01/22/2026
Dry Face??? Tips to help:
Frequently the cleansers we use on our face work too well. We have all felt it when our skin feels dry or tight after a “good cleaning”. Most of us attempt to solve this with a layer of an emollient like lotion. But there are better ways to get clean without a lot of the collateral damage.
Step 1: Use a mild cleanser. In our dry climate, this is doubly important. Some of the soaps and cleansers out there are so strong I wonder if the cleaning power is outdone by the damage they cause. If your face feels off after using a product, it likely is off. Go mild and the need to repair is lessened.
Step 2: Add a toner to your regimen. A toner is a liquid solution that restores your skin’s pH back to normal after the cleanser shifts it as part of the process of cleaning your face. But toners can also be used to remove impurities (we do this in our clinic all the time.) Toner can also target specific skin needs like hydration. And lastly, it can prep the skin for later treatments like serum or moisturizers making them work better.
Step 3: Moisturize. You don’t have to break the bank here. Many people do fair with a quality general purpose lotion like Aveeno. But finding a great moisturizer to target your specific skin is a game changer. For me that was finding something a little thicker and more nourishing--Barrier Renewal Complex by EltaMD Skin Care. Combined with their Toner and Night Mask, my skin hasn't felt this good for decades. --Dr. Blake
