for Dry Skin: A Science-Backed Ritual That Works

Skincare isn’t one-size-fits-all and that’s especially true when it comes to dry skin. Among the five primary skin types—normal, dry, oily, combination, and sensitive—dry skin is characterized by consistently low oil production. It often feels tight, rough, or flaky and struggles to retain moisture, even in humid conditions.

Understanding your skin type is essential when building a ritual that works. For dry skin, this means focusing on barrier repair, moisture retention, and long-term nourishment. In this guide, we’ll explore the causes of dry skin, how to distinguish it from temporary dryness, and how to build the best skincare for dry skin using a thoughtful, science-led approach.

Dry Skin or Just Seasonal Dryness?

It’s easy to confuse dry skin with seasonal dryness, but they’re not the same. Dry skin is a skin type—genetically determined and often persistent throughout the year. It’s marked by low sebum production and a naturally weaker skin barrier. In contrast, seasonal dryness is temporary and often triggered by environmental conditions like cold weather, low humidity, indoor heating, or over-cleansing.

If your skin only feels tight or flaky in winter, and improves with a change in weather or routine, it may just be seasonal. However, if you experience persistent flakiness, tightness even in humid months, and find relief only with rich, emollient products, you're likely dealing with a true dry skin type, and it requires consistent, targeted care.

What Is Dry Skin and What Causes It?

Dry skin stems from a combination of internal and external factors. At its core, dry skin produces less sebum, the natural oil that keeps skin soft and protected. This lack of oil compromises the lipid barrier, making it harder for the skin to retain water and defend itself against irritants.

Contributing factors include:

• Genetics: Some people are simply predisposed to produce less oil.
• Aging: Sebum production and skin renewal slow with age.
• Climate: Cold, dry air or exposure to wind can strip moisture.
• Harsh products: Alcohols, stripping cleansers, and over-exfoliation can worsen dryness.
• Chronic inflammation: Skin conditions or sensitivities can further weaken the barrier.

Key Principles for Dry Skin Care

Caring for dry skin requires a strategic approach focused on moisture retention, barrier support, and soothing care. Instead of layering on heavy creams alone, the key is to support skin function through gentle, layered hydration and nourishing actives.

• Moisture layering matters: Combine hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid with emollients and occlusives to lock in moisture.
• Barrier support comes first: Peptides, ceramides, and lipids help rebuild the skin’s natural defenses.
• Less is more: Avoid overloading the skin with actives that may increase sensitivity or compromise hydration.

The most effective skincare ritual for dry skin is one that focuses on healing and protecting, not just masking symptoms.

Skincare Ritual for Dry Skin

A targeted dry skincare ritual should focus on layering hydration, repairing the barrier, and sealing in moisture—especially in the evening when the skin is in repair mode.

Morning Ritual:

• Cream or balm cleanser: Removes impurities without stripping the skin.
• Hydrating toner or mist: Helps prepare the skin to absorb serums.
• Peptide serum: Delivers barrier-repairing and collagen-supporting ingredients in a lightweight base. Use a targeted formula, like GLOW, to calm and repair the skin barrier throughout the day.
• Moisturizer: Replenishes lipids and softens skin.
• Mineral SPF: Protects dry skin without irritation.

Evening Ritual:

• Gentle cleanser: Cream-based or oil-based, depending on preference.
• Peptide serum: Apply again to support overnight regeneration.
• Rich moisturizer or overnight balm: Locks in moisture for deep repair while you sleep.

Ingredients to Look For (and Avoid)

Choosing the right ingredients can make or break a ritual for dry skin. Look for those that restore, hydrate, and reinforce.

Helpful Ingredients:

• Peptides: Support barrier repair, collagen production, and overall skin structure.
• Hyaluronic Acid (HA): A humectant that draws water into the skin.
• Ceramides: Rebuild the lipid layer to reduce moisture loss.
• Fatty acids: Soften and protect.

Avoid:

• Drying alcohols: Can strip skin of essential lipids.
• Strong exfoliants or peels: May cause microtears or worsen irritation.
• Fragrances or harsh preservatives: Increase the risk of sensitivity and inflammation.

The best skincare for dry skin is gentle, supportive, and designed to restore—not overcorrect.

How Peptides Help Dry Skin Recover

Peptides are one of the most effective ingredients for dry skin, offering support at a cellular level. In GLOW, several key peptides work together to hydrate, strengthen, and smooth the skin:

• GHK-Cu (Copper Tripeptide-1): Stimulates regeneration and reduces inflammation, promoting healthier skin
over time.
• Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 & Tetrapeptide-7: Helps rebuild collagen and reinforces the skin barrier.
• Snap-8 (Acetyl Octapeptide-3): Relaxes skin tension and improves texture without occlusion.
• Hyaluronic Acid: Draws and retains moisture deep within the skin, relieving tightness and dehydration.

🧬 Explore how the peptides in GLOW support hydration, structure, and barrier health.

Lifestyle Tips for Dry Skin Health

Skincare products matter, but your lifestyle can have just as much impact on your skin’s moisture levels. Supporting dry skin from the inside out helps sustain results.

• Stay hydrated: Drink water consistently throughout the day.
• Eat healthy fats: Omega-3s and antioxidants help support the skin barrier.
• Use a humidifier: Especially in dry or heated indoor environments.
• Avoid long hot showers: They strip away natural oils and worsen dryness.
• Prioritize rest and recovery: Skin regenerates most effectively overnight.

Dry skin needs more than just a thick moisturizer—it needs support, structure, and long-term nourishment. A science-backed ritual that hydrates, protects, and rebuilds the skin barrier can make a lasting difference in how your skin looks and feels.

GLOW’s multi-peptide formula offers lightweight yet powerful support, making it an ideal addition to your skincare ritual. With consistent use, it helps reduce flakiness, improve skin texture, and restore comfort—giving dry skin exactly what it needs to thrive.