A woman layering on skincare for dry or dull skin

How to Layer Skincare for Dry & Dull Skin: A Dermatologist’s Guide

Dr. Pimple Popper shares how to apply your products for deep hydration and a healthy glow.

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3 minute read

If you have dry or dull skin, layering skincare properly can mean the difference between deep hydration and products just sitting on your skin. While it’s tempting to pile on creams, balms, and oils, using too many or layering them incorrectly can actually clog pores and worsen dryness instead of restoring your glow.

So what’s the best way to layer skincare for long-lasting hydration and radiance? Sandra Lee, MD (aka Dr. Pimple Popper) shares her expert layering guide below.

 

Understanding dry vs. dull skin

Before diving into your routine, it’s important to know whether your skin is dry, dehydrated, or just lacking radiance. For a full breakdown, check out our detailed blog — but here's a summary: 

DRY SKIN DEHYDRATED SKIN DULL SKIN
Lacks natural oils (sebum) Lacks water Doesn't reflect light well
Feels tight, rough, flaky Can feel tight AND oily Can look gray, uneven, or shadowy
Needs rich moisturizers & occlusives Needs hydrating serums (like hyaluronic acid) Needs exfoliation & brightening ingredients

 

If your skin is both dry and dull, you’ll want to layer products strategically to restore hydration and boost radiance.

Dr. Pimple Popper's Dry & Dull Skin Solutions

Step-by-step skincare routine for dry & dull skin

No matter your skin type, Dr. Lee recommends a simple cleanse, treat, moisturize routine that's easy to stick with. Her dry or dull skin regimen is designed to:

Morning routine for dry or dull skin

Nighttime routine for dry/dull skin

Boosting hydration & glow: optional add-ons

If your skin needs extra support, consider adding these:

FAQ: layering skincare for dry & dull skin

Q: Can I layer multiple hydrating products?

A: Yes! Use hyaluronic acid first, then apply ceramides or oils to seal in moisture.

Q: Should I use face oil before or after moisturizer?

A: Apply face oil after moisturizer to prevent water loss. Look for non-comedogenic oils like squalane to avoid clogged pores. Try: SLMD Hyaluronic Acid Serum

Q: How do I know if I’m over-exfoliating?

A: If your skin feels tight, sensitive, or flaky, cut back exfoliation to 1–2x per week. Learn more about how often you should exfoliate here.

Q: Can I use retinol if I have dry skin?

A: Yes — but start slowly and use a hydrating serum first to minimize irritation.

Dr Sandra Lee

Dr. Lee's Last Word

Layering skincare the right way makes all the difference for hydrating dry skin and bringing life back to dull skin. Stick to a routine that replenishes moisture, protects your skin barrier, and boosts cell turnover — without overloading your skin. 

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