The first thing people ask me when they have dry skin is, "What moisturizer or serum do I need to fix this?" But before I ever agree to answer that, I ask three vital questions that often get to the root of the issue first.

1. What Cleanser Are You Using?

Your cleanser sets the stage for your entire skincare routine. If you’re over-stripping your natural moisture barrier, your skin becomes vulnerable to dryness, irritation, and environmental damage. Here's a quick self-check:

• Do you feel squeaky clean after cleansing? If so, that's a red flag—you may be using something too harsh. Switch to a gentler, more hydrating formula.

• If your skin feels refreshed but not tight, your cleanser may be fine, but it’s still worth evaluating if it’s suitable for your skin type.

Be cautious with lathering gel cleansers, foaming cleansers, and—yes—bar soap, which are (most) often too stripping. If you’re using an exfoliating cleanser daily, it could be making your dryness worse. Instead, opt for gentle, creamy, or milky cleansers that support your skin barrier. Oil cleansers can also be fantastic for locking in moisture while cleansing!

2. Are You Exfoliating?

If you’re not exfoliating, a layer of dry, dead, and flaking skin could be blocking your moisturizer from penetrating where it needs to go. Start with a gentle option, like our Enzyme Scrub, which effectively removes dead skin without over-exfoliating. 

On the flip side, if you’re exfoliating but still experiencing dryness, you may be overdoing it. Many people unknowingly combine too many exfoliating products—like a scrub, a glycolic acid serum, and a retinol moisturizer—leading to sensitized, dry skin. Moderation and balance are key, especially for sensitized complexions.

3. Are You Using a Toner?

Toner is often the most underrated step in a skincare routine. Its primary role is to balance your skin's pH, creating the ideal environment for cell repair, recovery, and hydration. When your skin is properly balanced, your moisturizer and serums can perform more effectively.

Not all toners are created equal—some contain harsh ingredients that may worsen dryness. Choose a toner that supports hydration and soothes your skin without stripping it. 

Unsure where to start? Click here for one that balances and supports hormonal/reactive skin, or here for a toner suited better for maturing, dry skin.

Why These 3 Questions Matter Before Moisturizers

If your skin isn't properly prepped, even the best moisturizer can only do so much. You could end up wasting time, money, and product—without seeing results. By starting with a balanced skincare foundation, you set your skin up for success. Then, you can explore moisturizers, serums, and oils to address your specific concerns and maintain hydration. You might be surprised, and need less than you originally thought. 

Ready to Build Your Best Routine?

Discover our curated collection of cleansers, exfoliators, and toners designed to set your skin up for success. Visit our shop and browse yourself or book a complimentary skincare consultation to find your perfect routine and unlock your glow. Or, you can Start Your Skincare Journey Here, and let us do the hard work for you.

P.S. Looking for a starter-kit you can't go wrong with? Dr. Alkaitis is a great place to start. I always recommend the Deluxe Kit so you can try everything and cherry pick the products you love the most. It's worth a try if you want a change that actually makes a difference.