If your skin is typically dry—that is, if it’s persistently parched and not just a seasonal or circumstantial dehydration—then you need to use products that factor for such sensitivity. Your skin’s outermost layer—its defensive one—retains less moisture, and your natural oil production could be lesser than your oily or otherwise “normal” friends. Dry skin is more susceptible to cracking, roughness, aging, and even infection.
While you need a thick but gentle moisturizer to keep it hydrated, you also need a gentle cleanser that doesn’t further compromise the defensive barrier of the skin. It needs to clean without stripping the oil production you *do* have.
You’re often smart to shop for products labeled “gentle” and “sensitive”, but should note whether they have high amounts of fragrances or dyes, which can further aggravate the skin. Obviously, avoid drying products like toners and astringents—anything with alcohol, really—and lay off the drying, deep-cleaning masks. (You should definitely use hydrating sheet masks, though.)
Here are five sensitive-and-dry-skin cleansers we love, all a good foundation for your skincare regimen.
Sundari Cream Cleanser
AmazonComfrey Cream Cleanser
With the addition of two floral ingredients—comfrey and chamomile—this cleanser pulls dirt and grime from the skin while nourishing and fortifying the capillary walls beneath the skin. This leaves you with smoother, softer complexion, aided by gentle exfoliation from jojoba beads. This cleanser carefully lifts dry, cracked, and peeling skin, making way for the healthier, hydrated cells underneath.
