Dry skin

Dry skin as a type means your oil glands run on the quieter side. Sebum is the oil your skin makes to coat its surface and slow water loss, so when there's less of it, your skin has a harder time staying sealed and can feel tight, especially after cleansing.

This is different from skin that's gone dry for a moment because of weather or a harsh product. A dry type is your everyday baseline, the way your skin tends to behave most of the year.

It's also worth separating from dehydration. Dryness is about a shortage of oil; dehydration is about a shortage of water, and any type, even oily skin, can be dehydrated. Many people with dry skin are dealing with both at once, which is why a single rich cream doesn't always fix the tight feeling on its own.

What tends to help

The general idea is to be gentle and to add moisture in two ways: ingredients that draw in water, and ingredients that help keep it there.

• Cleanse with something mild and creamy rather than a foaming wash that strips. Look for soothing, buttery ingredients instead of harsh sulphate cleansers.
• Use humectants like hyaluronic acid or glycerin to pull water into the skin, and richer emollients to soften and seal.
• Go easy on strong exfoliating acids and high-alcohol toners, which can leave dry skin feeling tighter.
• Don't skip sunscreen. A moisturising SPF works well over a dry-skin routine.

When to see a professional

Occasional tightness is normal for this type. But if your skin is persistently flaking, cracking, itching, or staying irritated no matter what you do, that may be more than a dry type, and a dermatologist can help you sort it out. If your dryness feels severe or you're constantly battling flaking and a raw, tight feeling, the very dry skin concern is a closer match for what to do next.