Skincare Routine for Dry Skin: Dr Tanya’s Guide to What Actually Helps

Tight after cleansing, unwanted flaking under makeup, and somehow still feeling dry after moisturising? We know dry skin can be frustrating (and confusing), especially when you feel like you’re doing everything right.

Before you add another serum to your cart or try to scrub those flakes away, let’s talk about what your skin actually needs. In this guide, we’ll break down the everyday habits worth changing, the doctor-approved dry-skin ingredients we swear by, and a simple skincare routine for dry skin.

And spoiler alert: you won’t find us buying into the marketing buzz. No 13-step routines or expensive product recommendations here. Just the time-tested, clinically validated basics that work for dry skin (and all budgets).

Dry skin is a skin condition that most commonly occurs with age or due to genetics. Dry skin occurs when:

• The skin produces less natural sebum (oil).

• The skin barrier is disrupted and can’t effectively retain moisture.

Dry skin often looks rough and flaky, tight, or sensitive/itchy. While dry skin can be caused by other environmental factors, if you're experiencing it only for a short time, this is likely dehydrated skin, which can fluctuate with the season and your lifestyle habits. 

[Read full article: Dry vs. Dehydrated Skin: What’s the Difference?]

When it comes to dry skin — and most skin types, for that matter — the solution to relieving symptoms doesn’t necessarily mean throwing everything at it. Often, the best thing you can do is strip your skincare routine for dry skin back to basics and add slowly, if you need to.

Today, skincare marketing will tell you you need a 13-step skincare routine for dry skin and the most expensive option on the shelf to see real change. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Many expensive options have ingredient panels similar to much more affordable ones, so you’re not paying just for a brand name. Do your research and understand what really matters for your skin.

When thinking about dry skin, what matters is:

1. Putting oil and water back into the skin.

2. Helping to lock in said nourishment so it doesn’t escape.

3. Strengthening your skin barrier so it can hold moisture effectively.

This doesn’t require 13 different products, nor does it require you to reach for the top shelf.

Here’s an honest recommendation of what we’d change and incorporate for dry skin:

We know this one hurts to read because there’s nothing quite as satisfying as standing in a piping hot shower at the end of the day. But it’s a dry-skin recipe for disaster.

Here’s why: hot water strips your skin of the natural oils that protect it. The more you disrupt your protective skin barrier, the more easily moisture escapes. Hot showers will undo all of the hard work you’re putting into your skincare.

Harsh, fragranced products can wreak havoc on your skin barrier—which we know is crucial to alleviating the symptoms of dry skin. Harsh products can strip important oils from the skin, and fragrances can lead to irritation.

It’s tempting to reach for a strong exfoliator to remove dry, flaky skin. However, you’ll be doing yourself a major disservice. If your skin is already irritated, avoid exfoliation altogether until it has time to heal, as this can severely damage your skin barrier.

Once the stinging and redness have subsided, you can slowly introduce a gentle exfoliation method (like a gentle chemical exfoliant), if needed. We would recommend steering clear of physical exfoliation, like abrasive scrubs.

When we think about dry skin, we often focus so much on nourishing it that we forget to protect it. Did you know UV exposure is a leading contributor to skin barrier damage? Add a broad-spectrum SPF50+ to your daily routine, and commit to applying it regularly.

Caring for dry skin starts with a few intentional essentials. From a gentle cleanser to a nourishing moisturiser, here’s what to look for to help replenish moisture and keep your skin feeling soft and comfortable:

Reason: Dry skin already lacks adequate sebum (oil production). A cleanser that is too intense or harsh can strip your skin of the little oil you can’t afford to lose. 

Use a gentle cream cleanser that removes daily buildup. Always wash your face with lukewarm water.

Reason: Dry skin lacks oil, while dehydrated skin lacks water. However, dry skin is often also dehydrated, meaning both oil and water are needed. The goal with dry skin is to restore hydration and protection wherever possible.

Look for face serums high in hydration or nourishing oils. Things like Hyaluronic Acid – which helps attract water — or oil-based serums like Squalane, Jojoba Oil, or Holy Basil Serum.

Dr Tanya’s Top Pick: Hyaluronic Acid

Reason: One of the primary issues with dry skin is that it doesn’t produce enough oil and doesn’t retain moisture properly. As such, locking in our serums with a good-quality moisturiser is a great way to prevent moisture loss and, therefore, dryness.

Look for a nourishing cream with moisture-attracting ingredients like aloe vera, barrier-supporting ingredients, and softening oils like holy basil, squalane, and jojoba oil to help keep dry skin comfortable.

Dr Tanya’s top pick: Holy Basil Day & Night Cream

As we explained earlier, we’re proud to be on the ‘simple is best’ cheer squad, and we’ll happily shout it from the rooftop. Repeat after us: you don’t need 13 products and a skincare routine that takes up half your morning and evening. You need solid, clinically proven basics and a few lifestyle changes.

Here's what we'd follow for a simple, achievable skincare routine for dry skin:

• Morning routine: gentle cleanser → serums that add water and oil → nourishing moisturiser → SPF50+

• Evening routine: gentle cleanser → serums that add water and oil → nourishing, thicker moisturiser.

Expert tip: when applying multiple serums for different skin concerns in one routine, go from thinnest to thickest consistency.