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Skincare routine for dry skin

Dry skin makes too little of its own oils, so it can feel tight, look dull or flake. The routine is about gentle cleansing and plenty of moisture: a mild cleanser, a rich moisturizer and daily sunscreen.

This is a general example, not your routine. The products that suit you depend on your age, concerns, ingredients you avoid and budget. The free quiz picks them for you in about two minutes.

Build your own routine →

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What dry skin needs

Dry skin has a weaker barrier, the layer of lipids that keeps water in. Cleansers that foam strongly strip those lipids, while creams with ceramides, glycerin or shea butter help rebuild them. A short routine also means fewer chances of irritation.

Morning routine

1
Cleanser
Cream cleanser
Cleanses without disrupting your skin's natural lipid barrier.
Choose a non-stripping cleanser. Skin should feel soft after washing, not squeaky or tight. Cream, milk or gentle gel formulas work best.
- ExampleLancôme Crème-Mousse Confort Cleanser 125ml26,00 €Notino →
2
Moisturizer
Rich cream with ceramides
Locks in moisture and strengthens the skin barrier.
Apply on slightly damp skin. Ceramides, glycerin, hyaluronic acid or shea butter help hold the moisture in.
- ExampleEucerin AtopiControl Cream 100ml28,47 €Notino →
3
Sunscreen
SPF 30–50, broad spectrum
Essential every day, even when it's cloudy.
Let your moisturizer sink in first. Wait a minute before sunscreen, so the two layers don't pill.
- ExampleAvène Hydrance UV Rich Hydrating Cream SPF 30 40ml19,12 €Notino →

Evening routine

1
Makeup & sunscreen remover optional
Cleansing balm, oil or micellar water
If you wore makeup or sunscreen, dissolve it first with one of these, then use your cleanser (double cleanse). On bare-skin days you can skip this step.
- ExampleBanila Co Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm 100ml15,21 €Notino →
2
Cleanser
The same cleanser as in the morning
Removes what's left of the day and preps your skin for your night care.
3
Moisturizer
The same moisturizer as in the morning
A simple moisturizer works morning and night — your skin doesn't need a separate night cream.

What to avoid

Hot water and long hot showers on the face.
Strong foaming cleansers and toners with a lot of alcohol (look for “alcohol denat.” near the top of the ingredient list).
Over-exfoliating. Flakes are a sign your skin needs moisture, not more scrubbing.
Heavily fragranced products, especially if your skin also stings easily.

Make it yours

If you also have dehydration, wrinkles, dark spots or dullness, the quiz adds a treatment for it, and it leaves out any ingredient you want to avoid. It also suggests an eye cream if you choose an eye-area concern.

Pregnant or breastfeeding? Some ingredients, such as retinoids, are not recommended. The example routine above contains none, and the quiz asks about it and leaves them out of your routine. Check any product with your doctor.

Frequently asked questions

Is dry skin the same as dehydrated skin?

Not quite. Dry skin is a skin type: it makes little oil. Dehydrated skin lacks water, and any skin type can be dehydrated, even oily skin. In the quiz, dehydration is a separate concern you can add.

Should I use a face oil?

It can help as a last step at night, over your moisturizer, to seal moisture in. It doesn't replace a moisturizer, because oils don't add water to the skin.

Do I need a richer cream in winter?

Often, yes. Cold air and indoor heating dry the skin more. Retake the quiz when the season changes.

Can dry skin use exfoliating acids?

Yes, gently. A mild AHA such as lactic acid once or twice a week can smooth flakes. Start slowly and stop if your skin stings. The quiz adds one if you choose rough or uneven texture.