Dry skin can feel tight after washing, look dull or flaky, and sometimes itch. In Nigeria it often flares during harmattan, but air conditioning, long hot showers and harsh cleansers can dry skin out at any time of year. The good news is that a dry skin routine can be short. What matters most is gentle cleansing, the right moisturizer and applying it at the right moment.
This guide builds a simple morning and night routine, explains what to look for on labels, and shares products from Reginah that suit dry skin.
Dry skin or dehydrated skin?
The two are often confused. Dry skin is a skin type: it produces less oil and may feel rough or flaky all the time. Dehydrated skin is a condition: it lacks water, and even oily skin can be dehydrated. A dry skin routine focuses on both water and the oils that seal it in. If you are not sure which you have, our guide to hyaluronic acid explains the difference in more detail.
What dermatologists recommend
The American Academy of Dermatology gives practical advice for dry skin:
- Keep baths and showers to five to ten minutes in warm, not hot, water.
- Pat skin dry rather than rubbing.
- Apply moisturizer while skin is still damp, and reapply through the day when skin feels dry.
- Choose an ointment or cream rather than a lotion, because creams and ointments add more moisture.
- Choose products labelled “fragrance-free” rather than “unscented”.
- Look for ingredients such as glycerin, hyaluronic acid, petrolatum and shea butter.
The AAD’s guide to picking a moisturizer also points to ceramides, which help the skin hold water, and suggests avoiding fragrance and alcohol in products for dry skin.
The morning routine
Step 1: Rinse or cleanse gently
If your skin feels fine in the morning, a splash of lukewarm water may be enough. Otherwise use a mild, creamy or milky cleanser. Avoid foaming formulas that leave your face squeaky, because that tight feeling means oils were stripped away.
La Roche Posay Toleriane Fluid Dermo-Nettoyant 200ml Buy now
A gentle wipe-off cleansing milk that removes makeup and impurities while soothing sensitive and reactive skin, according to its listing. A comfortable choice if foaming cleansers leave you tight.
Browse more in our cleansers collection and look for cream, milk or balm textures.
Step 2: Hydrate
Apply a hydrating serum or essence to slightly damp skin if you use one. Hyaluronic acid draws water into the surface of the skin, and a moisturizer on top helps seal it in.
Step 3: Moisturize
Choose a cream or rich gel-cream. Press it into the skin rather than rubbing, and do not forget your neck.
Advanced Clinicals Hyaluronic Extra Dry Skin Gel Cream 59ml Buy now
A refreshing gel-cream that provides intense hydration for extra dry facial skin without a heavy, greasy feel. A good middle ground if rich creams feel too heavy in humid weather.
Q+A Ceramide Barrier Defence Face Cream 50g Buy now
A face cream with ceramides described as repairing the skin barrier and providing deep hydration for dry and sensitive skin.
Explore the full range of moisturizers if you want to compare textures.
Step 4: Sunscreen
Sunscreen still matters on dry skin. Look for a moisturizing formula labelled broad-spectrum with SPF 30 or higher. Our guide to the best sunscreen for dark skin covers how to choose one that suits your tone and does not look chalky.
The night routine
- Remove makeup and sunscreen. A balm or milk cleanser is gentler than a harsh foaming wash. See our guide on removing makeup properly.
- Cleanse once, gently. Do not scrub.
- Apply any treatment. If you use a retinoid or exfoliating acid, introduce it slowly and use it only a couple of nights a week at first. Our retinol for beginners guide explains how. Skip strong exfoliants when skin is already flaking.
- Moisturize generously. A richer cream at night is helpful. Seal in with a thin layer of facial oil or balm on very dry patches if needed.
Do not forget your body
Dry skin is rarely limited to the face. Use a gentle body wash instead of harsh bar soaps, apply moisturizer within a few minutes of drying off, and keep showers short. For very dry skin, a rich cream is often more effective than a thin lotion.
Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream Ultimate With Prebiotic Aloe and Antioxidant 453g Buy now
A rich 453g moisturizing cream with prebiotic aloe and antioxidants, listed as providing 48-hour hydration and barrier repair for very dry skin.
Our guides to body butter vs lotion vs body oil and choosing a body wash help you pick the right textures.
Habits that help
- Use a humidifier in the bedroom if you sleep in air conditioning or during harmattan, and clean it regularly.
- Avoid very hot water. It feels comforting but strips oils.
- Be careful with exfoliation. The AAD advises against exfoliating dry, peeling skin because it can strip moisture further. Wait until the barrier has recovered.
- Drink water and eat well. Water alone will not fix dry skin, but good general health supports it.
- Protect lips and hands too. See our guides to dry lips and hand and foot care.
- Prepare for the dry season. Our harmattan skincare guide has a seasonal plan.
Ingredients to look for and avoid
Look for: ceramides, glycerin, hyaluronic acid, shea butter, squalane, petrolatum and colloidal oatmeal.
Be cautious with: heavy fragrance, high-percentage alcohol (such as alcohol denat. high on the ingredients list), and strong exfoliating acids or scrubs used daily. If you use active ingredients, add them one at a time so you can tell what your skin tolerates.
When to see a dermatologist
If your skin is very itchy, red, cracked or weeping, or it does not improve after a couple of weeks of good moisturizing, see a dermatologist. Persistent dryness can be linked to eczema or other conditions that need specific treatment.
Frequently asked questions
Which is better for dry skin: cream or lotion?
Creams are thicker and usually more moisturizing than lotions, so they tend to work better for dry skin. Lotions can be enough for mild seasonal dryness.
Should I use a toner?
Optional. If you do, choose a hydrating, alcohol-free toner, and use it on a cotton pad or with clean hands, not on skin that is already irritated.
Can I use face oil on dry skin?
Yes, as the last step. Oils help seal in moisture but do not add water, so layer them over a cream or serum.
How often should I exfoliate dry skin?
Rarely, and gently. Once a week or less, with a mild product, is plenty. Skip it when skin is flaky or irritated.
How long until my skin feels better?
Many people notice improvement in a few days with a gentler routine, but it can take a few weeks for a damaged barrier to settle fully.
Final thoughts
For dry skin, the winning formula is simple: cleanse gently, moisturize on damp skin, protect from the sun and avoid anything that stings or tightens. Keep the routine short and consistent.
Ready to shop? Explore Reginah’s moisturizers, body moisturizers and cleansers to build a routine that keeps moisture in.
