Key takeaways
- Dry skin can be uncomfortable and cause scaling, itching, and cracking. Some causes of dry skin may include environment, genetics, medical conditions, and more.
- The key steps in a skin care routine for dry skin include: Cleansing, toning, targeting specific concerns, moisturizing, and protecting the skin from sun damage.
- Skin care experts recommend products for every stage of your dry skin care routine, such as Cetaphil facial cleanser for dry, sensitive skin and Aquaphor Healing Ointment for dry skin patches on your body.
- Best firming moisturizer for dry skin: Skinfix barrier+ Strengthening and Moisturizing Triple Lipid-Peptide Refillable Cream with B-L3 | Skip to review
- Best sunscreen for dry skin: La Roche-Posay Anthelios Melt-In Milk Sunscreen SPF 60 | Skip to review
Trying to manage dry, dehydrated skin? Don’t despair. There’s a skin care routine for that!
Maybe your skin feels tight, scaly, flaky, or a combination of all three.
We’ve got you covered.
The following skin care routines and product recommendations for dry skin can leave your skin happy, hydrated, and glowing.
Whether it’s a tried-and-true skin care regimen, how often you wash your hair, or the cosmetics you’re curious about, beauty is personal.
That’s why we rely on a diverse group of writers, educators, and other experts to share their tips on everything from the way product application varies to the best type of moisturizer for your individual needs.
We only recommend something we genuinely love, so if you see a shop link to a specific product or brand, know that it’s been thoroughly researched by our team.
Pricing guide
- $ = under $15
- $$ = $15 to $45
- $$$ = over $45
• sensitive skin
• all skin types
• sun protection
• acne care
• sensitive skin
• sensitive skin
• sensitive skin
• sensitive skin
We picked each of these products by carefully combing ingredient lists and looking at reviews from users with dry skin. We also got recommendations from the experts quoted in this article, as well as Healthline staff with dry skin.
Each product has been vetted by our team for medical and business standards. Learn more here.
According to a small 2021 study, a consistent skin care regimen can lead to measurable changes in dry skin.
Dry skin can be uncomfortable and is usually marked by scaling, itching, and cracking. While dry skin commonly affects the hands, arms, and legs, it can affect any part of the body.
According to Shawnda Dorantes, RN, BSN, co-owner of Beauty Lounge Medical Spa, and Joan Paul, MD, MPH, there are several causes of dry skin. These include:
- environment
- hard water
- genetics
- age
- excessive washing
- exposure to irritants
- hormonal changes
- medical conditions, like hypothyroidism or diabetes, or skin-specific conditions like eczema or psoriasis
These factors can be mostly classified into two categories, says medical aesthetician Olivia Sparks.
“Dry skin causes can be classified as internal or external, and the easiest to address are the external factors,” Sparks says.
These include factors like:
- humidity
- bathing habits
- use of harsh soaps
According to Sparks, dry skin, flakiness, and cracked lips may be due to a vitamin B deficiency.
A deficiency in B vitamins “will also make you more sensitive to certain skin care products and sunlight,” she says.
You could talk with your healthcare professional about taking a vitamin B complex supplement and if it’s right for you.
While the causes may differ, anyone can practice a skin routine for dry skin that will be to their benefit.
“As skin dries, it shrinks and causes cracks, which can get deep, painful, and even start to bleed. Cracks allow germs and bacteria to enter the body, which can potentially lead to a skin infection,” says Melanie Speed, RN, BSN, CAN, and owner of Flawless Aesthetics.
When it comes to a skin care routine for dry skin, keep the five steps listed below in mind:
- Cleanse: Your first step is to choose a hydrating cleanser. You want a cleanser to remove dirt and oil without causing a disruption to the outer skin layer. A good ingredient to look for is hyaluronic acid.
- Tone: Many toners use alcohol as a main ingredient, which dries out the skin. Look for an alcohol-free toner with active ingredients that restore your skin’s pH levels.
- Target: This step helps to target specific skin concerns. Focus on hydration with a pure hyaluronic acid serum, or opt for something meant to target skin concerns like wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, or acne.
- Moisturize: A good moisturizer will lock in the benefits of a serum. Use a moisturizer daily that’s specifically designed for the face. According to Sparks, “Facial moisturizer needs to be really nourishing and hydrating, but avoid products that might clog your pores.” It’s a safe bet to look for “noncomedogenic” on the label.
- Protect: Daily sunscreen use prevents harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays from damaging the skin.
A dry skin care routine for men is the same as for anyone else. While some people may have different preferences in scents and packaging, all skin needs the same kind of care.
According to Joan Paul, MD, MPH, the most important thing you can do for dry skin is find an over-the-counter (OTC) product that works best fro your skin and lifestyle. She advises, “creams and ointments are going to offer more skin hydration than lotions and gels, which contain more alcohol and water.
“Other important parts of an effective skin care regimen to address dry skin are to use a gentle cleanser and to limit bathing to 5 minutes daily using warm water. Using a humidifier in low humidity climates will also help your skin regain some moisture. Using fragrance-free, nonirritating skin care products, including your detergent and fabric softener, will also help.”
Believe it or not, acne can happen even when you have dry skin. A few tips can help you clear up blemishes and hydrate at the same time:
- avoid heavy products like oil-based lotions, moisturizers, and sunscreens
- only cleanse the face once per day
- avoid exfoliating, which can dry out the skin
- go easy on drying ingredients like benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid
Remember that alcohol, dyes, and fragrances may be irritating to sensitive skin. It’s best to look for noncomedogenic products.
Paul states that “Many of the same strategies as mentioned above for dry skin can also be used for those with acne. The main difference is that acne should be treated with either an OTC or prescription product recommended by a dermatologist.”
There are plenty of natural remedies for dry skin, and some work great for the face.
Coconut oil is an emollient that you can use on sensitive areas, like the under-eyes and around the mouth.
Oatmeal is another soothing ingredient that can help relieve redness and itching.
You could use it in a homemade face mask.
Increasing your intake of omega-3s is another great way
With all the steps and products, it can be a bit daunting to figure out what to use and how to do it without breaking the bank. However, there are many quality products for dry skin that are affordable.
You can easily find options at your local drugstore or online. Peruse ingredient lists and reviews from people with dry skin. Keep in mind that a higher price tag doesn’t always mean the product will work better for your skin.
A skin care routine for your body will be similar to your face routine. The main difference is the products you’ll use for each.
Paul explains, “The same principles for dry skin on the face apply for dry skin on the body. The main difference is that more potent emollients can be used on the body (Vaseline) compared to the face because these products can clog pores and lead to breakouts if used on the face.”
The first step is cleansing. Choose a product that includes hydrating ingredients like:
Then move on to moisture, ideally applying while the skin is still damp. Look for creams and ointments that include one or more of the following:
- jojoba oil
- glycerin
- hyaluronic acid
- shea butter
- ceramides
You may find that you benefit from an ointment or cream over a lotion because they contain more oil and less water.
It’s a good idea to do a patch test before using any new-to-you ingredients on your skin, especially if you have a sensitivity or allergy to any of them.
Dry patches on the elbows and knees are fairly common. For the most part, you can moisturize them the same way as the rest of your body.
You may want to try an ointment, which is oilier and takes longer for your skin to absorb than a cream.
In some cases, dry patches on the body may be due to a skin condition like eczema or psoriasis. If you suspect you may be experiencing a skin condition, it’s important to talk with your healthcare professional.
Consider doing a patch test
Whether you’re looking to address dry skin on your face or body, a patch test may be a good idea. If you have sensitive skin or a sensitivity to particular ingredients, consider doing a patch test before committing to a new product.
You could add a small amount of the product to the skin and monitor for any adverse reactions. Good places to do a patch test may include the inside of the arm or bend of the elbow.
There are a few things to keep in mind when you have dry skin that you may not have thought of.
Don’t overdo the caffeine
“Try not to overdo the caffeine intake. Too much caffeine and not enough water will dry you out in a heartbeat,” Sparks explains.
Go easy on the hot water
Hot showers or baths can strip the skin of natural oils. This can cause irritation, dryness, and sometimes even damage to the skin. Paul says to avoid bathing in hot water and use warm water instead.
Instead of a steamy shower or bath, keep it just warm enough to soothe and relax without drying your skin out.
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Avoid harsh products
Some products may make dry skin worse, like:
- chemical peels
- harsh exfoliating products like retinoids
- glycolic acid
- benzoyl peroxide
- salicylic acid
- alcohol
- fragrance
- preservatives
Don’t skip the sunscreen
“Protect your skin from sunburn and skin damage, which will leave skin tight, dry, and looking aged,” Dorantes says.
Don’t under-moisturize
Lotion collectors, rejoice! You’d have to work really hard to overdo it on the moisturizer.
Kavita Mariwalla, FAAD and board certified dermatologist, says that moisturizing twice daily is suitable.
“Don’t apply moisturizer just once a day. Make sure you apply it twice, and one of those times should be on damp skin,” she says.
While dry skin is mostly harmless, there’s always a possibility that it could be due to a condition like eczema or psoriasis. Talk with your doctor if you suspect an underlying skin condition.
Additionally, Mariwalla explains that a broken skin barrier can lead to infection. It’s important to protect your skin health to prevent this.
Speed recommends wearing gloves to protect your hands when working with chemicals or lots of water.
When asked when to contact a healthcare professional, Paul offered the following advice: “If you have been trying to manage your dry skin…for several weeks with no improvement and/or worsening, you should contact a healthcare professional, ideally a board certified dermatologist. If you develop a fever or other worrisome symptoms along with dry skin, that would be another indication to see a healthcare professional.”
Once dry skin becomes uncomfortable, or you’re not able to treat it on your own, it’s time to contact a dermatologist. They can help you figure out the cause of your dry skin. This may include environmental factors or skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis.
Your dermatologist can also work with you to develop a treatment plan, which may include over-the-counter or prescription products.
Will a toner dry out my skin?
It depends on the ingredients. Alcohol-based toners can be drying, while alcohol-free toners can provide needed moisture.
If you have dry skin and want to use a toner, look for one made with hydrating ingredients, like glycerin or rose hydrosol, such as cocokind rosewater.
Should you use an oil- or water-based cleanser for dry skin?
Oil-based cleansers are designed to remove impurities, makeup, and debris without stripping moisture, so they’re a good choice for dry skin. Pair a gentle oil cleanser with a damp microfiber cloth to sweep your skin clean, and you’ll avoid stripping your skin the way traditional cleansers often do.
If you prefer a water-based cleanser, that’s OK. Just be sure to look for one with hydrating ingredients, like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, or ceramides. Some people also have success with micellar water as a gentle cleanser.
Is vitamin C OK for dry skin?
Certain forms of vitamin C, like ascorbyl glucoside, offer all the brightening benefits without the irritation. If you have dry skin, look for this form of vitamin C specifically. Otherwise, you may have success with a product that combines another form of vitamin C with hydrating ingredients like glycerin.
What is the best skin care routine for dry skin?
The best skin care routine for dry skin may depend on your exact skin needs, such as if you have sensitive or acne-prone skin. However, in general, someone with dry skin may benefit from the following 5 steps:
- cleanse
- tone
- target specific concerns
- moisturize
- protect the skin from sun damage
If you have dry skin, following a daily skin care routine is a great way to find relief. By cleansing, toning, treating, and moisturizing your skin, you’re taking steps toward a healthy, happy dermis.
Consult with a dermatologist for the best routine for you.
Ashley Hubbard is a freelance writer based in Nashville, Tennessee, focusing on sustainability, travel, veganism, mental health, social justice, and more. Passionate about animal rights, sustainable travel, and social impact, she seeks out ethical experiences whether at home or on the road. Visit her website.
Jessica Timmons has been working as a freelance writer since 2007, covering everything from pregnancy and parenting to cannabis, chiropractic, stand-up paddling, fitness, martial arts, home decor, and much more. Her work has appeared in mindbodygreen, Pregnancy & Newborn, Modern Parents Messy Kids, and Coffee + Crumbs. See what she’s up to now at jessicatimmons.com.
