The Best Skincare for Dry Skin - Myths, Tips, & Routines – Mazillo Folklore-Inspired Skincare™

Cold weather making your dry skin suffer? Discover stem cell-powered skincare routines and tips that rebuild your barrier for lasting hydration.

Tightness after cleansing, rough patches that won’t budge, makeup clinging to flakes, or that uncomfortable “stretched” feeling as the temperature drops… If you have dry skin, you’ll know it all too well.

And while autumn carries its own kind of magic — crisp air, cosy layers, steaming mugs in chilly hands — for dry skin types, it can be especially unforgiving. As our summer glow fades, cold winds, central heating, and lower humidity strip away natural defences, leaving skin even drier and more vulnerable.

That’s why the best skincare for dry skin isn’t about piling on heavier creams. It’s about rebuilding what’s missing: your protective barrier. At Mazillo, every formula is crafted with Bulgarian plant stem cell technology and a strict no-filler philosophy. Every ingredient has a purpose: to restore balance, strengthen resilience, and keep your skin nourished long-term (not just mask dryness for a few hours).

In this guide, we’ll explore the difference between dry and dehydrated skin, debunk common myths, share essential autumn skincare tips, and show you how to build a routine powered by regenerative stem cells to keep dryness at bay all year round.

So let’s turn skincare into self-care: a ritual that leaves your complexion as cosy, nourished, and comforted as you feel wrapped in a blanket, sipping your pumpkin latte.

What Is Dry Skin?

Dry skin occurs when your skin doesn’t produce or retain enough protective oils.

For some, it’s a natural skin type, while for others it’s triggered or worsened by cold weather, harsh cleansers, low humidity, ageing, hormones, or conditions like eczema.

Signs include:

Tightness
Rugh patches
Flaking
Iching
Cracking

Because dry skin is both a natural tendency and a condition that external factors can intensify, it thrives on consistent nourishment with barrier-supporting actives, not just temporary fixes.

Dry vs. Dehydrated Skin: What’s the Difference?

Although they’re similar and often used interchangeably, there is a subtle difference between dry skin and dehydrated skin.

Dry skin lacks oils. It is generally considered a skin type, but it can also be a condition influenced by external triggers. It occurs when the skin doesn’t produce or retain enough oils, leaving it more prone to roughness, flaking, itching, and even cracking in cold weather. Causes can be genetic, environmental, or linked to conditions such as eczema.
Dehydrated skin lacks water. It’s a temporary condition that can affect any skin type, even oily. Central heating, cold air, or over-cleansing can all sap water content, leaving skin tight and dull.

In short, dry skin lacks oil, and dehydrated skin lacks water. Dry skin needs replenishing oils and barrier repair; dehydrated skin needs water and hydration. The right skincare targets both.

5 Skincare Myths About Dry Skin

As autumn ushers in cool, crisp air, half-truths about dry skin resurface. To care for skin wisely, let’s clear away these myths!

Myth 1: Drinking more water fixes dry skin.
Hydration is important, but drinking water alone won’t resolve dry skin. Since dry skin lacks oils, topical nourishment with lipids and barrier-supporting actives is essential.

Myth 2: Hot showers help hydrate the skin.
Although it's comforting and warming, and we know it can be tempting to stay in there longer when it’s cold outside, hot water actually strips away natural oils, worsening dryness. Shorter showers with lukewarm water are far gentler on the skiMyth 3: The thicker the cream, the better.
Rich textures aren’t always more effective. What matters are the ingredients, ensuring there are no harsh synthetic chemicals that can further dry out the skin, and instead, barrier-supporting active ingredients that balance oil and moisture in the skin. A thicker texture could just mean more unnecessary filler ingredients!

At Mazillo, we don’t bulk formulas with fillers; every component is active. Our Replenishing Moisturiser, for example, uses Orpheus Flower Stem Cells to actively rebuild your barrier, rather than just sitting on top like a heavy blanket.

Myth 4: Avoid exfoliation if you have dry skin.
Exfoliation may feel counterintuitive when the skin feels rough, but a gentle exfoliation can actually be beneficial. The key is to avoid abrasive scrubs and opt for replenishing formulas like our Purify & Nourish Face Mask, which pairs exfoliation with Bulgarian Rose Stem Cells for hydration and barrier repair.

Myth 5: Dry skin will resolve on its own
It might do, but it’s not worth the risk! When the skin barrier is weakened, it becomes more vulnerable to irritation and environmental stressors, which may contribute to flare-ups or conditions like eczema and psoriasis. A consistent, barrier-focused routine prevents small issues from becoming bigger ones.

5 Tips for Nurturing Dry Skin In Colder Weather

So, how do we transition from summer’s light touch to autumn and winter’s deeper care?

1. Gentle cleansing
Harsh cleansers strip away oils your skin desperately needs. Our Gentle Cleansing Oil melts away impurities while keeping the barrier intact, leaving skin soft, never tight

2. Hydrate from within
Central heating dehydrates the air and your skin. Keep water intake consistent and consider using a humidifier at home.

3. Nourish with oils
Plant oils help seal in hydration and add essential lipids. Samodiva’s Allure Elixir Facial Oil combines blackberry, plum, and tomato oils to flood the skin with antioxidants and fatty acids, leaving it radiant and resilient against seasonal stressors.

4. Moisturise deeply
The right moisturiser doesn’t just feel velvety, it rebuilds what dry skin is missing. Our Replenishing Moisturiser is powered by Orpheus Flower Stem Cells, which survive Bulgaria’s harsh mountain winters by regenerating their own cellular structure. On skin, they improve skin elasticity by 30% and speed up cell turnover, smoothing flaky texture within weeks instead of months.

5. Don’t skip exfoliation
Dry skin benefits from gentle exfoliation to remove flakes, allowing moisturisers to penetrate more effectively. A gentle option like our Purify & Nourish Face Mask removes buildup while promoting a healthy skin microbiome through Bulgarian Rose Stem Cells, which increase beneficial bacteria growth by 26% within 28 days of application.

6. Protect the barrier
Cold winds and central heating are tough on the skin. Look for ingredients like Mazillo’s plant stem cells and plant oils, which actively reinforce your barrier against environmental stress.

How to Build a Skincare Routine for Dry Skin

A consistent skincare routine for dry skin is your best defence against seasonal discomfort. Here’s a simple breakdown:

AM Skincare Routine for Dry Skin

Cleanse with our Gentle Oil cleanser, using lukewarm water to protect barrier lipids
Balance with our Regenerate & Protect Essence Toner, infused with Calendula Stem Cells to calm and prep skin.
Nourish with our Facial Oil to lock in hydration and protect against environmental factors.
Moisturise with velvety Replenishing Moisturiser, with Orpheus flower stem cells to regenerate skin cell production and stimulate collagen synthesis, for plump and hydrated skin.
Protect with our SPF50 Serum to hydrate and strengthen the skin barrier, and guard against the sun peeping through the clouds (yes, you still need sun protection in autumn and winter!)

PM Skincare Routine for Dry Skin

Cleanser away the day with our Gentle Oil cleanser, using lukewarm water.
Renew weekly (1–2 times) with Purify & Nourish Face Mask. Bulgarian Rose Stem Cells work to gently purify while restoring hydration and resilience.
Soothe and seal with our Facial Oil. The nourishing blend of plant oils locks in moisture, replenishes essential fatty acids, and cocoons the skin in antioxidants while you sleep.
Replenish nightly with Replenishing Moisturiser. Powered by Orpheus Stem Cells, it delivers deep hydration, fortifies the barrier, and softens roughness as you sleep.

Together, these steps go beyond hydration: they actively fortify your barrier, rebuild skin resilience, and transform dryness into comfort, protecting the skin during the colder months.

Final Thoughts: Skincare for Dry Sensitive Skin

Autumn reminds us to turn inward: to rest, restore, and nourish ourselves deeply. For your skin, this means embracing rituals that comfort and protect.

If your skin is both dry and sensitive, avoid fragrance-heavy or harsh products and instead lean on plant-based, stem cell-powered formulas that respect and strengthen your barrier. With the right skincare for dry skin, seasonal challenges transform into moments of mindful care.

So pull on your thick jumper, wrap up warm, and let your skincare routine become its own cosy ritual.