Dry Skin
Dry skin — also called xerosis — happens when the skin's moisture barrier can't hold onto water the way it should, leaving skin rough, tight, flaky, or itchy. Cold weather, harsh cleansers, overbathing, and sun damage can all wear down that barrier, and the right fix depends on how compromised it's become.
Book a Free ConsultationA relaxed, no-pressure skin assessment — there's no obligation to book treatment that day.
Understanding the cause
Barrier Breakdown
The outermost layer of skin relies on natural lipids and oils to lock in moisture; when that barrier weakens, water escapes faster than skin can replace it.
Environmental & Habit Triggers
Cold or dry air, harsh soaps, and frequent hot showers all strip the skin's natural oils, accelerating moisture loss.
A Cycle That Compounds
Once the barrier is compromised, dryness makes skin more reactive and sensitive, which can make everyday products feel harsher than before.
Facts about Dry Skin
It's Not Just Weather
Overbathing, harsh cleansers, and sun damage all play a role alongside cold or dry air.
Drinking More Water Isn't the Fix
Skin's moisture barrier depends on lipids and topical hydration, not hydration from drinking water alone.
Dry Skin Can Happen at Any Age
While it's common in colder months and as skin ages, dry skin affects people of all ages and skin types.
The Barrier Needs to Be Rebuilt, Not Just Hydrated
Long-term improvement comes from restoring the skin's natural barrier function, not just adding moisture in the moment.
These treatments restore hydration and support the skin's barrier at different depths — from immediate relief to longer-lasting moisture. A few representative options are tagged below; the full related-treatment list is longer (see relation field).
Exosome Skin Booster
A skin booster that supports cellular renewal alongside deeper hydration.
Nano Introfill
A micro-injection that delivers hydration and nutrients beneath the surface.
Nucleorich PL Skin Booster
A regenerative booster that supports firmness and elasticity alongside hydration.
Top questions about dry skin
How is HydraFacial different from a skin booster for dry skin?
Confirm with clinicians — HydraFacial deeply cleanses and hydrates in a single session; skin boosters deliver longer-lasting hydration beneath the surface over a course of treatment.
How often should I get treatment for ongoing dryness?
Confirm recommended maintenance cadence with clinicians — often paired with a consistent at-home routine between visits.
Can dry skin become sensitive skin?
Yes, often — a compromised barrier tends to react more easily to products and environmental triggers.
Will a change in skincare products fix this, or do I need treatment?
Depends on severity — confirm with clinicians whether at-home products alone are sufficient or an in-clinic treatment is recommended.
Let's restore your skin's moisture barrier.
Book a consultation to build a hydration plan suited to your skin.
A relaxed, no-pressure skin assessment — there's no obligation to book treatment that day.
Book a Free Consultation
Dry skin treatment in Vancouver works best when it goes beyond a single hydrating product to actually rebuild the skin's moisture barrier. At Kerrisdale Skin Medical, HydraFacial and the SkinCeuticals Hydradermal Infusion Facial provide immediate, deep hydration, while skin boosters like Nucleorich PL and NCTF 135HA deliver longer-lasting moisture beneath the surface. Paired with a personalized medical-grade skincare routine, the goal is skin that holds onto hydration well between visits — not just a temporary improvement.
