Article Overview
- When signs of dry and sensitive skin begin to show, discover how to develop the ideal skincare routine to radiate a healthier and more-balanced appearance. Whether you have oily, dry, combination, normal or sensitive skin, each skin type or concern requires a unique method of care. Having both dry and sensitive skin is relatively common as these two skin types can be known to exacerbate one another.
- Dry skin usually results when the outer layer of the dermis, the stratum corneum, does not hold enough natural oil. This dryness typically presents as scaling, itching and flaking1 with a rougher skin texture. Sensitive skin is usually due to a compromised skin barrier which results in a lower tolerance to irritants2 and reacts in the form of redness, burning and itching. Both sensitive skin and dry skin have a weakened skin barrier that can be managed with the right skincare routine and products to nourish, protect and strengthen the skin.
DRY AND SENSITIVE SKIN'S CAUSES
Dry skin is often an inherited skin type where symptoms accelerate as the sebaceous glands natural production declines with age1. Sebaceous glands are responsible for the skin’s natural oil supply and work to lubricate and protect the skin. Other external factors like changing climates, very hot baths and UV exposure can also exacerbate the dry skin type’s lack of moisture. On the other hand, sensitive skin will uniquely affect each person with individual triggers and symptoms. Typically, the most common cause of sensitive skin is a compromised skin barrier that renders the skin most vulnerable to external irritants. Sensitive skin is prone to redness, irritation and itching after coming into contact with certain ingredients, chemicals and pollutants. Sometimes alcohol-based, fragranced and harsh skincare products can prompt an unwanted reaction from sensitive skin types. Understanding the causes of dry and sensitive skin will allow you to develop a unique skincare routine to minimise these concerns and leave the skin visibly healthier and well-balanced.
HOW TO IDENTIFY DRY AND SENSITIVE SKIN TYPES

Both dry and sensitive skin hold specific signs that can identify whether you have these skin types. Dry skin types will generally show some of the following elements1:
- Scaling skin as skin cells become dehydrated and weakened,
- Itching as dry skin types have excess dead skin cells that persist on the skin’s surface,
- Skin flaking as dehydrated skin peels due to a lack of moisture.
Typically, sensitive skin will present one of the following signs3:
- A sensation of stinging or burning after application of certain products,
- Redness and irritation in some areas of the skin.
Take note of your skin’s reactions and patterns to identify whether you have dry and sensitive skin. It is always easier to manage unwanted skin concerns when you have a deep understanding of your individual skin’s needs.
MORNING SKINCARE ROUTINE FOR DRY AND SENSITIVE SKIN
Making your skin a priority first thing in the morning will allow you to maintain a thorough daily skincare routine for both dry and sensitive skin.
1. WASH AWAY IMPURITIES WITH A CLEANSER FOR SENSITIVE AND DRY SKIN
Start your morning skincare routine by cleansing away any impurities or residual skincare from the night before. The SkinCeuticals Gentle Cleanser has been formulated for sensitive skin types and will be gentle without disrupting the skin’s protective barrier. The skin should feel light and hydrated after cleansing with the Gentle Cleanser as it will not strip the skin of its rich natural oils.

2. THE SECOND STEP TO CLEANSING IS TONING
Toning removes any residual dirt and allows for a deeper cleanse, the SkinCeuticals Equalizing Toner is formulated with hydroxy acids to gently exfoliate and rebalance the skin. Hydroxy acids are chemical exfoliants that can minimise flakey, dry skin as they promote a higher skin cell turnover rate, shedding the old in place for the new.
3. MANAGE SENSITIVE SKIN WITH A CORRECTIVE CREAM
Designed to restore the skin’s barrier, the SkinCeuticals Epidermal Repair is ideal for sensitive skin. Sensitive skin is typically a result of a weakened skin barrier and this corrective cream can repair skin dryness while soothing the skin. The SkinCeuticals Epidermal Repair cream is also ideal for sensitised skin post cosmetic procedure and treatments.
4. NOURISH THE SKIN WITH A VITAMIN C SERUM FOR DRY SKIN
Vitamin C uses the power of antioxidants to protect the skin against environmental aggressors, minimise signs of ageing and create a visibly brighter complexion. SkinCeuticals has developed the C E Ferulic Serum to manage sensitive and dry skin and can strengthen the skin’s ability to fight oxidants to maintain a visibly healthier appearance.
5. HYDRATE WITH A MOISTURISER FOR SENSITVE SKIN
Utilising the power of algae extracts, the SkinCeuticals Emollience Rich Hydrating Moisturiser moisturiser for sensitive skin is suitable for daily use. Nourish and replenish the skin’s moisture each morning to ensure dry skin has enough hydration for the day ahead. The SkinCeuticals Emollience is gentle but deeply hydrating which makes it ideal for sensitive and dry skin types.
6. BRIGHTEN YOUR EYES WITH A POWERFUL EYE CREAM
Reveal younger-looking skin with an effective eye cream to minimise the appearance of dark circles and puffiness around the eyes. The SkinCeuticals Eye Cream enhances hydration and utilises eye-specific peptides to combat sagged and tired-looking skin.
7. SHIELD YOUR SKIN WITH SPF PROTECTION
A high-protection broad spectrum sunscreen that can effectively shield the skin from damaging UV exposure is an essential element to a morning skincare routine for dry and sensitive skin. The SkinCeuticals Ultra Facial Defense SPF 50+ is a broad-spectrum moisturising sunscreen that can protect your skin from sun-sensitivity and UVA/UVB rays throughout the day.
ALWAYS READ THE LABEL. FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS FOR USE. Apply 20 minutes before sun exposure. Sunscreen is only one part of sun protection so wear protective clothing and seek shade. Avoid prolonged sun exposure. Reapply every 2 hours and after swimming, towelling and perspiring in accordance with directions.
NIGHT SKINCARE ROUTINE FOR SENSITIVE AND DRY SKIN TYPES
Complete your day with the right skincare to manage sensitive and dry skin. An evening skincare routine should tackle irritants and provide nourishment that can seep deeply into the skin overnight.
1. WIPE AWAY YOUR MAKEUP WITH A CLEANSER FOR SENSITIVE SKIN
A mild cleanser that is designed to wash away impurities, the SkinCeuticals Gentle Cleanser can remove long-wear makeup and dirt build-ups from throughout the day. This cleanser for sensitive skin utilises allantoin, an ingredient derived from the comfrey plantand can increase the skin’s water content for a smoother skin texture.
2. EXFOLIATE AND CLEANSER AWAY DEAD SKIN CELLS TO REVEAL HEALTHIER SKIN
Exfoliation promotes a higher skin cell turnover rate as it encourages the gentle shedding of dead skin cells. The SkinCeuticals Micro-Exfoliating Scrub targets clogged pores to improve skin texture. With gentle ingredients, this exfoliating cleanser for sensitive and dry skin is suitable for daily use.
3. ENCOURAGE A HIGHER CELL TURNOVER RATE WITH A CHEMICAL EXFOLIANT
The SkinCeuticals Retexturing Activator Serum is designed to exfoliate and hydrate the skin to reveal smoother and visibly brighter-looking skin. This formula can rebalance moisture levels and manage skin concerns associated with dry and sensitive skin types.
4. RESTORE MOISTURE WITH AN EVENING HYDRATING MASK
Give your dry skin an intense boost of hydration with the SkinCeuticals Hydrating B5 Masque. Formulated with the powerful hyaluronic acid, an ingredient that can retain up to one thousand times its weight in water, this masque uses rich ingredients to elevate moisture levels in dry skin.
5. SEAL IN YOUR HYDRATION WITH A MOISTURISER FOR DRY SKIN
A night-time moisturiser for dry skin types, the SkinCeuticals Renew Overnight Dry Hydrating Moisturiser will effectively replenish moisture within the skin. This night cream targets dryness by allowing the hydrating ingredients to work deep into the skin overnight. Use the SkinCeuticals Renew Overnight Dry to achieve more hydrated and healthier-looking skin.
Learn more on building a daily skin regimen with our expert guide to the ideal skincare routine order or shop all SkinCeuticals products suited to dry and sensitive skin types.
Sources
- https://www.skinceuticals.co.uk/en_GB/dry-skin.html
- https://www.jaad.org/article/S0190-9622(04)03047-6/fulltext
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3519246/