Dry skin in Nepal gets worse from October to March. The air is dry, the wind is strong, and most of us wash our face with hard water. The skin loses water, feels tight after washing, and can flake around the nose and cheeks.
Dry or dehydrated?
Dry skin lacks oil. Dehydrated skin lacks water. Many people have both. If your skin looks dull and feels tight but still gets a little shiny, it is probably short on water. If it feels rough and flaky and is never shiny, it is short on oil. The routine below works for both, because it adds water first and then seals it in.
Morning routine
- Rinse your face with water or use a gentle cleanser. Do not scrub.
- Toner: I'm From Rice Toner. It is milky and soft, and it leaves a slight glow.
- Serum: Beauty of Joseon Glow Deep Serum (rice and alpha-arbutin). It helps with dullness and uneven tone.
- Moisturizer: Purito Mighty Bamboo Panthenol Cream. Panthenol helps dry skin hold water and feel calm.
- Sunscreen: Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun. Winter sun in Nepal is still strong, so do not skip this.
Night routine
- Cleansing oil: Beauty of Joseon Ginseng Cleansing Oil. It removes sunscreen and dust without stripping the skin.
- Cleanser: Purito Oat In Gentle Exfoliating Face Cleanser. Gentle enough for dry skin.
- Toner: the same I'm From Rice Toner.
- Serum: Beauty of Joseon Revive Serum (ginseng and snail mucin). It adds water and helps skin feel bouncy.
- Eye serum: Revive Eye Serum. It has retinal in it, so start with two nights a week.
- Moisturizer: the Mighty Bamboo cream again, to lock everything in.
Mistakes that make dry skin worse
Hot water is the first one. It feels good in winter, but it washes away the oils your skin needs. Use lukewarm water. The second is a foaming cleanser that leaves your face squeaky. Squeaky means stripped, not clean. The third is skipping moisturizer because your skin feels oily in the evening. Dehydrated skin can make extra oil to make up for it.
The last one is adding too many new products at once. If your skin gets red or stings, you will not know which product caused it. Add one new thing every two weeks.
Common questions
Can my skin look oily and still be dry?
Yes. When skin loses water it can make extra oil to make up for it. That is why many people with tight, dull skin still get a shiny forehead. Adding water and a good moisturizer usually calms this down.
How long before I see a difference?
Give it two to four weeks of steady use. Skin renews itself about once a month, so one or two days of a new routine will not show much.
Do I need a face oil?
Not to start. A good cream is enough for most people. If your skin still flakes after a month, you can add a few drops of face oil as the last step at night.
Can I exfoliate dry skin?
Gently, and not more than twice a week. If your skin stings or turns red afterwards, skip a week and use only the cleansing oil and your moisturizer.
Do I really need sunscreen in winter?
Yes. UV is strong in Nepal all year, even when it feels cold, and more so at altitude. Dry, tight skin is also less able to repair sun damage.
Want it all in one order?
The Dry Skin Rescue Routine puts these 8 products together and takes 10% off the total. If winter is what bothers your skin most, the Winter Barrier Care Routine is a shorter option. You can also read our guide to winter skincare in Kathmandu.
