Skincare Routine for Dry Skin
If you struggle with dry, tight, or flaky skin, using the right products is only half the battle. What really makes the difference is having a consistent skincare routine that supports your skin morning and night.
Dry skin doesn’t produce enough natural oils to keep itself hydrated, so the goal of your routine should be to cleanse gently, add hydration, and lock it in. The good news? You don’t need dozens of expensive products just a few carefully chosen steps can transform how your skin looks and feels.
Here’s a simple, effective skincare routine for dry skin that works in the morning and at night.
Morning Skincare Routine for Dry Skin 🌞
1. Start with a Gentle Cleanser
Dry skin often gets worse when cleansed with harsh, foaming products that strip away natural oils. Instead, choose a cream or gel-based cleanser that removes dirt without leaving your skin tight.
💡 Tip: Avoid cleansers with strong fragrance or alcohol they can make dryness worse.
👉 Good options include CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser and La Roche-Posay Toleriane Dermo-Cleanser.
2. Apply a Hydrating Serum
After cleansing, give your skin an extra boost of hydration with a serum that contains hyaluronic acid. This ingredient acts like a sponge, pulling water into the skin to plump it up and keep it soft throughout the day.
💡 Tip: Apply serum while your skin is still slightly damp to maximise absorption.
👉 A popular choice is The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5, which is budget-friendly and effective.
3. Use a Moisturiser to Lock In Hydration
After applying your serum, seal in that hydration with a rich, cream-based moisturiser. This is one of the most important steps in any dry skin routine, as it helps protect your skin barrier and prevent moisture loss throughout the day.
Look for moisturisers with ingredients like ceramides, shea butter, and glycerin they’re proven to strengthen and hydrate dry skin.
👉 Try E45 Cream for an affordable everyday option, or La Roche-Posay Lipikar Balm AP+M if you need something richer and dermatologist-tested.
💡 Tip: Don’t forget to apply moisturiser down your neck and across your jawline these areas often get overlooked and can become dry too.
4. Always Finish with SPF
Even on cloudy days, UV rays can damage and dry out your skin. Using a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher helps prevent fine lines, irritation, and moisture loss.
Choose a sunscreen made for dry or sensitive skin — ideally one that contains hydrating ingredients like niacinamide or hyaluronic acid.
👉 Great options include CeraVe Facial Moisturising Lotion SPF 25 or Eucerin Daily Protection SPF 30.
💡 If your moisturiser already includes SPF, that’s fine for daily use — but if you’re outside for long periods, use a separate sunscreen for better protection.
🌙 Nigh-time Skincare Routine for Dry Skin
1. Cleanse Away the Day
At night, remove makeup, sunscreen, and pollution with a gentle, hydrating cleanser. Avoid foaming or exfoliating cleansers these can strip essential oils.
👉 Try The Inkey List Oat Cleansing Balm or CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser.
💡 Double cleanse if you wear heavy makeup: start with a balm, then follow up with a gentle cream cleanser.
2. Apply a Hydrating Serum or Facial Oil
Nighttime is when your skin repairs itself, so this is the perfect time to layer in extra moisture. Use a hyaluronic acid serum or a few drops of lightweight facial oil such as jojoba, rosehip, or squalane.
💡 Avoid essential oils directly on the skin they can cause irritation for dry or sensitive types.
3. Use a Rich Night Cream or Overnight Mask
Finish your night routine with a thicker, nourishing cream to help repair the skin barrier while you sleep.
Look for ingredients like ceramides, panthenol, and shea butter.
👉 Try Aveeno Skin Relief Moisturising Cream or Clinique Moisture Surge Overnight Mask.
💡 A slightly heavier texture is okay at night your skin will absorb it while you rest.
🗓 Weekly Extras
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Exfoliate once or twice a week using a mild chemical exfoliant (like lactic acid or PHA). This removes dead cells so moisturisers can penetrate better.
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Use a hydrating mask once a week for an added boost look for ingredients like aloe vera, honey, or glycerin.
👉 Avoid harsh scrubs or over-exfoliation they can damage dry skin and make flakiness worse.
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Over-cleansing or washing your face too often.
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Using foaming cleansers with sulfates or alcohol.
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Skipping moisturiser after cleansing.
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Thinking you don’t need SPF because it’s cloudy.
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Trying too many new products at once.
Consistency beats quantity a simple, steady routine gives the best long-term results.
✅ Conclusion
Caring for dry skin doesn’t have to be complicated. The best skincare routine for dry skin is one that hydrates, protects, and strengthens your skin barrier morning and night.
Stick with gentle products, avoid over-cleansing, and always finish with a good moisturiser and SPF. With a consistent routine and the right products, you can keep your skin soft, smooth, and healthy all year round.
Ready to find the perfect moisturiser for your routine? Check out our guide to the Best Moisturisers for Dry Skin UK (2025 Update).
