
Hydrating skincare routine for dry skin
Hydrating skincare routine for dry skin
Whatever your skin type, hydration is integral for healthy, happy, glowing skin. If you have particularly dry skin, or are noticing your skin is looking dull, rough or flaky, it could be a sign your skin is crying out for moisture. Keep reading to discover the ultimate skincare routine for dry skin, and learn everything you need to know about the causes of dry skin, how to find the right moisturiser and insider tips on how to hydrate dry skin.



Why is my skin so dry?
There are so many factors that can cause and exacerbate dry skin. Many of us naturally have dry, very dry or dry combination skin, but every skin type can experience symptoms of dry skin, as a result of various lifestyle and environmental factors. Here are some common reasons for dry skin.
Environmental factors
Whatever the season, harsh weather can dry out the skin. Extreme temperature changes and humidity can disrupt your moisture barrier and dehydrate your skin, leading to dry, tight, uncomfortable skin. This is why it’s so important to regularly check in with your skin, introducing targeted skin care products for dry skin, whenever necessary throughout the year.
Lifestyle
Did you know your daily habits could be drying out your skin? There are a few everyday factors that can contribute to dryness, including not drinking enough water, taking very hot showers and using harsh soaps and stripping skincare. These are all easily addressed – aim for two litres of water a day, lower your shower temperature a touch, and switch to gentler skincare. If you’re looking for the best skincare for dry skin, consider our range of dermatologist-developed, allergy-tested formulas, which are expertly formulated to deliver incredible results, without drying out or stripping the skin.
Underlying skin conditions
Dry skin can also be a symptom of underlying skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis. While you can alleviate some dryness with nourishing moisturisers, if it’s combined with other symptoms, we recommend speaking to your GP.



Skincare for dry skin
The best skin care products for dry skin are formulated with a range of conditioning, nourishing ingredients that help restore the skin barrier to keep skin smooth, comfortable and hydrated. Look out for formulas containing hydrating, fortifying ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, panthenol, cica, ceramides, peptides and squalane. If you’re looking for skincare for dryness, here are some of our favourite dermatologist-guided solutions:
Moisture Surge™ Intense 72H Lipid-Replenishing Hydrator is a richer cream-gel version of the original Moisture Surge™ formula. It delivers an instant moisture boost with a blend of activated aloe water, cica, caffeine, hyaluronic acid and squalane.
Moisture Surge™ Overnight Mask is an intensely hydrating, creamy overnight mask formulated with murumuru butter, activated aloe water and panthenol. This oil-free mask deeply nourishes dry skin while you sleep, leaving skin soft, dewy and glowing.
Dramatically Different™ Moisturizing Lotion+ is a dermatologist-developed silky hydrating lotion, formulated with glycerin, urea and natural moisturising factors to hydrate and strengthen skin’s moisture barrier. .
Moisture Surge™ Hydrating Supercharged Concentrate is a lightweight water-gel hydrating serum with hyaluronic acid, encapsulated vitamins E & C and activated aloe vera water. It’s the perfect lightweight serum for dry skin to layer underneath your moisturiser, SPF or foundation.
Skin care routine for dry skin
Morning dry skin routine
If you are wondering how to hydrate skin, follow this step-by-step morning skincare routine for dryness:
Step 1: Cleanse with a gentle, hydrating cleanser.
Step 2: Apply a hydrating serum. Next, apply a few drops of Moisture Surge™ serum to your face and neck. Top tip: apply on damp skin for better absorption.
Step 3: Finish with a lightweight moisturiser with SPF. If you prefer a simple skincare routine for dry skin, choose a nourishing moisturiser-SPF hybrid. Our pick? Moisture Surge™ SPF 25 Sheer Hydrator is a cloud-like face cream built with aloe vera, hyaluronic acid pro-vitamin D and SPF 25.
Evening dry skin routine
For your evening dry skin routine, we recommend layering lightweight, hydrating formulas to deliver lasting hydration for glowing results:
Step 1: Remove makeup and SPF with a nourishing, oil-based makeup remover like Take The Day Off™ Cleansing Balm with safflower seed oil. Remove with a warm face cloth – never too hot, as this can exacerbate dryness.
Step 2: Follow with a double cleanse, using Liquid Facial Soap mild formula, one of our favourite skincare products for dry skin.
Step 3: Apply a rich, hydrating cream, such as Moisture Surge™ Intense.
Step 4: Once or twice a week, finish with a layer of a nourishing overnight mask, such as Moisture Surge™ Overnight Mask with murumuru butter and panthenol.
How long does it take to see results from a skincare routine for dry skin?
When following a targeted routine for dryness and dehydration, you can expect to see short-term improvements in skin texture – particularly after shifting to a richer moisturiser. With time and consistency, you may see a long-term improvement in your skin’s hydration, radiance and overall skin health.



Commonly asked questions: FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my skin so dry even after moisturising?
If your skin is still very dry and dehydrated, even after moisturising, it could simply mean that you are using the wrong moisturiser for your skin type. If you have very dry skin, for example, you may be better suited to a rich cream, rather than a lighter gel-cream, which would be more suited to combination skin. Another culprit could be that you’re not applying or layering the product correctly – we always suggest applying moisturiser at the end of your routine, before SPF during the day. The rule of thumb is to layer products from lightest to heaviest. It’s also possible that an underlying skin condition is causing dryness, which may need to be treated before seeing an improvement.
What ingredients should I look for in skincare for dry skin?
The best skincare for dry skin contains a blend of hydrating, conditioning ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, squalane and ceramides which can help to strengthen and hydrate the skin. Avoid any irritants like alcohol denat, fragrances and essential oils and harsh exfoliants. We specialise in fragrance-free, allergy-tested formulas, so you can rest assured your Clinique skincare is free from drying, harmful irritants.
How to hydrate skin without making it oily?
If you have combination or oily skin, yet still experience occasional dryness, our experts recommend oil-free, water-based gel moisturisers, serums and lotions which deliver weightless, effective hydration without feeling oily or clogging pores. Layering lightweight hydrating textures – known as skin flooding – is a great way to lock in hydration, without weighing down the skin.
Why is sunscreen important for dry skin?
As any dermatologist will attest, daily sun protection is important for every skin type. UVA and UVB rays can damage the skin and accelerate skin ageing, causing dryness and dehydration, fine lines and wrinkles, loss of elasticity and uneven skin tone. Applying daily SPF 50 will help to protect against skin damage, discolouration and premature ageing. Try out Superdefense City Block SPF 50, which combines sun protection with lightweight, hydrating ingredients.
For more help finding the best skincare for dry skin, book in for a complimentary Clinical Consultation, led by one of our dermatologist-educated experts.