Dry Skin: How to Build the Right Routine (UK Guide)

Dry skin is a skin type that naturally makes less sebum, so it lacks the oils and lipids that hold moisture in — leaving it tight, flaky and rough. The routine principle is simple: replace water with humectants, replace oil with lipids, then seal both in with an occlusive.

How do you tell if you have dry skin?

Dry skin is a long-term type, not a passing phase. If your skin feels tight after cleansing, looks dull or papery, flakes around the nose and cheeks, and rarely gets shiny through the day, you likely sit on the dry end of the spectrum. It can feel worse in winter, in hard-water areas, and with age as natural oil production slows.

It's worth separating dry skin from dehydrated skin. Dryness is a lack of oil (lipids) and it's built into your skin type. Dehydration is a temporary lack of water that can affect anyone — even oily skin — and usually shows up as tightness with occasional breakouts or a "crepey" look. Many people are both dry and dehydrated, which is why a good dry-skin routine tackles water and oil together. If your barrier feels compromised — stinging, redness, sensitivity — it helps to understand the skin barrier, what it is and why it breaks down before layering on lots of actives.

Which ingredients and actives suit dry skin?

Dry skin does best with ingredients that draw in water, restore lipids, and lock everything in place. Think of it as three jobs working together.

Humectants (draw water in). Hyaluronic acid and glycerin pull moisture into the upper layers of the skin, which helps plump and soften the look of fine, dry lines. Apply them to slightly damp skin so there's water to bind. You can explore options in our hyaluronic acid collection.

Lipids and ceramides (replace what dry skin lacks). Ceramides, along with fatty acids and cholesterol, are the "mortar" between skin cells. Topping them up supports a resilient barrier and helps reduce the trans-epidermal water loss that leaves dry skin feeling tight. Browse our ceramides collection to find a formula that suits you.

Occlusives and emollients (seal it in). Squalane, shea butter, plant oils and, at the heavier end, petrolatum sit on the surface to slow water loss and smooth rough texture. A well-formulated moisturiser usually combines all three jobs — you'll find a curated range in our moisturisers collection, and everything is grouped together in the dry skin collection. For a more targeted step, our guide to the best serums for dry skin in the UK is a good place to start.

Gentle supporting actives suit dry skin too: niacinamide helps support the barrier, panthenol and allantoin soothe, and a low-strength lactic acid can smooth flakes without stripping. Introduce actives one at a time.

What's a simple AM/PM routine for dry skin?

Morning: Cleanse with a creamy, non-foaming cleanser (or just rinse with lukewarm water). Apply a humectant serum with hyaluronic acid to damp skin, follow with a ceramide moisturiser, and finish with a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher every day — sun exposure adds to dryness and dullness over time.

Evening: Cleanse to remove SPF and the day's grime, ideally with a balm or milk. Apply your treatment step (a hydrating or barrier serum), then seal with a richer moisturiser. On very dry nights, a thin layer of an occlusive over the top helps hold moisture in while you sleep. Keep any exfoliating acids or retinoids to two or three evenings a week at first, always buffered with moisturiser.

Consistency matters more than the number of steps. A short routine you actually follow will support dry skin better than a ten-step one you abandon.

What should you avoid with dry skin?

A few common habits quietly make dry skin worse:

• Harsh foaming cleansers and sulphates that leave skin squeaky-tight — they strip the very oils dry skin is short of.
• Hot water and long showers, which lift lipids from the skin. Lukewarm is kinder.
• Over-exfoliating. Daily scrubs or strong acids can thin an already fragile barrier and increase flaking.
• High-strength alcohol and strong fragrance, which can irritate and dehydrate.
• Skipping moisturiser on "good" days. Dry skin needs steady lipid support year-round, not just when it flakes.

If your skin is persistently cracked, sore or inflamed despite a gentle routine, it's worth checking in with a GP or dermatologist, as some conditions need tailored care.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between dry and dehydrated skin?

Dry skin is a skin type that produces less oil, so it lacks lipids long-term and tends to feel tight, rough or flaky. Dehydration is a temporary lack of water that can affect any skin type, including oily. Dry skin needs both oil and water replacing; dehydrated skin mainly needs water and a good occlusive to hold it in.

How often should I moisturise dry skin?

At least twice a day — morning and evening — and reapply whenever skin feels tight. Applying moisturiser to slightly damp skin helps trap more water. In cold weather or hard-water areas you may find a richer formula or an extra midday layer helps.

Is hyaluronic acid enough on its own for dry skin?

Not usually. Hyaluronic acid is a humectant that draws in water, but dry skin also lacks oil, so water can evaporate without something to seal it. Pair a hyaluronic acid serum with a ceramide or lipid-rich moisturiser to give dry skin both the water and the oil it needs.

Can I use retinol or exfoliating acids if I have dry skin?

Yes, but gently. Start with a low strength, use it two to three evenings a week, and always follow with a nourishing moisturiser. If you notice increased flaking or sensitivity, reduce the frequency and prioritise barrier-supporting ingredients like ceramides until skin settles.

Does dry skin need sunscreen?

Absolutely. Every skin type benefits from daily broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher. For dry skin, look for a sunscreen with added humectants or emollients so it hydrates while it protects, rather than leaving a tight, matte finish.