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This mini article is part of The Unprescribed, a series of reflections on the prescriptions doctors wish they could write, but never do. Shared on Sundays.

By Dr. Maria K. Jimmy

Does your dry skin seem to become oily during the day?

Most often, it’s a sign that your skin barrier is struggling to hold on to moisture. Your skin may respond by producing more oil while still remaining dehydrated.

Learning how to care for dry skin properly can help break this cycle and support long-term skin barrier health.

Here are 5 simple tips to care for dry skin and support your skin barrier:

1. Cleanse gently

Avoid harsh soaps and very hot water, which strip away your skin’s natural protective oils and damage the skin barrier.

Cleanser recommendations: [1] · [2] (my fav) · [3] ·

2. Moisturise immediately after washing

Choose a moisturiser for dry skin containing ceramides, glycerin or hyaluronic acid to help repair the skin barrier.

Moisturiser recommendations: [1] · [2] · [3] (my pick) · [4] ·

3. Never skip moisturiser because your skin looks oily

Dehydrated skin can produce excess oil in response to water loss, making dry skin care even more important.

4. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen daily

Daily sunscreen for dry skin helps reduce UV-related barrier damage and supports healthy skin.

Sunscreen recommendations: [1] · [2] (the best!) · [3] · [4]

5. Avoid over-exfoliating.

Too many scrubs or acids can worsen dryness, irritation and skin barrier damage, making dry, flaky skin harder to manage.

Restoring balance is the key to maintaining healthy dry skin.

When your skin barrier is well cared for, it can hold on to moisture and stay comfortable.

References

• Elias PM. Skin barrier function. Current Allergy and Asthma Reports. 2008.
• Rawlings AV, Harding CR. Moisturization and skin barrier function. Dermatologic Therapy. 2004.
• Fitzpatrick’s Dermatology in General Medicine.

The Unprescribed / Advice that never makes it onto the prescription note.