The Best Skincare Routine for Dry Skin
If you have dry skin, you know the drill. The flaking. The tightness. The “no matter how much I slather on, my face still feels like the Sahara” feeling. Dry skin doesn’t care about your expensive face oil or the fact that you drank three liters of water today. It needs help. Real, strategic, ingredient-backed help.
The good news? A smart skincare routine can be your skin’s new BFF—balancing moisture levels, boosting barrier function, and bringing the bounce back to your complexion. And we’re not talking about a 12-step routine that costs more than your rent. Just the right products, in the right order, with the right ingredients.
We tested, researched, asked dermatologists, and slathered on everything from milky cleansers to ceramide creams to find what really works for dry skin. Below, we break down a skincare routine that’s equal parts science and self-care—because healthy skin isn’t just a look, it’s a vibe.
What Causes Dry Skin?
Dry skin isn’t just a lack of water—it’s a lack of oil and water. Your skin barrier (that outermost layer) is like a brick wall made of skin cells (bricks) and lipids (mortar). When that barrier is compromised—by cold weather, hot showers, harsh ingredients, or even over-exfoliating—moisture escapes and irritants get in.
The result? Your skin feels rough, looks dull, gets flaky, and might even feel itchy or tight. Sound familiar?
If so, your goal is this: Repair and protect that barrier while adding hydration and locking it in. Let’s get into how.
Step 1: A Gentle, Hydrating Cleanser
Yes, even dry skin needs cleansing. No, it shouldn’t leave your face feeling like parchment paper.
Look for a cream, milky, or balm cleanser—something that removes dirt and SPF without stripping your skin. Avoid foaming cleansers with sulfates (think SLS or SLES), which can be super drying.
Derm-approved picks:
CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser – Mild, affordable, packed with ceramides. ($15 on Amazon).
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser – Fragrance-free and beautifully boring (in a good way). ($15 on Amazon).
Then I Met You Living Cleansing Balm – Melts off makeup with zero tightness. Smells like heaven. ($39 on Amazon).
Step 2: A Hydrating Toner or Essence
Think of this as the tall glass of water before your moisturizer main course. A good toner or essence adds an extra layer of hydration and preps your skin to absorb whatever’s next.
Look for ingredients like:
Glycerin
Hyaluronic acid
Panthenol
Aloe vera
Favorites worth trying:
Hada Labo Gokujyun Premium Lotion – A cult fave for a reason. Feels like a hug for your face. ($14 on Amazon).
Pyunkang Yul Essence Toner – Minimal ingredients, maximum hydration. ($12 on Amazon).
Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Toner Plus – A K-beauty gem with 5 types of hyaluronic acid. ($18 on Amazon).
Step 3: Serum Time
This is where you get targeted. For dry skin, you want serums that pull water into the skin and reinforce the barrier. In other words, humectants + barrier support = your new serum strategy.
Look for:
Hyaluronic acid – The OG humectant, holds up to 1,000x its weight in water.
Niacinamide – Great for barrier repair and evening skin tone.
Ceramides – Strengthen your skin’s defense system.
Peptides – Fancy protein bits that support firmness and hydration.
Serums we love:
Vichy Minéral 89 Hyaluronic Acid Serum – Lightweight and bouncy. ($28 on Amazon).
The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 – Affordable and effective. ($10 on Amazon).
Paula’s Choice Omega+ Complex Serum – Rich and barrier-loving without being greasy. ($45 on Amazon).
Step 4: Moisturizer
Ah, the star of the show. Your moisturizer should be rich enough to trap hydration, but not so heavy it feels like a mask. The best ones layer like silk and keep you glowing all day.
What to look for:
Occlusives like squalane, shea butter, or petrolatum (to lock moisture in)
Emollients like fatty acids and ceramides (to smooth and soften)
Humectants (to hydrate from within)
Standout options:
First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream – Rich without being greasy. ($32 on Amazon).
Biossance Squalane + Omega Repair Cream – Vegan squalane and ceramides galore. ($60 on Amazon).
Aveeno Calm + Restore Oat Gel Moisturizer – Light, soothing, fragrance-free. ($18 on Amazon).
Step 5: Sunscreen
Dry skin doesn’t give you a pass on SPF. In fact, UV damage can make dryness worse and accelerate aging. Look for a sunscreen with hydrating ingredients and a dewy finish.
Top picks:
EltaMD UV Daily SPF 40 – Hydrating, lightweight, and derm-favorite. ($40 on Amazon).
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Melt-in Milk SPF 60 – Great for dry, sensitive skin. ($29 on Amazon).
Black Girl Sunscreen SPF 30 – Moisturizing and no white cast. ($10 on Amazon).
Weekly Extras
Dry skin still needs exfoliation—just gently. Dead skin can block products from absorbing, but go slow. Aim for once or twice a week, max.
Gentle exfoliants:
Paula’s Choice 8% AHA Gel – Lactic acid is great for dry skin. ($37 on Amazon).
KraveBeauty Kale-Lalu-yAHA – Mild and non-stripping. ($25 on Amazon).
The Inkey List PHA Toner – Super gentle, good for sensitive types. ($14 on Amazon).
Hydrating masks:
Laneige Water Sleeping Mask – Feels like a hydrating cloud. ($32 on Amazon).
Summer Fridays Jet Lag Mask – Great overnight or as a primer. ($49 on Amazon).
Extra Credit: Facial Oils
Face oils aren’t moisturizers (they don’t hydrate), but they’re great at locking in moisture. Think of them as a luxurious topcoat.
Best used after moisturizer, or mixed into it.
Fan favorites:
The Ordinary 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil ($11 on Amazon).
Herbivore Lapis or Phoenix Oils ($88 on Amazon).
Pai Rosehip BioRegenerate Oil ($44 on Amazon).
Morning vs Night Routine for Dry Skin
Morning Routine:
Gentle cleanser (or rinse with water if skin’s not oily)
Hydrating toner or essence
Serum
Moisturizer
Sunscreen (non-negotiable)
Evening Routine:
Cleansing balm or oil cleanser (especially if wearing SPF/makeup)
Creamy second cleanse (optional)
Hydrating toner/essence
Serum
Moisturizer
Facial oil or occlusive (if needed)
Final Thoughts
Dry skin isn’t something you fix in a day. It’s a slow-burn romance—you show up, keep it hydrated, and it starts loving you back. With the right routine and some consistency, you’ll be shocked at how soft, supple, and glow-y your skin can look and feel.
So no, you don’t need 20 products. Just a few good ones, used daily, that actually work with your skin instead of against it. Hydration isn’t a luxury—it’s a basic right. And your skin? Deserves the very best.