Though usually harmless, dealing with dry skin can get pretty frustrating. Not only does ongoing dryness lead to irritation and sensitivity, but it can also cause skin dullness, make fine lines and wrinkles to look more prominent, and lead to flakiness that messes with your makeup routine. All these are signs that you’re not getting enough moisture.

“Dry skin is an indicator that the skin barrier is compromised,” explains Carmen Castilla, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and the clinical instructor at Mount Sinai in New York. “Once the skin barrier is compromised, it is more likely to become irritated and sensitive.”

Prioritizing moisturization is the best way to combat this. Here are some derm-approved techniques you can try to help heal dry skin while you sleep.
Skin Flooding
Skin flooding has made the rounds on TikTok over the last few months, but it’s actually an old-school tip dermatologists swear by. All you need to do is apply your serums and moisturizers on top of damp skin.

"Applying a moisturizer on damp skin can help seal in moisture. It also allows better penetration of your moisturizer, making it more effective,” Dr. Castilla says. “Wash your face using lukewarm water, gently pat your face dry leaving it a bit damp, then apply the moisturizer on top.”

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Switch to an Oil-Based Cleanser
An oil-based cleanser is one of the easiest ways to infuse more moisture to your skincare routine, says Audrey Kunin, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of DermaDoctor. In addition to removing even the most stubborn makeup, dirt, and oil from your skin, it lends a nice boost of moisture compared to gels and foams.
Though usually harmless, dealing with dry skin can get pretty frustrating. Not only does ongoing dryness lead to irritation and sensitivity, but it can also cause skin dullness, make fine lines and wrinkles to look more prominent, and lead to flakiness that messes with your makeup routine. All these are signs that you’re not getting enough moisture.

“Dry skin is an indicator that the skin barrier is compromised,” explains Carmen Castilla, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and the clinical instructor at Mount Sinai in New York. “Once the skin barrier is compromised, it is more likely to become irritated and sensitive.”

Prioritizing moisturization is the best way to combat this. Here are some derm-approved techniques you can try to help heal dry skin while you sleep.
Skin Flooding
Skin flooding has made the rounds on TikTok over the last few months, but it’s actually an old-school tip dermatologists swear by. All you need to do is apply your serums and moisturizers on top of damp skin.

"Applying a moisturizer on damp skin can help seal in moisture. It also allows better penetration of your moisturizer, making it more effective,” Dr. Castilla says. “Wash your face using lukewarm water, gently pat your face dry leaving it a bit damp, then apply the moisturizer on top.”

Switch to an Oil-Based Cleanser
An oil-based cleanser is one of the easiest ways to infuse more moisture to your skincare routine, says Audrey Kunin, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of DermaDoctor. In addition to removing even the most stubborn makeup, dirt, and oil from your skin, it lends a nice boost of moisture compared to gels and foams.

Layer Your Moisturizers
Layering moisturizing products over each other can also get more moisture to your skin. The rule of thumb is to layer from thinnest to thickest consistency, so start with a toner and/or essence, then move onto serum before your cream. Candace Marino, a medical aesthetician based in Los Angeles, even spritzes a hydrating mist in between these steps.

Skin Slugging
Another #SkinTok fave,