How to Cure Dry Skin on the Face Overnight, According to Derms

Explore these expert tips on treating and preventing flaky, dry skin.

Fact checked by Isaac WinterMedically reviewed by Hadley King, MD

Searching for how to cure dry skin on the face overnight? Not only does ongoing dryness lead to irritation and sensitivity, but it can also cause skin dullness, make fine lines and wrinkles look more prominent, and lead to flakiness that messes with your makeup routine. All these are signs that you’re not getting enough moisture. Fortunately, there are some skin care practices you can adopt to help hydrate your skin—from using moisturizing products to putting a humidifier in your bedroom. Here are some derm-approved techniques you can try to help heal dry skin while you sleep.

Meet the Experts

• Carmen Castilla, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and the clinical instructor at Mount Sinai in New York.

• Audrey Kunin, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and founder of DermaDoctor.

• Candace Marino is a medical aesthetician based in Los Angeles.

Causes of Dry Skin

“Dry skin is an indicator that the skin barrier is compromised,” explains Carmen Castilla, MD, a board-certified dermatologist. “Once the skin barrier is compromised, it is more likely to become irritated and sensitive.” There are a couple of key causes of a compromised skin barrier.

Skin Conditions

Skin conditions like different types of dermatitis (atopic, perioral, seborrheic, etc.) and psoriasis can cause excessive dryness. Skin conditions that cause itchiness can also lead to dry skin from incessant scratching over time. It's also worth noting that certain products to treat some skin conditions can exacerbate dryness.

Related: The 16 Best Moisturizers for Dry Skin of 2024

Health Conditions and Medications

Some health conditions like diabetes, thyroid disease, kidney disease, HIV, and eating disorders like anorexia are known to cause dry skin. Likewise, dry skin is a side effect of certain medications and treatments (like statins, diuretics, and chemotherapy) that treat some health conditions.

Nutrient Deficiencies

Skin requires nutrients to keep it moisturized and healthy. Vitamin D and A deficiencies, for example, can cause dry skin. Similarly, a lack of niacin, zinc, or iron can be a culprit behind dry skin.

Environmental Factors

Dry air can take a toll on the skin, causing dryness. This is typically true in colder climates or during seasonal changes when temperatures drop. Sunny skies can also dry out the skin. In more humid climates, however, there is more moisture in the air, which translates to more moisturized skin.

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,” 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, even spritzes a hydrating mist in between these steps.

Skin Slugging

Another #SkinTok fave, “slugging” involves applying a thin layer of petroleum jelly over your skin to lock in moisture. It has a slime-like consistency, hence the name. Petroleum jelly is an occlusive ingredient, which means it creates a barrier over your skin that prevents water loss. Simply apply a very thin layer as the final step of your skincare routine, wait about 30 minutes, then go to sleep.

Use Products with Hyaluronic Acid

Many moisturizing skincare products use hyaluronic acid, which is a key ingredient. The main molecule in your skin's moisture is hyaluronic acid, which is a glycosaminoglycan that has the capacity to bind and retain water molecules. When your skin is missing moisture, you can help to replace it with this ingredient.

Apply Colloidal Oatmeal

Colloidal oatmeal can be an effective skin soother and moisturizer because of its properties. The finely ground oats contain a blend of lipids, proteins, polysaccharides, and saponins. Together, they form a protective barrier on the skin, which can help retain water and hydrate the skin. This oatmeal is also rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, which can help to calm irritated and inflamed skin.

Apply AHA Cream to Feet & Cover With Socks

Also dealing with super dry hands or feet? Kunin has a solution for you: “Apply a thick layer of a balmy lotion, cream, or ointment—preferably one containing 10% AHAs—then put on gloves or socks,” Kunin says. “The product itself helps soften and exfoliate skin while the cloth covering creates humidity which boosts results.”

Use Ceramides

Some skincare products contain ceramides, which are also vital for skin health. They play an active role in forming the skin's natural barrier, which retains the skin's moisture. Ceramides make up a hefty portion of the skin's lipid structure, which retains water and protects against environmental damage. However, natural levels of ceramides decline with age, leading to dryness. Topical application of ceramides can replenish these lipids.

Preventing Dry Skin

If your skin is currently well-moisturized and hydrated, you'll want to be sure to keep it that way. Here are some tips to prevent dry skin in the first place or keep it from recurring.

Keep a Humidifier in Your Bedroom

Ever noticed how your skin feels extra dry during winter, or whenever indoor heating or air conditioning is running? This is due to lack of humidity, but a humidifier can fix that problem real quick.

“Even in places with humid air outside, the indoor heating systems tend to significantly decrease indoor air humidity. Humidifiers will help release moisture into the air to help prevent the side effects of dry, cold winter air,” says Castilla. Just make sure to clean it regularly to prevent any mold issues.

Related: The 15 Best Humidifiers of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Exfoliate Once Every Week or Two

Exfoliation plays a pivotal role in your skin’s moisture levels. “Without exfoliating the skin and removing dead buildup, your serums and creams are unable to penetrate,” Marino explains. “When you hydrate dead cells, you’re actually thickening the outermost layer of dead skin, so essentially, you’re wasting your products because they’re never able to absorb and go to work for you.”

Marino recommends using a very gentle chemical exfoliator about once per week. It’s important not to overdo exfoliation since this can have the inverse effect of causing dry skin.

Get Your Beauty Sleep

You know that getting a full seven to eight hours of sleep can keep dark circles away and help you feel better, but it also helps heal dry skin.

“While sleeping, there is increased blood flow to the skin to help aid in skin repair,” explains Castialla. “Inadequate sleep reduces the skin's ability to repair itself, leading to skin barrier damage and dryness.” A consistent nighttime routine will pay off in spades.

Use a Silk Pillowcase

A silk pillowcase can help prevent dry skin, as well. Silk reduces friction and retains moisture better than cotton. Plus, the smooth surface of silk is less abrasive against on the skin, preventing irritation. This can help prevent against fine lines and wrinkles, as well, which can contribute to dry patches on the skin.

Related: The 8 Best Silk Pillowcases of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Wash with Cold or Warm Water

Avoiding hot, harsh water when washing the face or bathing can also prevent dry skin since hot water strips the skin of its natural oils. These oils are essential for maintaining moisture. Without them, your skin becomes more susceptible to dryness.

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