What face wash should you use for dry skin?

What should you look for in a face wash?

• Choose a cleanser made for the face and suited to dry or sensitive skin.
• Look for fragrance free wording. Unscented is not the same thing: an unscented product can still contain irritating fragrance chemicals.
• Consider a soap substitute, such as a synthetic detergent cleanser or a cleansing emollient that mixes with water. An emollient softens and smooths skin.
• Avoid turning cleansing into exfoliation. Scrubbing and abrasive products can worsen dryness rather than solve flaking.

Why does washing sometimes make dry skin worse?

Dry skin lacks moisture in its outer layer, which can leave the surface rough, scaly or cracked. Its protective barrier also holds water less effectively. Excessive washing, contact with soap, hot water and friction can add to the problem. A gentler cleanser helps remove an aggravating factor, but moisturizing remains the main treatment for dryness.1

The moisturizer does the main work of treating dryness, which gives the face wash a pleasantly small job description. Choose a moisturizer based on how dry your skin is, what you tolerate, your preferences, cost and availability. The practical goal is to reduce itch, support the protective barrier and limit water loss.1

How to wash your face without making dryness worse

1. 1Wet your face with lukewarm water, not hot water.
2. 2Apply a mild cleanser with your fingertips, using gentle circular movements. Do not scrub.
3. 3Rinse the cleanser off completely.
4. 4Gently pat your face with a clean towel, leaving your skin slightly damp.
5. 5Apply moisturizer straight away. Do not wait for your skin to dry completely.

For facial dryness, get moisturizer on within five minutes of washing. Moisturize again during the day when needed rather than relying on cleanser alone. Ceramides help strengthen the protective barrier, while hyaluronic acid is another moisturizing ingredient to look for in the product you leave on your face.3

How often should I wash my face if I have dry skin?

General facial cleansing guidance is to wash when you wake up, before bed and after sweating. Morning washing removes dirt and bacteria that settle during sleep; evening washing removes makeup and grime accumulated during the day. Washing off makeup and daily grime is useful work, even if it does not sound like a product launch.4

Dry skin also needs protection from excessive washing, so avoid adding unnecessary washes to that routine. If you shower several times a day, use soap during only one shower to limit drying. That is shower advice, not a rule that every dry face needs cleanser exactly once daily. A face wash in the shower still needs lukewarm water and a gentle touch.15

Should your cleansing routine change in winter?

Cold outdoor air and indoor heating both reduce the moisture available around your skin. A cleanser that fits your routine in warmer weather can be only one part of managing winter dryness: avoid scented soaps and harsh astringents, keep showers lukewarm and limit them to five to 10 minutes. Pat dry and moisturize promptly afterward to help trap moisture.2

What if you use retinol or acne treatments?

Retinol can contribute to dryness, and acne products containing salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide can also be drying, especially in winter. If your face is becoming drier, review those products as well as your cleanser. Adding moisture or reducing the frequency of a drying cosmetic product can help; changes to prescription treatment belong with your prescriber.2

If you take isotretinoin, dry skin is a common side effect. Apply an oil free moisturizer or emollient to damp skin after cleansing and whenever your skin feels dry. A rich, creamy moisturizer can help with dryness; for acne prone areas, look for products labeled noncomedogenic, meaning formulated not to clog pores. These are selection criteria, not a promise that a particular product cannot cause breakouts.6

How long does dry skin take to improve?

There is no fixed recovery time for dry skin. Dryness can improve once contributing factors are controlled, but a tendency toward dry skin can persist. Keep moisturizing regularly rather than treating a cleanser change as the whole solution. If dryness is not improving, getting the cause assessed is more useful than repeatedly replacing the face wash.13

When should you get medical help?

Contact a healthcare professional if your facial dryness:

• Does not improve after changes to your skin care.
• Looks wet and red.
• Causes itching or irritation that interferes with daily activities.
• Leaves a persistent pink patch.