A Dermatologist’s Advice: Beware of This Product That Can Worsen Dry Skin

If you have dry skin, you likely know the importance of using hydrating ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and ceramides to keep your skin moisturized. However, what you may not be aware of is that even the most hydrating skincare routine can be ineffective if it includes a product that can dry out your skin. This is why board-certified dermatologist Dr. Mona Gohara strongly advises individuals with dry skin to steer clear of botanical exfoliants.

In a recent episode of Dear Derm, Dr. Gohara critiqued a dry skin regimen from a Well+Good reader and singled out one type of product as a culprit for exacerbating dryness. She expressed her disapproval of botanical scrubs, stating that both scrubs and botanical ingredients have the potential to dehydrate the skin on their own. When used together, they can significantly strip the skin of moisture.

Exfoliation is critical for eliminating dead skin cells and allowing other skincare products to penetrate deeper into the skin. Instead of using physical scrubs, Dr. Gohara recommends opting for chemical exfoliants like alpha- and beta-hydroxy acids. For individuals with dry skin, exfoliation should be limited to once a week to avoid over-drying the skin. Dr. Gohara also suggests using a salicylic acid toner as an additional step in the skincare routine, noting that while salicylic acid is effective in cutting through oils, it can also have a drying effect. Light AHAs such as lactic or malic acid are less harsh on dry skin. On days when no exfoliation is carried out, applying a hyaluronic acid serum can provide extra hydration by locking in moisture.

For more product recommendations for dry skin and to find out which products Dr. Gohara advises against, watch the video above.

For more beauty insights from our editors, join Well+Good’s Fine Print Facebook group (and follow us on Instagram) for essential tips and tricks.