My skin is so dry from the inside out lately due to the changing seasons, so I completely changed my skincare routine.

Hello everyone! Haha. With the weather suddenly turning chilly lately, my skin has become so dry it feels like it's going to crack, so I've been really worried. ㅠㅠ My makeup would cake up in the morning, and by the afternoon, the tightness deep inside was so severe that I practically lived on a facial mist at the office. However, after hearing that spraying mist actually makes your skin drier as moisture evaporates, I decided to completely overhaul my basic skincare routine. Now that I've entered my 30s, I can definitely feel that my skin's recovery ability has declined and its moisture retention is dropping rapidly, unlike when I was in my 20s. ㅠㅠ

The first thing I changed was my cleansing routine. In the past, I always preferred foam cleansers that rinsed vigorously until my skin squeaked, but I realized that was actually damaging my skin barrier. So, I switched to a mild, pH-balanced cleansing gel and now just rinse lightly with water in the mornings. At first, it felt a bit greasy and slippery because it didn't seem to clean properly, but after enduring it for just one week, the tightness I felt right after washing my face disappeared like magic! Also, for the first step of my skincare routine, I stopped using the wipe-off toner with a cotton pad and have switched to a "pat-in toner" method, where I gently pat the product into my skin with my hands to help absorption, repeating this about three times. It's commonly called the "7-skin method," but doing it seven times felt too heavy. Layering it thinly about three times worked like a surefire way to tackle inner dryness.

Next, I apply a generous amount of hydrating ampoule, and finish by covering it with a barrier cream containing ceramide. I found that if I just blindly applied thick, oily creams because my skin was dry, it actually clogged my pores and caused breakouts. So, I started by fully replenishing moisture first and then applying a thin moisturizing film, and my skin feels much more comfortable now. Additionally, I make sure to use a modeling mask once or twice a week, even if it feels like a hassle. Yes, it’s the same cold mask they put on at the end of treatments at the dermatologist's office. Mixing the powder with water to get the right consistency and applying it at home is a real pain, and cleaning up afterwards is a chore, but it definitely has a soothing effect on a whole different level compared to sheet masks. If I put it on when my face feels hot, the cooling sensation is amazing, and my complexion looks so much clearer after I take it off. Dermatological treatments are important, but I think having a solid foundation of daily home care is what really helps the effects of the treatment last longer. If anyone is struggling with inner dryness like me, I recommend checking your cleansing habits first. Good luck with your skin care during the changing seasons, everyone!