In the previous post, we talked about skincare for oily skin.

This time, let’s take a look at how to care for dry skin.

 

Unlike oily skin, dry skin tends to be more prone to pigmentation rather than breakouts.

 

This is because the skin barrier in the dermis is more likely to break down,
causing melanin from the epidermis to settle deeper into the skin.

Additionally, itchiness caused by dryness often leads to scratching,
which can result in post-inflammatory pigmentation.

 

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Do I have dry skin? (Xerosis)

Dry skin = Xerosis = 乾燥皮膚

 

People with dry skin have less sebum production compared to those with oily skin,

which can lead to the following common symptoms:

• Skin feels tight or stretched after washing

• Prone to redness and sensitivity

• More likely to develop melasma or dark spots

• Skin easily becomes flaky or rough

 

The following images show examples of atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, and tinea (fungal infection).

 

At our clinic, some patients visit with complaints like

“My skin feels dry and flaky,” but in many cases,
they are actually dealing with skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, eczema, or ichthyosis.

 

These are not simply dry skin — they are medical skin conditions.

 

In particular, these conditions are often accompanied by intense itching and redness,
so if you experience these symptoms, we strongly recommend getting a proper diagnosis from a dermatologist.

 

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Recommended Cleansers for Dry Skin

For those with dry or sensitive skin, strong or harsh cleansers are not recommended.

 

Cleansers that contain scrubbing particles or high concentrations of peeling agents
can actually worsen dryness and lead to further irritation.

 

That’s why we recommend using gentle, mildly acidic (pH-balanced) cleansers
in gel or foam form for daily use.

 

These types are generally low-irritation and suitable even for sensitive skin :)

 

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Toners & Lotions for Dry Skin

Examples: Ceramide-infused lotions, MD creams (highly moisturizing, low-irritation, but relatively expensive)

For dry skin, watery, lightweight toners or essences may worsen dryness rather than improve it.
It’s important to choose slightly thicker lotions or creams that offer stronger hydration.

Even when using toners for exfoliation, make sure to select products that contain moisturizing ingredients such as ceramides or hyaluronic acid.

“MD creams” are medical-grade skincare products typically available at dermatology clinics,
and in some cases, may be eligible for insurance coverage.

Popular examples include:

• Atobarrier Cream

• Zeriod Moisture Cream

These are excellent choices for those with atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, severe dry skin, or sensitive skin,
though their higher cost can be a drawback.

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Recommended Ingredients for Dry Skin (Ampoules & Ointments)

1. Moisturizing & Regenerating Ingredients

• Panthenol

• Shea Butter

• Ceramides

• Fatty Acids

• Plant-based Oils

• PDRN (Polydeoxyribonucleotide)

2. Soothing Ingredients

• Cica (Centella Asiatica Extract)

• Madecassoside

• EGF (Epidermal Growth Factor)

3. Brightening Ingredients

• Niacinamide

• Tranexamic Acid

 

Ingredients and Products Unsuitable for Dry Skin

• Weakly alkaline cleansers

• Vitamin C ampoules

• Retinol

• Tretinoin

• Exfoliating products with scrubs

 

These ingredients are highly irritating and not recommended for dry or sensitive skin.

 

※ The products introduced in this post are not advertisements but provided as examples.

Rather than focusing on product names, it is strongly recommended to check the ingredients before purchasing.

 

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✅ 3-line Summary

 

Even if it looks like simple dryness, there’s a chance it could be a skin condition such as atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, or eczema.
If you have itching or flaky, scaly skin, please consult a dermatologist.

For dry skin, moisturizing and regenerative creams are most effective.
Especially those containing ceramide, panthenol, or PDRN help restore the skin barrier.

Unlike oily skin, exfoliating acids or alkaline peeling agents can be too harsh for dry skin, so caution is needed when using them.

 

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That concludes the skincare and product recommendations for dry skin.

I hope this information is helpful to many of you.

 

If you have any questions about treatments or skincare,
feel free to like or leave a comment — I’ll personally and kindly respond.

 

Thank you.

 

📍 Primi Clinic
3F, 52 Seongsuil-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, Korea (Primi Clinic)

 

📍 Primi Clinic
서울특별시 성동구 성수일로 52 3F (Primi Clinic)