Dry Skin? Meet Your Saviors

When the months get colder and drier, skin tends to follow suit. If you’ve ever wondered, “why is my skin so dry?” in the winter—or honestly, any time of year—the answer often comes back to your skin barrier. Damage or weaken that barrier, and you’re basically waving goodbye to hydration.

Your barrier is made of oils, lipids, and even some dead skin you’re tempted to scrub away. This protective layer keeps water locked in and irritants out. Strip it too harshly and you’ll be left with tight, itchy, or flaky skin. The good news? Treating dry skin is possible with a little barrier TLC and the right moisturizer for dry skin.

How to Treat Dry Skin on Your Face

There are many steps you can take to treat and gradually heal your skin when it gets dry. While every face is different and the exact skincare routine might differ from person to person, here are a few general tips to help get you started:

1. Change Your Routine with the Seasons

What keeps your face happy in July may not cut it in January. In humid weather, when lightweight hydration is key, reach for a gel moisturizer like Air Angel that won’t clog pores or feel heavy. When temperatures drop, dry skin needs extra support to combat trans-epidermal water loss, so swap in a richer formula with ceramides and lipids. Instant Angel is a good place to start.

If your skin tends to break out or feel reactive during transitions, patch test before fully switching products, and stick to moisturizers that hydrate without relying on waxes or butters. For skin that leans dry, flaky, or easily irritated, that seasonal shift to a creamier formula can make all the difference.

2. Reinforce Hydration

Hyaluronic acid may get the spotlight, but glycerin deserves the award for most reliable hydrating ingredient. Naturally present in your skin, glycerin is a humectant that pulls water into the surface layers and helps keep them plump.

To get the full benefit, always layer a moisturizer for dry skin over your hydrating serums. Try Dieux Air Angel Plumping Gel Cream for a lighter option or Dieux Instant Angel Firming Moisturizer for a richer finish. Without that final layer, water evaporates, leaving skin just as parched as before.

3. Practice Safe Exfoliation

Exfoliation has its place, but too much of a good thing can sabotage your barrier. Over-exfoliating strips away the very oils your skin needs to stay balanced. If your face already feels tight or flaky, scale back.

Once or twice a week is plenty for most people. For very dry skin, stick to gentler acids like lactic acid or PHAs, and avoid strong BHAs unless you’re dealing with clogged pores. Think of exfoliation as a supporting player, not the star of your routine.

4. Don’t Skip SPF

Yes, even in winter. UV rays (especially UVA) penetrate through clouds and glass, contributing to dryness, irritation, and long-term damage. While you may not need to reapply as often in colder months, the ingredients in a daily SPF can help protect your barrier from yet another stressor.

5. Maintain Good Habits

Skincare products do the heavy lifting, but your habits and your persistence with them matter just as much. Shorten those scorching hot showers, add a humidifier to your bedroom, and hydrate from the inside out. Poor sleep, stress, and overall dehydration can show up as dry, irritated skin just as easily as skipping moisturizer.

Above all, be kind to your skin. Whether you reach for Instant Angel to repair dryness or Air Angel’s lighter-weight formula to lock in hydration, consistency is key. 

FAQs 

What causes dry skin?

Dry skin causes can include cold weather, hot showers, over-exfoliation, harsh cleansers, or simply genetics. Understanding what causes dry skin helps you choose the right product to repair and protect your barrier.

How do you treat dry skin on your face?

Start by switching to a gentle cleanser, using a hydrating serum, and sealing it in with a moisturizer. For daytime, a lightweight formula like the Air Angel Gel Cream works well, while Instant Angel Moisturizer provides richer hydration at night.

How do you heal dry skin?

Healing requires patience and protection. Stick to your routine, avoid triggers like long hot showers, and reach for barrier-strengthening creams. With the right moisturizer in rotation, most people see improvement within a few weeks.