Skin Type Guide · The Clean Sheet™

Dry Skin

Restore your moisture barrier, lock in hydration, and avoid the habits that strip your skin dry.

The upside: Dry skin tends to be less prone to acne and visible pores. With the right barrier-repair routine, it can maintain a naturally smooth, matte finish.

Understanding Your Skin

Root Causes

Genetic Conditions: Atopic dermatitis or Ichthyosis.
Barrier Damage: Deficiency in proteins and lipids on the skin's surface.
Transepidermal Water Loss: Inability to retain moisture, leading to redness and itching.

External Factors

Winter Climate: Lower humidity extracts moisture from the air.
Hot Water: Strips natural oils more aggressively than cool water.
Harsh Cleaning: Over-washing and physical tugging with towels.

Essential Habits & Hygiene

Damp Skin Rule: Always apply moisturizer while the skin is still slightly damp to seal in hydration.

The Morning Skip: If your skin is very dry, skip cleanser in the morning and wash with plain water only.

Short Showers: Keep showers under 2 minutes — longer exposure to water dries the skin further.

Night Baths: Showering at night removes dust and allergens that cause itching during sleep.

Humidifier: Using one in winter helps maintain moisture levels, especially for those with dermatitis.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Hot Water: Never wash your face or body with hot water — use lukewarm or room temperature water.

Harsh Towel Use: Do not rub or pull at the skin. Gently pat dry with a soft towel.

Multiple Products: Avoid skincare maximalism. A damaged barrier is easily irritated by too many actives.

Over-exfoliating: Avoid strong AHAs/BHAs. If necessary, use a very mild lactic acid.

Wool Sensitivity: Never let wool touch dry skin directly — always wear a cotton layer underneath.

Ingredient Guide & Product Selection

Cleansers & Serums

Cleansers: Gentle, non-foaming formulas with Glycerin or Ceramides.

Hydrating Serums: Niacinamide, Hyaluronic Acid, Panthenol, and Centella Asiatica.

Brightening: Kojic Acid or Alpha Arbutin — must be mixed with moisturizers.

Heavy-Duty Hydration

Sandwich Technique: Apply moisturizer, then your active (Retinol), then moisturizer again to prevent irritation.

Slugging: Apply petroleum jelly over the eyes, nose, and mouth at night to lock in moisture.

Hand/Foot Care: Use thicker creams containing Urea and Lactic Acid.

Moisturizers & Sunscreens

Key Ingredients: Ceramides, Shea Butter, Cocoa Butter, Dimethicone, and Squalane.

Body Care: Seal your body moisturizer with a layer of Coconut Oil for extra protection.

Sunscreens: Creamy or lotion-based formulations — avoid gels that might be too drying.

Your Simplified Daily Routine

Morning Routine

Cleanse: Plain water, or a very gentle cleanser if needed.

Serum: Hydrating serum — Hyaluronic Acid or Niacinamide.

Sunscreen: Creamy SPF 30 or SPF 50.

Night Routine

Cleanse: Gentle non-foaming cleanser or Cleansing Balm.

Serum: Barrier-repairing serum.

Moisturize: Thick cream, optionally sealed with petroleum jelly or oil.

Summary Checklist

Eat Omega-3 rich foods (flax seeds, chia seeds) to improve skin barrier from within.

Always apply product on damp skin.

Wear cotton socks over foot cream to heal cracked heels overnight.

Patch test new products in the morning, never overnight.

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