How to Build a Skincare Routine for Dry Skin

Layer hydrating products from thinnest to thickest consistency, focusing on gentle cleansing, hydrating serums, and occlusive moisturizers.

Dry skin is just dehydrated skin that forgot how to hold water—teach it again with consistent layering, not aggressive products that promise overnight miracles.

1. Choose a gentle cleanser. Use a cream or oil-based cleanser that removes makeup and dirt without stripping natural oils. Avoid foaming cleansers with sulfates that leave your skin feeling tight. Cleanse once in the evening, and splash with water in the morning.
2. Apply a hydrating serum. Look for serums with hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or ceramides while skin is still damp. These ingredients pull moisture into your skin and help repair the barrier. Pat gently into skin rather than rubbing.
3. Layer on moisturizer. Choose a cream rather than a lotion for better moisture retention. Apply while your serum is still slightly tacky to lock in hydration. Focus extra product on areas that feel particularly tight or rough.
4. Add SPF in the morning. Use a moisturizing sunscreen with at least SPF 30 to protect against UV damage that worsens dryness. Mineral sunscreens with zinc oxide can provide additional barrier protection for sensitive dry skin.