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.
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!
