Dry, sensitive skin isn’t just uncomfortable — it’s a sign your skin barrier isn’t holding onto moisture. Cold weather, indoor heat, active ingredients, and over-cleansing can all compromise the barrier, leading to tightness, flaking, redness, and irritation.

As a board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Rocco Piazza approaches hydration differently than trend-driven skincare. Effective hydration isn’t about a single product — it’s a system. Humectants must be sealed with emollients and occlusives to prevent water loss and restore long-term comfort.

Many people apply a hydrating serum and stop there. But humectants pull moisture toward the skin — and without a moisture-sealing step, that hydration can evaporate, leaving skin tighter than before.

The Piazza Center hydration framework:

• Hydrate (humectants like hyaluronic acid)
  
• Repair & soothe (barrier support when skin is reactive)
  
• Seal (emollients and occlusives to lock moisture in)
  

This layered approach is what keeps dry, sensitive skin comfortable — especially during winter.

Not all hyaluronic acid formulas perform the same. Many products hydrate only the surface, which can feel good initially but doesn’t always translate to lasting comfort for dry or sensitive skin.

Dr. Piazza often recommends HA formulas designed to support hydration at multiple levels of the skin — and emphasizes that HA works best when followed by a moisturizer or balm to prevent moisture loss.

Key rule:

Hydrate first. Seal immediately after.

Instead of guessing, choose one product from each category based on how your skin feels right now.

Hydrate: Hyaluronic Acid & Water-Binding Serums

Use these first on slightly damp skin.

• Alastin HA Immerse Serum — Lightweight hydration support that layers beautifully under moisturizers
  
• Revision HA Hydrating Serum+ — Multi-level hydration for daily use
  
• SkinMedica HA5 Hydracollagen Replenish + Restore Hydrator — A go-to for tight, dehydrated skin
  

Follow immediately with a moisturizer to seal hydration in.

Repair & Defend: Barrier Support for Reactive Skin

When skin feels sensitized, stings easily, or looks inflamed, barrier support comes first.

• Revision DermProtect Barrier Defense — Designed to support compromised skin barriers
  
• Alastin Soothe and Protect Balm — Comfort-first support for irritated or post-procedure skin
  

Best for redness, over-treated skin, or “everything feels irritating” moments.

Seal & Nourish: Moisturizers and Occlusives

This step prevents transepidermal water loss and makes hydration last.

• SkinBetter Trio — A daily moisture-sealing staple for dry, sensitive skin
  
• SkinBetter Trio Luxe — A richer option for deeper dryness or nighttime sealing
  
• Alastin Ultra Nourishing Moisturizer — Comforting, rich hydration for dry seasons
  
• Exoceuticals ExoFace Moisturizer — Advanced hydration with regenerative support
  
• Exoceuticals ExoMen Moisturizer — High-performance hydration with a streamlined finish
  

If your skin is very dry, use a slightly more generous layer at night.

Intensive Hydration Treatments (When Skin Needs a Reset)

Use 1–3 times per week or as needed.

• Revision BioCellulose Mask — Comforting hydration support for stressed or depleted skin
  
• Dr. Medion Spaoxy Gel — CO₂ oxygenation support for dull, dehydrated winter skin
  
• CO2 Lift Carboxy Mousse — A carboxy-style treatment to refresh and rehydrate tired skin
  

Always finish with a moisturizer afterward to seal results.

Advanced Hydration for the Body

Winter dryness doesn’t stop at the face.

• Exoceuticals ExoBody — Elevated body hydration with exosome-powered skin support for arms, knees, shins, and crepey texture
  

Don’t Forget Lips

Lips are often the first place dryness shows up.

• Revision Lip Replenisher — Daily conditioning and comfort
  
• Exoceuticals HydraHealing Lip Balm — Barrier-sealing hydration for chapped lips
  

Using Retinoids? Prime Your Skin First

Retinoids can be excellent for texture and fine lines — but dry, sensitive skin must be hydrated and stable first.

Dr. Piazza recommends:

• Hydrating early in your routine
  
• Sealing with a moisturizer before and after actives if needed
  
• Reducing frequency until skin feels calm and comfortable
  

If irritation persists, pause actives and focus on barrier support for 7–14 days.

This is one of the most common questions Dr. Piazza hears — and the answer isn’t either/or.

Serums and creams serve different purposes in a hydration routine. Serums (like hyaluronic acid formulas) are designed to attract and bind water to the skin, helping improve hydration levels quickly. However, serums alone do not prevent moisture from escaping. Creams and balms contain emollients and occlusives that soften the skin and seal hydration in, protecting the skin barrier from water loss and irritation.

For dry, sensitive skin, Dr. Piazza recommends using both: apply a hydrating serum first to draw moisture into the skin, then follow immediately with a cream or balm to lock it in. Skipping the sealing step is one of the main reasons people feel dry again shortly after applying a serum.

Bottom line:

Serums hydrate. Creams protect. Together, they restore comfort and help sensitive skin stay hydrated longer — especially in winter.