My Aspect Skincare Routine for Dry Skin

I have that kind of skin that’s endlessly dry.

So much so as a teenager I’d be embarrassed to hold hands with anyone for fear they’d be grossed out by my perpetually parched palms. True story.

Looking back, it’s become abundantly clear that ya girl just didn’t have access to nor the understanding of which products will resuscitate my thirsty skin and which will only make them worse.

Proactiv and that St. Ives Apricot Scrub comes to mind…

Luckily, times have changed. Now, there’s a treasure trove of powerful skincare products specifically formulated to meet our individual skin types and concerns.

Like Aspect.

If you’re yet to try the Melbourne-born cosmeceutical range, allow me to get you up to speed.

Aspect is results-focused skincare formulated with active ingredients delivered at optimal concentrations to bring out the best in your skin, sans the irritation.

Below, I walk you through 7 of my go-to Aspect products for my dry, dehydration-prone skin.

1. Aspect Purastat 5 Cleanser.

What: Aspect Purastat 5 Cleanser 220ml

Fast facts:

• Foaming face cleanser that’s slightly exfoliating for a brighter, smoother and detoxified complexion.

• Uses a gentle blend of sugar and coconut extracts to thoroughly cleanse and detoxify the skin in one.

• Helps to reduce the appearance of blemishes, pigmentation uneven skin tone while increasing hydration levels in the skin.

• Its green, gel-like texture is infused with botanical infusions of Wasabi Root Ferment and Canadian Willowherb to strengthen the skin’s natural defences.

• While Purastat is highly beneficial for normal-to-oily skin havers, it has a soothing, non-drying formula that’s suitable for dry skin types, too. Just not sensitive skin, sorry!

My Aspect Purastat 5 Cleanser review:

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, I love this cleanser.

I road-tested it a few weeks ago and it’s had me in a chokehold ever since. I’m addicted to how clean and smooth it makes my skin look and feel.

Something about its green texture just feels so fresh and revitalising.

I use it daily as my second cleanser after I’ve removed my makeup, SPF and surface dirt with a cleansing balm. I love that it doubles as a gentle exfoliator so you’re getting multiple benefits with every use.

I find I only need about one-to-two pumps to get a good lather that covers my entire face, neck and chest.

On that note, I’ve also noticed an improvement in my skin’s overall texture, especially on my neck where I often get hormonal breakouts.

In other words, Purastat has definitely earned its best-seller title.

2. Aspect Extreme B 17.

What: Aspect Extreme B 17

Fast facts:

• Suitable for all skin types, particularly those with congested, oily, problematic and dull skin.

• Has a smooth, citrus-scented texture that applies lightweight and absorbs quickly into the skin without being sticky.

• Day and night facial serum that helps to rejuvenate and replenish skin for a brighter, firmer and smoother complexion.

• Made with a patented blend of vitamin B complex (including vitamin B3 aka niacinamide, the super hydrator) and 5 skin-loving sea plants.

• Helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and redness, as well as reduce the frequency and severity of breakouts, minimise scarring and control oil levels for less-congested skin.

My Aspect Extreme B 17 review:

After I’ve cleansed my skin, I move on to my Aspect serums. Starting with Extreme B 17.

What I really like about this serum is that it genuinely makes my skin glow.

I use it both day and night, and find it’s the perfect wakeup call for my tired, dry skin.

Its golden, silky texture melts into my skin and instantly leaves a radiant sheen.

The slight citrusy scent smells like a big cup of OJ, which feels fitting for a morning routine. If that isn’t your thing though, don’t worry, it doesn’t stick around for long!

3. Aspect Extreme C 20.

What: Aspect Extreme C 20

Fast facts:

• Suitable for all skin types (particularly ageing skin), including sun-damaged and sensitive skin.

• Lightweight anti-ageing serum that helps to rebuild the appearance of uneven and dull skin texture for firmer, smoother and more radiant skin.

• Boosted with a combination of amino peptides, stable vitamin C (to maximise benefits), cellular antioxidants, corrective botanicals and skin-energising extracts.

• Super skincare ingredient vitamin C boosts collagen production for hydrated and firmer skin, reduces the appearance of pigmentation and shields skin from free radicals.

My Aspect Extreme C 20 review:

Once Extreme B 17 has completely dried down (after about a minute or so), I go in with Aspect Extreme C 20.

While I’m not necessarily the core demographic for this anti-ageing serum, I do have pigmentation from one too many (failed) attempts to tan as a teenager, despite my mum’s best efforts at convincing me that “pale is in”.

And before you come at me, this was prior to discovering the magic of fake tan. And the critical importance of SPF, of course.

But I’m happy to report that since using Extreme C 20, I’ve noticed an improvement in my pigmentation. Particularly on my forehead where the majority of the sun damage is.

It’s subtle, but it’s a start.

Like Extreme B, Extreme C gives my skin a glowy boost. It also has a subtle citrus scent.

The key visible differences come down to texture. Extreme C 20 is slightly thicker and feels really nourishing when applied. Combined, the pair make the ultimate power couple.

4. Aspect Hydrating Serum.

What: Aspect Hydrating Serum

Fast facts:

• Suitable for all skin types and gentle enough to be used by sensitive skin types.

• Deeply hydrating daily facial serum that hydrates, replenishes, calms and soothes skin.

• Contains a high concentration of hyaluronic acid in various molecular weights to lock in hydration on multiple levels of the skin.

• Lightweight, non-congesting formula that absorbs quickly into the skin and instantly helps reduce the look of redness, feelings of itchiness and dryness.

My Aspect Hydrating Serum review:

To round out my serums, I reach for Aspect Hydrating.

By this stage, my skin feels bright and firm, so following with a super nourishing formula like this serum gives it a hit of hydration and helps seal all the goodness of the prior actives in.

And nourishing it is. Really nourishing.

The Aspect Hydrating serum has quite a thick, clear texture that feels silky on the skin. Unlike the other serums, it doesn’t have a citrus scent, but more of a refreshing (aquatic?) smell that dries down to nothing.

I found it takes slightly longer for Aspect Hydrating Serum to sink in, but once it does, my skin feels super soft, smooth and hydrated.

If I had to nitpick, the only thing I don’t love is the pump. For whatever reason, this baby just doesn’t want to come out. But that could also be because I dropped it… take note, my clumsy friends.

5. Aspect Fruit Enzyme Mask.

What: Aspect Fruit Enzyme Mask 50g

Fast facts:

• Gentle exfoliating mask that removes impurities, product build-up and dead skin cells for a brighter, smoother complexion.

• Thick, gel-like formula in an orange hue that liquefies when massaged into dry skin and begins to pill (when the magic begins).

• Excellent natural alternative to chemical and physical exfoliants that can cause irritation on sensitive or problematic skin types.

• Contains a powerful blend of natural extracts to lightly but effectively exfoliate skin while hydrating, smoothing and calming skin, and protecting it from free radicals.

My Aspect Fruit Enzyme Mask review:

TLDR; this gentle exfoliating mask is a dry skin haver’s dream.

I'll admit, the first time I used this mask I couldn’t understand what all the hype was about.

The orange, jelly-like consistency definitely piqued my interest upon pump, but I got lost amidst the application. And from a quick scan of its reviews, it appears a few customers did, too. So let me clarify…

In order for this mask to do the good work, you really (really) have to work it into your skin until it begins to pill.

And what I love is that you can actually see it working. I’ve been using it once a week and every time I do, I can literally see the dead skin cells being lifted from my skin. Kinda gross but also extremely satisfying.

Afterwards, my skin feels silky, smooth and soft. Delicious.

6. Aspect Phytostat 9.

What: Aspect Phytostat 9

Fast facts:

• Suitable for all skin types, but particularly dry, dehydrated and mature skin.

• Deeply nourishing, anti-ageing moisturiser that can be used as an eye cream, face cream and neck cream.

• Helps to fight signs of ageing including pigmentation, fine lines, wrinkles and age spots, while delivering intense levels of hydration to the skin.

• Contains a powerful cocktail of antioxidants, lipids and hydrators, including shea butter, sunflower seed oil, sweet almond oil and macadamia oil.

• Uses advanced technology to naturally adjust to the specific needs of the skin, restoring a measured amount of moisture for a plumper, more luminous complexion.

My Aspect Phytostat 9 review:

Now, onto my favourite part of my Aspect routine: Phytostat 9.

There’s a reason why this cult cream has over 470 5-star reviews on Adore Beauty. It was also the most purchased moisturiser in 2022.

The best way I can describe Phytostat 9 is heavenly. From its luxurious velvety texture to how soft and supple my skin looks and feels afterwards.

Despite its lightweight texture, it delivers an instant hit of hydration to my dry skin that feels cooling and soothing thanks to its inclusion of vitamin E.

Special mention also to its packaging; an air-tight press pump that ensures you only use what you need without having to dig into the tub. It also keeps air, sunlight and bacteria at bay.

As for its anti-ageing promise, again, this is something that will only be revealed over time. But I’m more than happy to continue putting my face on the line in the name of eternal youth.

7. Aspect Sun Tinted Physical SPF 50+.

What: Aspect Sun Tinted Physical SPF 50+

Fast facts:

• Tinted mineral sunscreen with broad spectrum UVA and UVB SPF 50.

• Invisible on the skin thanks to the colour-correcting tint with a sheer finish, it's perfect for wearing on its own or as a base for makeup.

• Combines zinc oxide with argan oil and gotu kola extract to soothe, protect and assist with minimising the harsh ageing effects of UV exposure.

My Aspect Sun Tinted Physical SPF50+ review:

Last but certainly not least, the most important step of a skincare regime: SPF.

When it comes to sunscreen, I prefer the nourishing, primer-like variety. If it protects my pale skin AND creates the perfect canvas for makeup, I’m in.

And luckily for me (and everybody, really), Aspect Sun Tinted Physical SPF 50+ fits the bill.