Hi cheery friends,
I have realized with each day that my skin has transitioned from combination to extremely dry. This shift is something many black women experience, especially as our skin changes over time. Having dry skin can be challenging because it tends to feel tight, flaky, and can sometimes look dull if not properly hydrated. In this blog, I’ll walk you through my updated morning skincare routine that keeps my skin nourished, glowing, and protected throughout the day, especially in fall and winter months!
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Step-by-Step Morning Routine
1. Gentle Hydrating Cleanser
Cleansing is a vital first step in any skincare routine, but when you have dry skin, it’s crucial to use a formula that doesn’t strip away essential moisture. I used to be able to tolerate foaming cleansers when I had combination skin, but now I’ve switched to cream-based or oil-based cleansers that leave my skin feeling clean but not tight or dry.
What I use:
I prefer a cleanser like CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser or La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser. Both are great because they have ingredients like ceramides and hyaluronic acid that lock in hydration while cleansing. Remember to massage the cleanser gently into your skin for about 30 seconds to a minute. I use lukewarm water, never hot as it can further dehydrate the skin.
2. Hydrating Toner
Toners for dry skin are designed to add moisture back into the skin immediately after cleansing. They also help prepare your skin to absorb the next layers of hydration more effectively.
What I use:
I love using Klairs Supple Preparation Unscented Toner because it’s deeply hydrating and helps soothe my skin without any alcohol or irritating ingredients. You can use your hands to sink the toner into your skin for maximum hydration.
3. Hyaluronic Acid & Vitamin C Serum
Combining hyaluronic acid with vitamin C is a powerful duo for dry skin. While hyaluronic acid pulls moisture into your skin, vitamin C brightens your complexion and protects it from environmental damage. This combo helps keep my skin hydrated, plump, and radiant, while also reducing the appearance of dark spots or uneven tone. For black women, who may be more prone to hyper pigmentation, vitamin C is a key ingredient to incorporate.
What I use:
One of my favorite serums is the Glow Up Vitamin C Serum by Eclat. It has pure vitamin C, which helps brighten my skin and fight off free radical damage from sun exposure or pollution. At the same time, the hyaluronic acid deeply hydrates, leaving my skin feeling smooth and moisturized all day.
Another great option is the La Roche-Posay Pure Vitamin C Face Serum with Hyaluronic Acid. It’s lightweight, absorbs quickly, and provides intense hydration while giving my skin a noticeable glow.
4. Rich, Emollient Moisturizer
Moisturizing is one of the most important steps in a routine for dry skin. A rich moisturizer helps seal in all the hydration you’ve just applied and strengthens your skin barrier to prevent moisture loss. This step has become even more essential as my skin has become drier with age. In the winter months, I stand by the CeraVe Moisturizing Cream or Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Cream (which contains hyaluronic acid). These creams are rich without being greasy, and they give my skin a plump, hydrated look. I then give it like 5 minutes to soak in while I make my cup of tea. Then I take my jade roller glide it on my skin in the right directions. This helps drain lymph but also helps the moisturizer get in skin deep. Its such a relaxing feeling.
5. Hydrating Sunscreen
You guys, I used to think that because I’m dark skinned, I didn’t need sunscreen. Black women don’t burn easily, but we are more prone to hyper-pigmentation, which can be worsened by being exposed to the sun. Sunscreen is crucial for protecting skin from UV damage. Since my skin is super dry, I always go for sunscreens that not only protect but also hydrate at the same time. Sunscreens can sometimes make dry skin feel even drier, so I look for ones with moisturizing ingredients like hyaluronic acid or glycerin. That way, I’m getting sun protection without sacrificing that much-needed moisture, and my skin stays soft and comfy all day instead of tight or flaky. I swear by Black Girl Sunscreen SPF 30, which is specifically formulated for darker skin tones, leaving no white cast and adding moisture to my skin. Another great option is the Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40, which has a weightless, hydrating formula. Don’t forget to reapply sunscreen throughout the day if you’re spending a lot of time outdoors. I like using Supergoop! Defense Refresh (Re)setting Mist to reapply SPF without disturbing my makeup.
So guys, this is what I do each morning before applying make up. When it comes to make up , the base is everything. My morning skincare routine is all about making sure my skin is hydrated, smooth, and ready to take on makeup without any issues. Since my skin is extremely dry, skipping skincare before makeup isn’t an option for me—it would lead to dry patches and a cakey look, and no one wants that.
Night Time Routine
At the end of a long day, the last thing I want to do is struggle with removing my makeup. I prefer makeup remover sheets that still have the moisture intact. That’s where Neutrogena Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes come in and save the day. These little packs are super convenient and perfect for my dry skin because they’re gentle but still effective. What I also love about these wipes is that they take everything off—foundation, mascara, even waterproof eyeliner—in one swipe. No tugging, no leftover residue. The best part is, they’re infused with ingredients that don’t dry out my skin, which is super important because dry skin and harsh makeup removers don’t mix! I love the individual packs because they’re great for travel or just throwing in my bag if I’m heading out for the night. Plus, they help keep the wipes fresh so they don’t dry out before I get to them.
Step 1: Cleanse
I know we cleansed in my morning routine ,but my night time skin care also needs a cleanser. You can use the Cerave Hydrating Cleanser , La Roche Posay Hydrating Wash or the pricier Fresh Soy Face Cleanser These three cleansers have been game changers for my dry skin. They all remove dirt and makeup without leaving my face feeling parched, which is a huge win. If you’ve got dry skin like me and are looking for something that hydrates while it cleanses, give one of these a try—I promise your skin will thank you!
Step 2: Toner or Essence
For skin to look young and bright, you need to use a product that has rosewater and hyaluronic acid because these give it extra moisture. I recommend the Fresh Rose Deep Hydration Toner, it smells so good , you will enjoy the process and your skin will feel refreshed.
Step 3: Serum
Remember, the goal is to add as much moisture to the skin as possible. Dry skin needs constant hydration which is why I recommend the Loreal Revitalift Serum with hyaluronic acid. This is a great product and I highly recommend it for women who are looking to fight crow feet and wrinkles, it does a great job! It’s affordable and does wonders for keeping dry skin hydrated all night long. If you want a bit of glow too and to even out skin tone, then choose Glow Recipe Pineapple-C Bright Serum.
Step 4
I love this part of my routine and I like using my jade roller at the same time to get the product deep into the skin. Your skin will appreciate the SheaMoisture Overnight Face Oil or Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream . I still use these and I can promise you that they add hydration and keep your skin feeling soft and nourished through the night. It’s just a great feeling to add moisture to your skin. Remember to include your neck in all your routine. If you neglect the neck area, it will look very obvious compared to the rest of your face.
Step 5: Eye Cream
I struggled with extremely dark under eyes until I found All About the Eyes by Clinique! This lightweight eye cream, really hydrates and plumps the under eye area. It also reduces fine lines and wrinkles. It is quite pricey for the amount in the container, but its totally worth it. Just remember that a little goes a long way!
Step 6: Lip Balm
Do you know that your lips are more prone to dryness than other parts of your face. This is because when you eat, you are wiping your lips and taking out any hydration you put in for the day. To fully restore and hydrate your lips, I recommend, the Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask. It leaves your lips soft and supple and ready for lip gloss or lip stick. Thank me later!
Taking care of my skin, especially with how dry it’s become, is all about finding the right products that hydrate, soothe, and repair. Each step in my day/night routine, from cleansing to applying that final layer of eye cream, plays a huge role in keeping my skin healthy and glowing. It’s a moment of self-care that not only helps my skin recover from the day but also makes me feel good and ready to face the next morning with confidence.
At the end of the day, my skin feels deeply nourished and refreshed, and that’s what skincare should be all about. So, if you’re struggling with dry skin like me, give these steps a try and tweak them to fit your needs. Your skin will thank you, and you’ll wake up looking radiant and ready to glow!
Thanks for visiting
XOXO
TCF
