Skincare routine for dry skin

Your ideal skincare routine for very dry skin

1. Morning — cleanse gently

Use lukewarm water and, if needed, a gentle, fragrance-free hydrating cleanser. If your face feels tight or flaky in the morning, rinsing with water alone may be enough.

Look for: glycerin, ceramides and a non-stripping formula.

2. Moisturize generously

Apply a thick cream while your skin is still slightly damp. This is the most important step for very dry skin.

Look for: ceramides, glycerin, hyaluronic acid, dimethicone or shea butter. Choose a cream rather than a thin lotion.

3. Protect with sunscreen

Finish with a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher every morning. If your skin is sensitive, choose a fragrance-free sunscreen that feels comfortable over your moisturizer.

Reapply about every two hours outdoors, and after swimming or sweating.

4. Night — moisturize and seal

Cleanse gently to remove sunscreen and makeup, then apply your rich moisturizer. On especially dry patches, dab on a thin layer of plain petroleum jelly to help seal in moisture.

Especially useful for flaky cheeks, dry areas around the nose and chapped lips.

This routine follows dermatologists' guidance on moisturizing damp skin and using creams or ointments to reduce moisture loss.www.aad.org+2

What to avoid while your skin heals

For the first 2–3 weeks, keep your routine simple.

• Skip exfoliating acids and scrubs — including glycolic acid, salicylic acid and rough facial brushes.
• Pause retinol and other potentially irritating active ingredients if your skin is very dry, peeling or stinging.
• Avoid fragrance and harsh cleansers, including heavily scented products and drying soaps.
• Avoid hot showers. Keep them to 5–10 minutes and apply body moisturizer immediately afterward.
• Don't wait until your skin feels dry to moisturize. Reapply whenever needed during the day.www.aad.org+2

If you live in a dry climate, a bedroom humidifier may also help.

How to choose the right moisturizer

These are examples of products worth considering, depending on how dry your skin is.

CeraVe Moisturizing Cream

(Everyday option)

A rich, ceramide-containing cream for face and body that is a good starting point for dry skin.

La Roche-Posay Lipikar Triple Repair Moisturizing Cream

A richer option to consider for persistent dryness on the face or body.

Vaseline Original Healing Jelly

A simple occlusive for sealing in moisture on flaky patches, lips and other very dry areas.

You don't need all three. Start with one good moisturizer and add an ointment only where necessary.

When to see a dermatologist: If your skin is painful, persistently itchy, cracked, bleeding, develops a rash, or doesn't improve after about two weeks of consistent care, get it checked. Eczema or another skin condition may need specific treatment.www.aad.org+1

Let’s personalize your routine

I can narrow this down to the best routine for your skin rather than recommend products you may not need.

1. Where is your skin really dry?

Face only

Face and body

Body only

2. What does the dryness feel or look like?

Tight, flaky or peeling

Itchy or red

Rough, ashy or dull

Cracked, burning or painful

A mix of these

3. Is your skin sensitive to products?

Rarely — most products are fine

Sometimes — products can sting

Very sensitive — many products irritate me

4. What is your product budget?

Affordable drugstore

Mid-range

Premium products are fine

[Personalize my routine]