What Is Dry Skin? Causes, Symptoms & How to Treat It
Dry skin is one of the most common skin concerns affecting Australians of all ages. It can leave your skin feeling tight, rough, flaky and uncomfortable, while also making fine lines and signs of ageing appear more noticeable.
Understanding what dry skin is and what causes it is the first step towards achieving healthier, more comfortable skin.
At Crystal Clear Skin, we believe healthy skin starts with the right skincare routine, professional guidance and products specifically formulated to support your skin's natural barrier.
What Is Dry Skin?
Dry skin is a skin type that produces less natural oil (sebum) than normal skin.
These natural oils play an important role in keeping the skin soft, smooth and protected. When the skin lacks oil, it struggles to retain moisture effectively, resulting in dryness, roughness and increased sensitivity.
Dry skin can occur anywhere on the body but is most commonly experienced on the face, hands, arms and legs.
Unlike temporary skin concerns, dry skin is often a long-term skin type that requires ongoing care and hydration support.
What Causes Dry Skin?
There are several factors that can contribute to dry skin.
Genetics
Many people naturally produce less oil, making them more prone to dry skin throughout their lives.
Ageing
As we age, oil production naturally decreases. This is one of the reasons mature skin often becomes drier and more fragile over time.
Environmental Factors
Australia's climate can be particularly challenging for dry skin.
Common environmental triggers include:
- Sun exposure
- Wind
- Air conditioning
- Indoor heating
- Low humidity
Harsh Skincare Products
Over-cleansing or using products that strip the skin can weaken the skin barrier and contribute to ongoing dryness.
Lifestyle Factors
Poor hydration, stress, lack of sleep and nutritional deficiencies may also impact overall skin health and contribute to dryness.
For more information on dry skin, view our extensive dry skin product range here.
The Best Skincare Routine for Dry Skin
When treating dry skin, the goal is to replenish moisture, strengthen the skin barrier and prevent ongoing water loss. Below is a recommended AM & PM skincare routine to combat skin dryness.
Step 1: Cleanse Without Stripping the Skin
Dry skin benefits from gentle cleansing that removes impurities while maintaining the skin's natural protective barrier.
Step 2: Boost Hydration With a Serum
Hydrating serums help attract moisture into the skin and improve overall skin comfort.
Step 3: Lock In Moisture
A rich moisturiser helps seal hydration into the skin and provides lasting comfort throughout the day.
Step 4: Support Skin Health From Within
While topical skincare is essential for managing dry skin, factors such as nutrition, hydration and overall wellbeing also play an important role in maintaining healthy, hydrated skin. Skin supplements can complement your skincare routine by providing targeted nutrients that support skin barrier function and hydration from within.
Step 5: Weekly Treatment for Extra Hydration
Dry skin often benefits from an intensive hydration treatment once or twice per week. A nourishing mask can help soothe, hydrate and replenish dry, stressed skin while supporting a healthier skin barrier.
Recommended Products for Dry Skin
Dry skin requires more than just a moisturiser—it benefits from a carefully selected routine that helps replenish lost lipids, strengthen the skin barrier and maintain long-lasting hydration. The products below have been chosen for their ability to support dry, moisture-deficient skin by combining nourishing ingredients with advanced hydration technology. Whether you're experiencing mild dryness or a persistently compromised skin barrier, these recommendations can help restore comfort, improve skin texture and promote a healthier, more radiant complexion.
Cleanser
Skin EssentiA - Mild Cleansing Lotion
This gentle cream cleanser effectively removes makeup, sunscreen and daily impurities without leaving the skin feeling tight or dry.
Serum
Surge Serum - Hyaluronic Acid Booster
Formulated with hydrating ingredients that help replenish moisture levels and support smoother, plumper-looking skin.
Moisturise
Focus Care Moisture+ Vita-Complex Super Moisturiser
This advanced moisturiser contains vitamins and moisturising ingredients designed to improve hydration and support healthy skin function.
Skin Supplements
Skin Omegas+ contains essential fatty acids, including omega-3 and omega-6, which play an important role in maintaining healthy skin barrier function. A strong skin barrier helps reduce moisture loss, supports hydration levels and protects the skin from environmental stressors that can worsen dryness.
When used alongside a tailored skincare routine, Skin Omegas+ can help support healthier, more hydrated-looking skin from the inside out.
Weekly Masks
This nourishing mask helps soothe, hydrate and replenish dry, stressed skin while supporting a healthier skin barrier.
Dry skin deserves the right care. Book a skin consultation to find the perfect products for your dry skincare routine.