How to know your skin is dry
- It feels tight after you wash.
- It looks dull or rough.
- You see small flakes, often on the cheeks or around the nose.
- Fine lines look deeper.
Not sure? Do the simple test in what is my skin type.
Morning routine
- Rinse or wash gently. Use warm water. Many people with dry skin only need water in the morning.
- Moisturize on damp skin. Pat your face with a towel so it is still a little wet. Then put on a thick cream.
- Put on sunscreen. SPF 30 or higher. A sunscreen with moisturizer in it is a good choice.
Night routine
- Wash with a creamy cleanser. One with no foam.
- Moisturize on damp skin. Use more cream than in the morning.
- Add a thicker layer on very dry spots. A very thick cream works well on flaky places.
Habits that help
| Do this | Why |
|---|---|
| Keep showers short and warm | Hot water takes the natural oil out of your skin. |
| Moisturize within a few minutes of washing | The cream holds the water in. |
| Pat dry, do not rub | Rubbing makes dry skin sore. |
| Use products with no scent | Scent can sting dry skin. |
| Use a lip balm | Lips dry out first. |
| Add moisture to the air | Heaters and air conditioners dry the air. |
How to pick a moisturizer
- Thick is better. A cream in a jar is usually thicker than a lotion in a pump bottle.
- No scent.
- Look for these words on the label: ceramides, glycerin, hyaluronic acid, shea butter.
You do not need a costly one. You need one that you use every day.
What to skip
- Hot water and long baths.
- Bar soap on your face.
- Scrubs with rough grains.
- Products with a lot of alcohol.
- Many strong products at once.
Be careful with strong products like acids and retinol. They can dry skin more. If you want to use one, start slowly, and ask a skin doctor first if your skin is very dry.
Dry skin in winter and in air conditioning
Cold air and dry indoor air make skin drier. In these months, use a thicker cream. Put it on your hands too, after you wash them.
When will it get better?
Your skin often feels softer in a few days. Flakes and rough spots often take two to four weeks. Read how long skincare takes to work.
Care steps for your skin, each week
Ukti is our app. Once a week you take a selfie, and Ukti reads your skin. Dryness is one of the seven things it scores.
It tells you what to do this week and what to skip. For example, it may tell you to skip strong acids when your skin is dry.
Be careful
This guide is general care advice. It is not medical advice. If your skin cracks, bleeds, itches a lot, or does not get better, please see a doctor.
