How to Recover from Dry Skin

Cold, chilly temperatures call for a nice things like a cup of hot cocoa by the fire, but they also call for not so nice things like chapped, flaking skin. Increased exposure to heaters, freezing winds, or a lack of proper care can lead to aggravating skin conditions like dry, cracked skin or even eczema. So as we transition into spring, how can we find ways to recover from dry skin?

From my experience of dealing with extremely dry skin, I have discovered 4 helpful ways to restore my dry skin to more supple and soft skin!

4. Exfoliate

Exfoliating gets rid of dead skin cells on the outermost surface of your skin’s layer so that there is a proper regeneration of new skin cells. Piled up dead skin cells create dull and uneven skin tone with clogged pores. Exfoliation also allows new skin cells to better absorb the necessary ingredients to achieve hydration. 

How often should you exfoliate?

Exfoliate your skin at least once or twice a week. Dead skin cells can quickly pile up like jenga blocks! Use a light exfoliator to buff away dead skin cells and prevent clogged pores, especially on the face. 

Soak Insider Tip: Light exfoliation pads or serums, like mandelic acid, are excellent ways to gently exfoliate your skin and keep your pores unclogged!

Cane + Austin Miracle Pad

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Image via Sephora

COSRX One Step Original Clear Pad

Image via COSRX

3. Moisturize (Creams with Ceramides)

Ceramides are molecules in your skin that hold together the protective layer of your skin. They play an important role in holding in moisture as well as protecting the skin against environmental influences. However, with aging, our skin naturally loses these important molecules. To help our skin retain moisture better, it is essential to use products that enhance the barrier of your skin like ceramides.

How often should you use it?

Everyday! Consistency is key! It’s just like maintaining a healthy diet. Eating healthy food for one day does not make you become magically healthy. A consistently healthy diet is what achieves positive physical and internal changes! Likewise, using a cream with ceramides continuously will allow you to actually reap the benefits of hydrated skin!

Soak Insider Tip: Moisturize your face and body consistently throughout the year. That way your skin is continuously building and maintaining a protective barrier of moisture over your skin. 

Dr. Jart+ Ceramidin Cream

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Image via Dr. Jart

2. Vaseline

Vaseline is made of petroleum jelly, which is a mixture of mineral oils and waxes. The petroleum jelly seals any barrier between the layers of the skin, so the moisture cannot escape. This helps dry or irritated skin heal more quickly and efficiently.

For those worried about acne, vaseline does not clog pores, so it is safe to put on top of your face. Vaseline is good for all skin types, but if you are concerned about the results, patch test it.

How often should you use it?

Depending on your skin condition, you may use it from every day to 2-3 times a week. It can be used all over the body like body lotion but beware of the resulting stickiness! Use it at night so that it can be absorbed into your skin throughout the night time and don’t have to deal with the stickiness during the day!

Soak Insider Tip: Spot treat problem common problems like elbows or feet. At night, I rub it all over my feet and put on a pair of socks to seal in the moisture.


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Image via Target


1. Masks (Hand Masks, Face Masks)

Masks come in a wide variety to target specific needs of the skin like combatting dry skin! They range from 15 minute hydrating masks to overnight masks to even masks for your hands and feet!

How often should you use it?

People usually use masks 1-2 times a week. Since masks target specific needs of your skin, like hydration, it is not necessary to overwhelm your skin with the product.

Soak Insider Tip: Saran wrap! A secret trick I learned from one of the best estheticians is to put saran wrap on top of my skin after applying a layer of moisturizer or mask on my face. Leave the mask on your face with the saran wrap (don’t cover your eyes and nose) on top for about 15 minutes. The saran wrap keeps the moisture to help create more supple skin in the morning! 

Laneige Water Sleeping Mask

Image via Laneige

Innisfree My Real Squeeze Mask – Rose

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Image via Innisfree


There are just a few of the tips that I’ve used consistently. There are definitely other important factors that have helped keep my skin moist like drinking a lot of water or taking shorter, cooler showers. Overall, exposing your skin to hot water or heat for a very long time will strip away its natural oils and defense barriers, making your skin more prone to dryness, irritation, and itchiness. If you can’t commit to ice cold showers in the winter, just remember everything in moderation is always the best.

Featured Image via Pop Sugar

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