Dry skin produces less oil than it needs. That is a structural trait rather than a temporary state, and it means the barrier that holds water in is weaker — so everything in the routine should aim at supporting it rather than stripping it further.

How to tell it apart from dehydration

Worth getting right, because the answers differ:

  • Dry skin — lacks oil. Flaky, rough, often tight all day. A constant trait
  • Dehydrated skin — lacks water. Dull, tight after cleansing, fine lines more visible. Temporary, and any skin type can have it, including oily

Dry skin needs richer products. Dehydrated skin needs hydration, which is a different thing. You can be both.

Cleansing

The step where most damage is done.

  • No foaming cleansers. Anything that squeaks is stripping you
  • Cleansing milks and cream cleansers suit dry skin best
  • Lukewarm water. Hot water removes lipids
  • Morning: water alone is defensible. Your face was on a pillow
  • Do not exfoliate more than once a week, and skip it entirely if skin is flaking

Moisturising

  • Apply to slightly damp skin — within a minute of cleansing. Moisturiser holds water in; on bone-dry skin there is less to hold
  • Richer at night, lighter in the morning under sunscreen
  • Layer if needed: a hydrating step, then a cream to seal it
  • Do not skip the neck

What makes it worse

  • Alcohol-heavy toners
  • Foaming or clay-based cleansers
  • Long hot showers
  • Central heating without any humidity
  • Over-exfoliating in an attempt to remove flakes — flakes are the symptom, and scrubbing worsens the cause

The environmental half

Dry skin responds to environment as much as products. Indoor heating in winter is the single biggest aggravator most people have, and a humidifier in the bedroom often does more than an expensive cream.

When it is not just dry skin

Persistent flaking, redness with itching, patches that crack or weep — these are dermatological, not cosmetic. Eczema and other conditions look like dryness and do not respond to moisturiser alone. Worth a doctor rather than a fourth cream.

For cleanser and cream options, see the skincare section and the face cream guide.