A good skincare routine doesn’t need dozens of products. For dry skin, dermatologists commonly recommend focusing on a gentle cleanser, an effective moisturiser and daily sun protection, then choosing additional products based on your individual skin concerns.
The right products will differ depending on your skin type, where the dryness occurs and how severe it is. Instead of following complicated routines, start with the essentials and pay attention to the ingredients and formulation.
What are the essential products in a skincare routine?
For most people, a simple routine can be built around three key steps.
1. A gentle cleanser
Cleansing removes excess oil, dirt, makeup and other build-up from the skin.
If your skin is already dry or sensitive, avoid unnecessarily aggressive cleansing. A cleanser that leaves the skin feeling extremely tight or uncomfortable may be stripping away more of the skin’s natural oils than necessary.
The same applies to your hands. If you regularly need to remove grease, dirt or other stubborn substances, use a cleanser designed for that purpose rather than repeatedly washing with harsh household products. A moisturising hand cleanser and scrub can be useful when standard soap isn’t enough.
2. A moisturiser suited to your skin
Moisturising is particularly important for dry skin because it helps replenish hydration and reduce moisture loss.
Look beyond labels such as “hydrating” and consider the ingredients.
Useful moisturising ingredients can include:
- Glycerin, which attracts water to the skin
- Urea, which helps hydrate and soften dry, rough skin
- Hyaluronic acid, a humectant that helps retain moisture
- Dimethicone, which helps reduce moisture loss
- Vitamin E, which provides conditioning and antioxidant benefits
- Shea butter, which helps soften and condition dry skin
For more information on common skincare ingredients and what they do, explore the skincare ingredient guide.
3. Daily sun protection
Sun protection is an essential part of a healthy skincare routine throughout the year, not just during summer.
Regular UV exposure can contribute to premature skin ageing, pigmentation and skin damage. Use broad-spectrum sunscreen and combine it with shade, protective clothing and other appropriate sun-protection measures.
How should you choose a moisturiser for dry skin?
There isn’t one moisturiser that is best for every part of the body.
The face, hands, feet and lips have different levels of exposure and different skincare needs.
For dry facial skin
Facial skin generally benefits from a moisturiser that hydrates without feeling unnecessarily heavy for your skin type.
For dry or dehydrated skin, look for combinations of humectants and barrier-supporting ingredients. A facial moisturiser combining Vitamin E, glycerin and dimethicone is one example of this type of formulation.
If your skin is also reactive, read our guide to choosing a moisturiser for sensitive skin.
For very dry hands
Hands often need a stronger formula than the face because they are repeatedly exposed to washing, sanitiser, detergents, weather and manual work.
For persistent dryness, look for a hand cream containing ingredients such as urea, glycerin and dimethicone to hydrate the skin while helping reduce moisture loss.
An intensive hand cream containing 10% urea alongside glycerin, Vitamin E and dimethicone meets many of these criteria.
If frequent washing is the cause of dryness, see our guide to the best creams for overwashed hands.
For dry or cracked feet
The skin on the heels is thicker and often needs a more intensive treatment.
Look for ingredients such as higher-concentration urea and AHAs, which can help moisturise while softening rough or thickened skin.
A heel balm formulated with 25% urea is an example of the type of targeted formula that may be more suitable for very dry heels than a general body lotion.
For more advice, read our guide to the best treatments for cracked heels.
For dry or chapped lips
Lip products should help soften the lips while also reducing moisture loss.
Look for ingredients such as:
- Beeswax
- Shea butter
- Lanolin
- Vitamin E
- Other emollient and occlusive ingredients
An intensive lip balm combining several moisturising and protective ingredients can be useful when lips are persistently dry or chapped.
Read more about what causes dry and cracked lips.
Should your skincare routine change with the seasons?
Your core routine doesn’t necessarily need to change completely, but your skin may need more or less moisture depending on the environment.
During colder or less humid weather, skin can lose moisture more easily. If your usual lightweight moisturiser is no longer enough, moving to a richer cream may help.
During warmer and more humid conditions, you may prefer a lighter texture while continuing to moisturise and protect your skin from the sun.
The goal is to respond to how your skin behaves rather than changing products simply because the season has changed.
For more seasonal advice, see our guide to keeping skin moisturised in winter.
When should you see a dermatologist?
A good skincare routine can help manage everyday dryness, but persistent or severe symptoms may need professional assessment.
Consider seeing a doctor or dermatologist if your skin is:
- Persistently itchy or inflamed
- Painfully cracked or bleeding
- Developing recurring rashes
- Not improving despite regular moisturising
- Becoming increasingly sensitive
Conditions such as eczema and dermatitis can also cause dryness and irritation and may require more targeted management.
Learn more about eczema causes and treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What skincare products do dermatologists commonly recommend?
The exact products depend on your skin, but a simple routine generally includes gentle cleansing, an appropriate moisturiser and daily sun protection. Additional products should be selected according to specific concerns.
What ingredients are good for dry skin?
Common moisturising ingredients include glycerin, urea, hyaluronic acid and dimethicone. The best combination depends on where the dryness occurs and how severe it is.
Is a cream better than a lotion for dry skin?
For very dry skin, richer creams can often provide more intensive moisturisation than lightweight lotions. However, texture should still be appropriate for the area you’re treating and your individual skin type.
Do you need different moisturisers for your face and body?
Not always, but different areas can have different needs. Thick, rough heel skin may require stronger moisturising and exfoliating ingredients, while facial skin may benefit from a lighter or more targeted formulation.
Can a skincare routine be too complicated?
Yes. Using too many products can make it harder to identify what is helping or irritating your skin. A simple routine based around cleansing, moisturising and sun protection is a good starting point.
Building a skincare routine that works for your skin
Effective skincare doesn’t have to mean using a large number of products.
Start with gentle cleansing, regular moisturising and appropriate sun protection, then choose targeted products where your skin needs additional support.
For dryness in particular, pay attention to ingredients and formulation. A lightweight facial moisturiser, intensive urea hand cream, higher-strength heel balm and protective lip balm all serve different purposes.
You can explore dry skin solutions or browse the skincare ingredient guide to find options based on your individual skin concerns.
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