Dry skin is a skin type characterised by a natural lack of both oils (sebum) and moisture. It typically feels tight after cleansing, can flake or feel rough, has fine pores that are hard to see, and tends to show fine lines earlier than oilier skin types.

Important distinction: dry skin is different from dehydrated skin. Dry is your inherent skin type (you were born with it, your skin barrier produces less oil). Dehydrated is a skin condition (any skin type can experience it, caused by lack of water, harsh products, or environment).

How to tell if you have dry skin (rather than dehydration):

1. Tightness after cleansing, even with gentle cleansers
2. Visible fine lines, especially around your eyes and mouth
3. Skin feels rough or has occasional flaking
4. Makeup tends to cling to dry patches
5. Skin rarely gets oily or shiny, even in hot weather

The K-beauty approach to dry skin: layer multiple hydrating products (toner, essence, serum, moisturiser, oil) rather than relying on one heavy cream. Each layer adds different forms of hydration. Always apply to slightly damp skin to lock in moisture.

Cult favourites in our community: Pyungkang Yul Essence Toner, Beauty of Joseon Glow Replenishing Rice Milk, COSRX Snail Mucin All-in-One Cream, and Aromatica Rose Absolute Vital Oil for an evening seal.

Dry skin is mostly genetic. You were born with sebaceous glands that produce less oil than average and a skin barrier that loses moisture more easily. There's nothing you did to cause it, and skincare can support it but won't fundamentally change your skin type.

That said, dryness can get worse over time due to:

1. Ageing. As we age, sebum production naturally decreases (which is why mature skin often gets drier even if it wasn't before)
2. Hormonal changes (especially menopause, when oestrogen drops and skin loses some of its natural moisture)
3. Climate. Cold dry winters, dry indoor heating, air conditioning, and high altitude all strip moisture
4. Harsh skincare. Over-cleansing, alcohol-heavy products, strong actives, and hot water all worsen dryness
5. Health and lifestyle. Dehydration, certain medications, thyroid issues, and eczema can all cause or worsen dry skin

If your skin has gotten noticeably drier recently and the cause isn't obvious (winter, new product), it's worth checking in with a GP or dermatologist to rule out underlying causes.

Dry skin needs cleansers that remove impurities without stripping your already-low natural oils. The wrong cleanser can leave dry skin feeling tight, flaky, and irritated for hours.

What to look for:

1. Low-pH formulas (around 5.5) that match your skin's natural pH
2. Cream, milk, or oil-based cleansers (avoid harsh foaming gels and soaps)
3. Hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, panthenol, or ceramides
4. Gentle non-stripping surfactants

The K-beauty double cleanse approach works particularly well for dry skin. Use an oil cleanser first to remove makeup, SPF, and surface impurities. Follow with a gentle cream or low-pH foam cleanser to clean without stripping. In the morning, a single mild water-based cleanse is enough.

Avoid: traditional bar soaps, harsh foaming gels, anything with high alcohol content, and hot water (use lukewarm).

Cult favourites in our community for dry skin: Heimish All Clean Balm (a balm-to-oil cleanser), Beauty of Joseon Ginseng Cleansing Oil, ANUA Birch Juice Cleansing Oil (lightweight for dry skin), and Pyungkang Yul Low pH Cleansing Gel for the second cleanse.

Dry skin needs richer, more emollient moisturisers that both add hydration and seal it in. Lightweight gels won't cut it for genuinely dry skin types.

What to look for:

1. Humectants (hyaluronic acid, glycerin, panthenol) to draw water into skin
2. Emollients (squalane, ceramides, fatty acids) to fill in gaps in the skin barrier
3. Occlusives (shea butter, oils, dimethicone) to lock everything in
4. Ceramides, which are essential for dry skin barrier repair
5. Rich cream or balm textures rather than gel or fluid lotion textures

Apply twice a day, both morning and evening, to slightly damp skin. If your skin still feels tight an hour after applying, layer a second application or add a few drops of facial oil on top.

In dry winters, consider switching to an even richer night cream or adding a sleeping mask 2 to 3 nights a week.

Cult favourites in our community: Pyungkang Yul Moisture Cream (a barrier hero for dry skin), Aestura Atobarrier 365 Ceramide Cream, COSRX Snail Mucin All-in-One Cream, and SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Tone Brightening Cream.