Skincare Routine for Dry Skin

If your skin often feels tight, flaky, or uncomfortable, you're probably dealing with dryness, and the right dry skin skincare routine can make all the difference. Dry skin isn’t just about a lack of moisture on the surface; it’s often a sign that your skin barrier needs support and consistent care.

Knowing how to treat dry skin starts with understanding what your skin actually needs: gentle cleansing, nourishing ingredients, and layers of lasting hydration. Whether your dryness is seasonal or something you deal with year-round, building a targeted, hydrating skincare routine for dry skin can help restore balance, improve texture, and protect your skin long-term.

In this guide, we’ll break down exactly what to use, when to use it, and which ingredients to look out for, so you can create a routine that works.

What Causes Dry Skin?

Dry skin can show up for lots of reasons. Sometimes it’s temporary, like in winter, and sometimes it’s just how your skin naturally behaves. Either way, it often comes down to your skin barrier not holding on to moisture properly.

Here are some of the most common causes of dry skin:

Cold weather & central heating – Low humidity in winter and indoor heating strip moisture from the skin.
Harsh cleansers or over-washing – Foaming face washes and frequent cleansing can break down your skin’s natural oils.
Long, hot showers – Heat and water can dehydrate the skin, especially if you skip moisturiser after.
Ageing – As we get older, our skin produces less oil and becomes more prone to dryness.
Dehydration – Not drinking enough water can affect skin hydration from the inside out.
Skin conditions – Eczema, psoriasis, and other issues can also cause chronic dryness or flaking.

Once you know the cause, you can build a dry skin skincare routine that works with your skin, not against it.

Best Ingredients for Dry Skin

If you want lasting results, the right ingredients matter just as much as the right routine. The best hydrating skincare for dry skin focuses on replenishing moisture, restoring lipids, and strengthening your skin barrier. Look for these key players when building your routine:

A powerful humectant that draws water into the skin, helping to plump fine lines and keep skin feeling supple.

Find it in: Cell Active Moisturiser,Hyaluronic Booster Serum,Vital Eyes, Pause & Renew Serum

Soothes irritation and delivers a boost of lightweight hydration.

Find it in: Kombucha Infusion Sheet Mask, Grapefruit & Mandarin Body Wash,Grapefruit and Mandarin Body Lotion

Rich in fatty acids to nourish and protect the skin barrier while softening rough patches.

Find it in: Facial Soufflé Ultra-Rich Cream

Works like a moisture magnet, attracting and holding water in the skin’s surface layers.

Find it in: Antioxidant Hydration Mist

Step by Step Skincare Routine for Dry Skin

A good skincare routine for dry skin should focus on three things: gentle cleansing, deep hydration, and long-lasting moisture. It’s not about using more products, it’s about choosing the right ones, in the right order, to support your skin barrier and keep water locked in.

Cleanse

Extra Tips for Managing Dry Skin

Alongside a targeted skincare routine, a few simple habits can make a big difference in keeping your skin soft, hydrated, and comfortable:

Hot showers and face washing can strip your skin’s natural oils. Stick to warm, not steaming.
Lock in more moisture by applying serums, oils, and moisturisers while your skin is still slightly damp.
Think lightest to richest: serum, oil, then moisturiser. Each layer helps seal in hydration.
Especially in winter or if you’re around central heating, it helps prevent the air from drying out your skin.
Ditch gritty scrubs or strong acids. Choose gentle exfoliators (like enzymes or lactic acid) once or twice a week.
It sounds basic, but drinking enough water helps support your skin from the inside out.