I spent years trying to perfect the ultimate skincare routine for dry skin.
Rewind to 2008. I'm 16, stood at the bathroom mirror wondering how I can stop my face to stop flaking before school. With my cheeks feeling tight and sensitive, a stubborn rough patch that had seemed to set up camp on my chin, and that dreaded ‘squeaky clean’ feeling if I dared take a morning shower, it's all too clear that I was dealing with the perils of a dry skin type.
Aesthetic doctor Dr David Jack reveals that dry skin is the number one issue he sees in his clinic. “Dry skin can be genetic, environmental or entirely self-inflicted – your skin barrier can only take so much over-exfoliation before it stages a rebellion!” he says. “Hot showers, harsh cleansers and not using emollient-rich moisturisers for dry skin tend to make matters worse. Certain medical conditions and medications can also leave the skin feeling particularly dry."
Although my teenage self was sure I was doomed to face the rest of my life shedding like a snake, I'm pleased to report that now I'm in my early thirties, my skincare routine is under control. I'm not surviving, I'm thriving.
With the help of a dedicated skincare routine for dry skin, the right formulas and a wealth of expert advice, you can say goodbye to dry. Luckily, this article is just that. Not sure if you have dry or dehydrated skin? We've got a guide for that, too.
Meet the experts:
- Dr David Jack, aesthetic doctor.
- Dr Vincent Wong, aesthetics doctor and founder of aesthetics and wellness clinic Omniere.
- Jacqueline Yong, skin health specialist, facialist and the founder of natural skincare brand Jacqueline Organic.
- Dr Sina Ghadiri, consultant dermatologist and founder of Sinaesthetics.
What causes dry skin?
Contrary to popular belief, there are not that many reasons for dry skin. Rather, Jacqueline Yong, skin health specialist and the founder of Jacqueline Organic, explains that dry skin is a natural skin type, meaning it's something you’re born with.
“It occurs when the skin lacks moisture and natural oils, which are essential for maintaining a healthy, hydrated complexion. People with dry skin often have smaller sebaceous glands too, leading to less oil production and a thinner skin barrier,” she says.
Aesthetic doctor Dr David Jack reveals that ageing also plays a role. "From our mid twenties, ceramide and natural oil production start to decline, meaning the skin’s lipid barrier becomes less efficient at holding water, causing skin to become more dry.”
But don't despair. “There are plenty of ways to help manage dry skin, such as using hydrating products, adopting a gentle skincare routine, and creating a healthy environment that supports moisture retention,” Jacqueline advises.
What routine is best for dry skin?
What you've been waiting for: the dry skin club's ultimate skincare routine, from start to finish…
Step 1: Cleanse (and double cleanse in the evening)
Jacqueline advises to use a gentle, hydrating cleanser that won’t strip your skin of its natural oils in the morning. “Look for a cream or milk-based cleanser that’s rich in emollients like glycerin, squalane, or ceramides," she says.
In the evening, double cleanse. “Start with a oil-based cleansing option to remove daily impurities, makeup and sunscreen, like the La Roche-Posay Lipikar Cleansing Oil, then follow with a cream cleanser,” says Dr Sina.
"The first cleanse with an oil-based cleanser helps break down makeup and sunscreen without disrupting the skin’s moisture barrier. The second cleanse with a cream cleanser hydrates and nourishes, leaving the skin clean yet soft and moisturised,” explains Jacqueline.
Step 2: Apply a toner or essence
You may be tempted to skip this step, but dry skin will benefit from a toner or essence, as it adds an extra layer of hydration after cleansing. Unlike traditional toners of yore that used to strip the skin, today's formulas are packed with soothing, hydrating ingredients.
“Use an alcohol-free, hydrating toner that helps replenish moisture and restore the skin’s pH balance. Look for ingredients like rose water, aloe vera, or hyaluronic acid,” Jacqueline advises.
A toner or essence also prepares the skin to better absorb subsequent products, instantly alleviates any feelings of tightness or roughness, and leaves your skin feeling refreshed and more comfortable.
Step 3: Add a hydrating serum
Jacqueline recommends looking for a B5 serum or a hyaluronic acid serum, as both ingredients are humectants, which attract moisture to the skin. We've got more intel on the best hydrating serums here.
“They help to soothe irritation, support the skin’s healing process, and also improve its ability to retain moisture. B5 is an excellent ingredient for dry skin, because it works to keep the skin hydrated while strengthening the skin’s natural barrier, preventing further water loss,” she says.
Other ingredients you can look for? “Glycerin is also water-binding, and you could look for ceramides, peptides, or niacinamide to repair and reinforce,” says Dr Vincent.
Step 4: Follow with a rich moisturiser
Dr Sina recommends applying a rich moisturiser next, ideally one formulated with powerhouse ingredients like squalane, ceramides or glycerin. These components play a huge role in keeping the skin barrier strong and protected, which is important as it a) acts as the first line of defence against environmental aggressors like dust and pollution, and b) means you're reducing the risk of dryness, irritation and sensitivity.
“These ingredients not only replenish and nourish the skin but also help to prevent water loss, leaving the skin hydrated, smooth and protected,” adds Jacqueline.
Step 5: Always finish with sunscreen
“In the morning, always finish with a broad-spectrum sunscreen to protect and support the skin barrier,” says Dr Sina.
Plus, you're making your skin more dry if it gets damaged by the sun. “Always finish with SPF 30 or higher,” advises Jacqueline. “Sunscreen is essential for protecting your skin from UV damage, which can exacerbate dryness and lead to premature skin ageing.” Here, we've got guides to mineral sunscreens, Korean sunscreens and sunscreens for sensitive skin.
What is the 424 skincare rule?
Jacqueline explains that the 424 skincare rule is a multi-step cleansing method that’s especially beneficial for dry skin, as it helps to deeply cleanse without stripping the skin of its natural oils and moisture. She reveals how it works:
- 4 minutes with a cleansing oil: “Start by massaging a nourishing cleansing oil into your skin for four minutes. The oil helps to dissolve makeup, SPF and impurities while preserving the skin’s natural moisture. This is particularly beneficial for dry skin as oil-based cleansers not only break down debris, but also provide a layer of hydration that keeps the skin soft and nourished.”
- 2 minutes with a cream cleanser: “Follow with a gentle, hydrating cream cleanser for two minutes. This step helps remove any remaining impurities without disturbing the skin's delicate barrier. A cream cleanser is perfect for dry skin, as it provides moisture and prevents the skin from feeling tight or stripped, leaving it feeling calm and replenished.”
- 4 minutes of rinsing: “Finish by rinsing your skin with lukewarm water for four minutes. This ensures that all products are fully removed while also balancing the skin’s temperature. For dry skin, lukewarm water is essential as it prevents further dehydration, avoiding the harsh effects of hot water that can exacerbate dryness.”
Jacqueline concludes that this method helps to deeply cleanse, hydrate, and protect the skin’s moisture barrier, making it ideal for those with dry or sensitive skin who need extra care in their cleansing routine.
What is the 7 skin method for dry skin?
Dr Vincent Wong, aesthetics doctor and founder of wellness clinic Omniere, reveals that the 7 skin method is a Korean skincare approach where you apply up to 7 thin layers of a hydrating toner or essence.
“The idea is to build up hydration gradually, rather than dumping on a single heavy layer that might just sit on the surface. For dry skin, this can significantly improve plumpness, radiance, and absorption of subsequent products without feeling greasy,” he comments.
But up to 7 layers isn't beneficial for everyone's skin type, and Dr Sina advises to step away from this method if your skin is sensitive. “Applying so many layers may be excessive for some, especially if the products contain active ingredients or fragrance, which could irritate or overwhelm sensitive skin,” he says.
Is a vitamin C serum good for dry skin?
“A vitamin C serum can be a great addition to a dry skin routine, thanks to its brightening antioxidant benefits and its role in supporting collagen production,” says Dr Sina.
But don't go in all guns blazing. “Some forms of vitamin C, particularly L-ascorbic acid, may be irritating or slightly drying for sensitive or dry skin types. Consider a milder derivative like ascorbyl glucoside, which offers similar benefits with better tolerance,” he advises.
“You could also pair your vitamin C with a hydrating serum or moisturiser, so you can get the benefits without the tightness,” adds Dr David Jack.
Is a hyaluronic acid serum good for dry skin?
Dr David Jack advises that it absolutely is, but only if you use it correctly.
“Hyaluronic acid is a humectant, meaning it attracts water. In a dry environment with low humidity, it can pull moisture from deeper in the skin rather than from the air, paradoxically making dryness worse,” he says.
To avoid this, the aesthetic doctor recommends to always apply hyaluronic acid to damp skin, and lock in the hydrating serum with a moisturiser containing ceramides or oils. “Multi-molecular weight hyaluronic acids are best, as they hydrate at different depths of the skin,” he says.
Kiehl's Ultra Pure 1.5% Hyaluronic Acid Moisture Plumping High-Potency Serum
Kiehl's Ultra Pure 1.5% Hyaluronic Acid Moisture Plumping High-Potency Serum
- Best for: A plump, refined complexion.
- Skin type suitable for: All.
- Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid and glycerin.
- Cruelty-free? No.
- Fragranced? No.
Why we love it: Made with just seven ingredients, this highly potent hyaluronic acid serum is suitable for all skin types, and is a great choice for anyone looking to achieve visibly more plump skin. “As someone who's always loved Kiehl's for its simple yet effective formulations, I had to give the 1.5% hyaluronic acid serum a go. Before I knew it, it had made its way into my ‘favourites' cabinet, thanks to its lightweight feel and high-potency formula," shares Denise Primbet, GLAMOUR's Beauty Commerce Writer.
Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Multi-Recovery Complex Serum
Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Multi-Recovery Complex Serum
- Best for: Overnight hydration.
- Skin type suitable for: All.
- Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, caffeine, chamomile extract.
- Cruelty-free? No.
- Fragranced? No.
Why we love it: Tired of waking up to dry skin? Same. This hydration booster serum is basically ‘beauty sleep’ in a bottle, delivering long-lasting moisture for up to 72 hours a time. Featuring a myriad of quality skincare ingredients, this serum is a cult-favourite for a reason. Our former Beauty Commerce Writer Denise Primbet has been using this formula for over 3 months: “I'm not usually one who would advocate for expensive skincare, but having used the popular Estee Lauder Night Repair serum for a while now, the benefits are undeniable: my complexion is visibly bouncier and brighter.”
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