Dry Skin Type

Dry skin: what it means

If your skin feels tight after cleansing, looks dull by mid-afternoon, or shows fine flakes around the nose and cheeks, you're working with a compromised moisture barrier. Dry skin doesn't produce enough natural oils to hold water in, so the goal is layered hydration plus barrier repair, not just a heavier cream.

What to look for in products

Ceramides to rebuild the lipid barrier
Hyaluronic acid in multiple molecular weights for deep + surface hydration
Squalane as a lightweight, non-greasy occlusive
Snail mucin for humectant + reparative action
Cream-textured cleansers and balm-to-oil cleansers
Sleeping masks to lock everything in overnight

What to avoid

Foaming cleansers with sulfates (SLS, SLES)
Alcohol denat in toners and essences
Daily physical scrubs or high-percentage AHAs
Fragrance-heavy formulas if your barrier is already raw

Your K-beauty routine

AM: Gentle cream or low-pH gel cleanser, hydrating toner pressed into damp skin, hyaluronic essence, ceramide cream, SPF 50.

PM: Double-cleanse (oil cleanser then cream cleanser), toner, essence, ampoule with snail mucin or peptides, rich moisturizer, and a sleeping mask 2-3 nights a week.

Hero ingredients