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The expert-approved face washes that actually work on dry skin
Get your step one right and it’s upwards from there
Cleansing probably isn’t the sexiest step in your skincare routine; however, it is the most vital. A deep cleanse every morning and night will not only leave your skin barrier feeling calm and hydrated, but it will also rid your pores of excess oils, makeup and dirt.
According to Dr. Sam Bunting, founder of Dr. Sam’s Skincare, the right face wash can help to alleviate a number of concerns – from a damaged barrier to acne – but if you’re working with a particularly dry complexion, it’s important to choose a hydrating formula.
'All cleansing has an impact on the skin’s barrier function – even the simple interaction with water depletes skin lipids and moisturising factors,' she explains. 'This is potentially troublesome for those with dry skin who have less barrier reserve.'
And as we all know, cold temperatures can take dryness and irritation even further, so it's more important than ever right now to find a face wash that's designed to hydrate as well as it cleans.
Which face wash is best for dry skin?
Cleansers and face washes can come in a variety of textures – from oils to gels, milks and balms. While most are fine for dry skin, Dr Bunting’s preference is a gel cleanser. 'The best ones have ultra-gentle surfactants that remove make-up, oil and grime with minimal disturbance of the skin’s lipid barrier.'
As well as the texture, you should also pay attention to what’s inside the formula to soothe dry skin. 'I recommend avoiding cleansers with fragrance, foaming agents and essential oils which can all trigger irritation and sensitivity in those with dry skin.'
Instead, look out for hydrators like humectants (that's your hyaluronic acid), ceramides, and oatmeal as these will help to soothe and moisturise a parched complexion.
Dr Bunting adds that it’s also important to cleanse with lukewarm water rather than hot as this can also leach away skin lipids. 'Pat skin gently, dry with a towel and avoid rubbing,' she says.
The best face washes for dry skin, according to the experts
Now the real question is: which one to go for? To save you the hard work, I've whittled down the overflowing shelves to share the best face washes for dry skin. Happy lathering.
Clare Stephenson is a Beauty Ecommerce Writer for Cosmopolitan, Women’s Health, Red and Good Housekeeping, covering all things makeup, skincare and hair care, as well as deals events including Black Friday and Amazon Prime Day.
Clare has been an ecommerce writer since 2022, writing matter-of-fact such as deep dives into and filled with her favourite products for every budget and need.
Before working at Hearst UK, she received a BA degree in Multimedia Journalism at Bournemouth University, focusing her studies on the world of magazines and editorial. From there, she worked as an editorial assistant at Voir Fashion Magazine, covering events like Fashion Week and interviewing reputable brand founders, including Rea Ann Silva creator of Beautyblender.
When she’s not testing the latest and greatest products, you can find Clare sifting through vintage clothing stores in the city or horseback riding in the countryside.
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