Ordinary for Dry Skin Your Hydrating Heroes Guide

Ordinary for Dry Skin Your Hydrating Heroes Guide

In the arid climate of Marrakesh, where the sun beats down and the air often feels dry, the struggle against dehydrated skin is a familiar one. That tight, flaky, and sometimes even itchy sensation can be uncomfortable and frustrating. Fortunately, the realm of skincare offers a wealth of solutions, and The Ordinary has emerged as a champion for effective and straightforward formulations.¹ If you’re battling dryness and seeking a reliable and accessible approach to restore your skin’s moisture balance, look no further. This comprehensive guide will delve into The Ordinary’s most hydrating products, providing you with a step-by-step roadmap to achieving a supple, healthy, and comfortable complexion.

Understanding the Root of Dryness: More Than Just a Lack of Water

Before we explore the hydrating heroes in The Ordinary’s lineup, it’s essential to understand the underlying causes of dry skin. While a lack of water is a contributing factor, the issue often goes deeper, involving a compromised skin barrier.² This protective outer layer, composed of lipids and other essential components, plays a crucial role in retaining moisture and shielding the skin from environmental aggressors.³ When the skin barrier is weakened, it becomes more susceptible to water loss, leading to dryness, sensitivity, and even irritation.⁴

Factors that can contribute to a compromised skin barrier and dryness include:

• Environmental Aggressors: Harsh weather conditions like wind, cold, and low humidity (common in Marrakesh, especially during certain times of the year) can strip the skin of its natural oils.⁵
• Over-Exfoliation: While exfoliation is beneficial for removing dead skin cells, excessive or harsh exfoliation can damage the skin barrier.⁶
• Harsh Cleansers: Soaps and cleansers containing harsh sulfates can strip the skin of its natural oils, disrupting the barrier function.
• Genetics: Some individuals are simply predisposed to having drier skin types.⁷
• Aging: As we age, our skin naturally produces less sebum (oil), which can contribute to dryness.⁸
• Certain Medical Conditions: Conditions like eczema and psoriasis are often associated with dry skin.⁹
• Hot Water: Prolonged exposure to hot water during showers or baths can also strip the skin of its natural oils.¹⁰

Therefore, effectively addressing dry skin requires not only replenishing moisture but also supporting and repairing the skin barrier.¹¹

The Ordinary’s Arsenal Against Dryness: Key Hydrating Ingredients to Know

The Ordinary’s philosophy centers around transparency and the use of effective, science-backed ingredients.¹² When it comes to hydration, several key players stand out in their formulations:

• Hyaluronic Acid (HA): This humectant is a moisture magnet, capable of holding up to 1000 times its weight in water.¹³ It draws moisture from the surrounding environment and the deeper layers of the skin, plumping it up and reducing the appearance of fine lines. Different molecular weights of HA offer varying levels of penetration and hydration.¹⁴
• Glycerin: Another powerful humectant, glycerin attracts and retains moisture in the skin.¹⁵ It also helps to strengthen the skin barrier.
• Squalane: This emollient is a natural lipid that mimics the skin’s own sebum. It helps to lock in moisture, soften the skin, and improve its barrier function without feeling heavy or greasy.¹⁶
• Ceramides: These are essential lipids that make up a significant portion of the skin barrier.¹⁷ Replenishing ceramides helps to repair and strengthen the barrier, reducing water loss and improving overall skin hydration.¹⁸
• Natural Moisturizing Factors (NMF): This complex blend of amino acids, fatty acids, urea, and other compounds naturally occurs in the skin and plays a vital role in maintaining hydration.¹⁹ Products containing NMF help to replenish these essential components.
• Plant Oils (e.g., Rosehip Seed Oil, Marula Oil): These oils are rich in fatty acids and antioxidants, providing emollient properties to soften and smooth the skin while also offering nourishment and protection.

Building Your Hydrating Routine with The Ordinary: Step-by-Step

Now, let’s explore how to incorporate The Ordinary’s hydrating heroes into a comprehensive skincare routine designed to combat dryness:

Step 1: Gentle Cleansing – Setting the Stage for Hydration

The foundation of any hydrating routine is a gentle cleanser that cleanses without stripping the skin’s natural oils. Avoid harsh sulfates and opt for cream-based or oil-based cleansers.

• The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser: This balm-to-oil cleanser gently dissolves makeup and impurities while leaving the skin feeling soft and moisturized thanks to its high squalane content.²⁰ It emulsifies with water for easy rinsing without leaving a greasy residue.

How to Use: Massage a small amount onto dry skin. Add water to emulsify into a milky texture. Rinse thoroughly with warm water.

Step 2: Targeted Hydration – Delivering a Moisture Boost

After cleansing, apply targeted hydrating serums to replenish moisture at a deeper level.

• The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5: This lightweight serum combines low, medium, and high molecular weight hyaluronic acid to provide multi-depth hydration.²¹ Vitamin B5 (panthenol) further enhances hydration and supports skin barrier function.²²

How to Use: Apply a few drops to the face in the morning and evening before heavier creams.

• The Ordinary Marine Hyaluronics: This ultra-lightweight serum contains water-attracting marine-derived polysaccharides that are similar in function to hyaluronic acid but have a lighter texture.²³ It’s an excellent option for those who prefer a less viscous serum.

How to Use: Apply a few drops to the face in the morning and evening before heavier creams.

Step 3: Barrier Support and Emollience – Locking in Moisture

The next crucial step is to apply a moisturizer that will help to seal in the hydration provided by the serums and support the skin barrier.²⁴

• The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA: This non-greasy cream is packed with amino acids, fatty acids, urea, ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and other NMF components. It effectively replenishes the skin’s natural moisturizing factors, providing both immediate and lasting hydration while strengthening the skin barrier.

How to Use: Apply a small amount to the face after serums, in the morning and evening.

• The Ordinary Squalane: This 100% pure squalane oil is an excellent emollient that mimics the skin’s natural sebum. It effectively locks in moisture, softens the skin, and improves barrier function without feeling heavy or clogging pores.²⁵ It can be used alone or mixed with other moisturizers for an extra boost of hydration.

How to Use: Apply a few drops to the face after serums, in the morning and evening.

• The Ordinary « Buffet » + Copper Peptides 1%: While primarily an anti-aging serum, « Buffet » contains multiple amino acids and hyaluronic acid, contributing to hydration.²⁶ The copper peptides also support skin health.²⁷ This can be layered with other hydrating serums or used as a hydrating and anti-aging treatment.

How to Use: Apply a few drops to the face in the morning and evening after cleansing.

Step 4: Targeted Treatments (Optional) – Addressing Specific Dryness Concerns

Depending on the severity and specific manifestations of your dry skin, you might consider incorporating targeted treatments.

• The Ordinary 100% Plant-Derived Squalane: As mentioned earlier, this pure squalane oil can be used as a targeted treatment for particularly dry patches or as an all-over facial oil for intense hydration.²⁸

How to Use: Apply a few drops to dry areas as needed.

• The Ordinary Rose Hip Seed Oil: Rich in linoleic acid, linolenic acid, and pro-vitamin A, this oil provides emollience and can help to improve skin texture and reduce dryness.²⁹

How to Use: Apply a few drops to the face at night after water-based serums.

• The Ordinary Marula Oil: This lightweight and non-comedogenic oil is rich in fatty acids and antioxidants, providing hydration and protection without feeling greasy.³⁰

How to Use: Apply a few drops to the face at night after water-based serums.

The Importance of Consistency and Patience

Fixing dry skin is not an overnight process. Consistency is key to seeing noticeable improvements. Incorporate these hydrating products into your daily routine, both morning and evening, and be patient. It may take several weeks for your skin barrier to repair and for your skin to feel consistently hydrated and comfortable.

Lifestyle Adjustments to Support Hydrated Skin in Marrakesh

In addition to a dedicated skincare routine, certain lifestyle adjustments can significantly impact your skin’s hydration levels, especially in a drier climate like Marrakesh:³¹

• Hydrate Internally: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your body and skin hydrated from the inside out.
• Use a Humidifier: Consider using a humidifier, especially during dry seasons, to add moisture to the air.³²
• Avoid Long, Hot Showers: Opt for shorter, lukewarm showers to prevent stripping your skin of its natural oils.³³
• Pat Your Skin Dry: After showering or washing your face, gently pat your skin dry instead of rubbing, to avoid further irritation.³⁴
• Protect Your Skin from the Sun: Sun exposure can further dehydrate the skin and damage the skin barrier.³⁵ Always wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high SPF, even on cloudy days.
• Be Mindful of Your Diet: Incorporate foods rich in essential fatty acids, such as avocados, nuts, and oily fish, to support skin health.

Listening to Your Skin: Adjusting Your Routine as Needed

Every individual’s skin is unique, and what works for one person may not work for another. Pay close attention to how your skin responds to³⁶ the products you are using. If you experience any irritation or discomfort, adjust your routine accordingly. You may need to experiment with different combinations and application frequencies to find what works best for your specific skin needs.

Conclusion: Embracing Hydration for a Healthy Glow

Battling dry skin in a dry climate like Marrakesh requires a thoughtful and consistent approach. The Ordinary offers a range of effective and affordable hydrating products formulated with science-backed ingredients that can help to replenish moisture, support the skin barrier, and restore a healthy, comfortable complexion.³⁷ By understanding the root causes of dryness, incorporating the right hydrating heroes into your routine, and making supportive lifestyle adjustments, you can effectively quench your skin’s thirst and achieve a radiant, supple glow that thrives even in the driest conditions. Remember that consistency and patience are your allies on this journey to beautifully hydrated skin.