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Discover your morning and evening skincare routine for dry skin

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Published: November 2014

Last Reviewed: October 2024

Dehydrated and dry skin is a sign that the skin is not producing enough oil to stay moisturised and can also mean that the moisture barrier is compromised. It usually looks tight, flaky and dull. While dry skin is not a serious concern, it can be uncomfortable and may cause people to be self-conscious.

Eucerin provide a number of dermatological skincare solutions for dry skin, depending on the severity of the symptoms. Explore our recommendations for morning and evening skincare to help create your perfect dry skin routine.

Morning skincare routine for dry skin

As with any skincare regimen, our skincare routine for dry skin begins in the morning. Follow our skincare steps below to start your day with a fresh face:

Step 1: Morning cleanser for dry skin

Washing your face in the morning helps remove any sweat, excess oil, bacteria and skin buildup that may have accumulated on the skin’s surface overnight. For this, we recommend Eucerin DermatoClean Refreshing Cleansing Gel.

Formulated with hyaluronic acid, the Eucerin DermatoClean Refreshing Cleansing Gel helps attract and keep moisture within the skin and is the perfect first step to caring for your dry skin. Its mild, non-irritating ingredients ensure that the skin feels comfortable, without tightness or irritation after use. The gel also supports the skin's natural protective barrier, which is essential for keeping moisture locked in and preventing further dehydration.

'

Amazing product, would not use anything else now I have tried this. It leaves my skin so smooth and cleansed. The consistency of the product is great and so easy to apply.

'
Sula19861

Step 2: Morning hydrating gel for dry skin

To give your skin that extra morning hit of hydration, we recommend following up with Eucerin Hyaluron-Filler Moisture Booster while the skin is still damp. Formulated with two highly concentrated types of hyaluronic acid and glycerin, this ultra-light and refreshing gel delivers immediate hydration and increases skin moisture levels for up to 24 hours. 

Step 3: Morning moisturiser for dry skin

After layering our moisture booster, it’s time to lock in that hydration with a nourishing, non-comedogenic product. Eucerin UreaRepair Replenishing Face Cream 5% Urea is the perfect moisturiser for your morning skincare routine for dry skin. 

Enriched with urea and lactate, two naturally occurring compounds that bind in moisture, it instantly hydrates dry facial skin, reducing the feeling of tightness to give it a smooth and supple feel. 

'

My favourite facial moisturiser, really quenches dry skin without being greasy. I think it's much better than anything else I've tried. 

'
Jophi

Step 4: Sunscreen for dry skin

Sun protection is the last step to finish off your morning skincare routine for dry skin. Remember, you should use sunscreen even in autumn and winter to protect the skin from the sun's rays. Eucerin Sensitive Protect Face Sun Cream SPF50+ is suitable for sensitive skin, dry skin and atopic skin

If you experience skincare pilling when layering products, find out how you can prevent it

Evening skincare routine for dry skin

When it comes to evening skincare, you should pamper your skin and give it some extra care to help it regenerate throughout the night. Nevertheless, over-cleansing can irritate dry skin and damage the skin barrier so finding the right balance for your skin is essential.

Step 1: Evening cleanser for dry skin

Washing the skin in the evening is essential, not only to wash away the impurities of the day but to also prep your skin for your overnight products. Eucerin DermatoClean Refreshing Cleansing Gel is gentle enough to thoroughly cleanse the skin while caring for it. Using this cleanser at night supports the skin’s natural repair process while ensuring it stays hydrated and ready to absorb the rest of your skincare routine. 

Step 2: Evening toner for dry skin

Using a toner can help remove dirt, oil, makeup and other impurities that can be left behind after washing your face. Incorporating Eucerin DermatoClean Toner into your evening skincare routine for dry skin can be particularly beneficial for hydration. This toner is formulated without alcohol, making it gentle and less likely to strip away your skin's natural oils. Instead, it provides a boost of hydration that refreshes the skin without leaving it feeling tight or dry. The formula includes hyaluronic acid and other moisturising ingredients that attract and help lock in moisture.

'

Always use this toner, it’s great for sensitive skin and gets all dirt out of skin and doesn’t cost a bomb either.

'
Evee93

Step 3: Evening moisturiser for dry skin

To give moisturise your skin throughout the night, we recommend Eucerin Urea Repair Rich Replenishing Cream. This cream is specially formulated with urea and ceramides, which strengthen the skin's natural barrier. This combination provides intense hydration and helps reduce moisture loss overnight when skin can be more prone to dryness and the repair processes are most active. Its rich texture relieves immediate dryness but also creates a long-lasting protective layer making your skin feel softer and smoother by morning. 

Step 4: Slugging for dry skin (optional)

Slugging involves applying a thick, occlusive product, like Eucerin Aquaphor Soothing Skin Balm, to your face as the last step in your evening skincare routine. This balm creates a physical barrier that prevents water loss and seals in other products you've applied. Its key ingredients, glycerin and panthenol, work together to soothe and calm any irritation, making it ideal for sensitive, dry, or compromised skin. 

'

Love this product. Works brilliantly on any dry skin patches and and as a moisturiser generally. Really good under the eyes especially on crows feet.

'
Denise

What skincare range is right for my dry skin?

Choosing the right Eucerin skincare line for dry skin and skin products for dry skin depends on your specific skin needs, concerns and how your skin feels day-to-day. Here’s a quick guide to help you decide: 

For dry, rough skin and skin-barrier repair

UreaRepair: Exceeding Dermatologists' gold standard*, the UreaRepair PLUS formula combines natural moisturising factors and ceramides, clinically proven to replenish skin for immediate relief for very dry, rough, or flaky skin. It's a great choice if you experience persistent dryness and want relief from tightness and rough texture. It is also suitable for psoriasis.

For very dry, cracked or irritated skin

Aquaphor: If you have very dry, irritated or compromised skin, Aquaphor is great for slugging or protecting specific areas. A cult-favourite range in the skincare community, the rich occlusive balm seals in moisture and provides intensive repair. Perfect for very dry patches or as a final step in your night-time dry skin routine. 

For dry, itchy, atopic skin:

AtoControl: This line is specially formulated for atopic skin to help soothe and hydrate while preventing flare-ups. This range is formulated without fragrances, colourants or parabens, making it safe for sensitive, reactive skin. 

 

*Augustin, M., et al. Diagnosis and Treatment of Xerosis Cutis. 

FAQs about skincare routine for dry skin (6)

  • What causes dry skin?

    Dry skin is an uncomfortable skin condition. Symptoms include itching, scaling or sometimes cracking, and can affect any part of the body. This can be caused by environmental factors such as seasonal changes (symptoms tend to worsen in winter and summer), harsh weather conditions (hot, cold or dry air), ultraviolet sunlight and chlorine. 
     
    Skincare factors can also affect skin hydration, and following an incorrect routine can worsen dry skin symptoms. Using strong soaps, washing your skin too often or taking long, hot baths can all strip away natural skin lipids from the skin's barrier.

  • Should I exfoliate my face if I have dry skin?

    If you suffer from dry skin, you should only exfoliate once or twice per week. If you notice symptoms of dry skin exfoliating may be your first solution, but don’t over-exfoliate. 
     
    When trying a new exfoliating product, test it on a small area of your face before applying it all over. Ensure you moisturise after exfoliating. Learn how to exfoliate your skin

  • Should I double cleanse my dry skin?

    Double cleansing consists of cleansing the skin with an oil-based cleanser to dissolve makeup, SPF, sebum and other impurities from the skin, then following up with a water-based cleanser to remove any remaining residue. 

    Double cleansing is generally suitable for all skin types, however when selecting products to double cleanse dry skin, look for gentle formulas containing ingredients that support the skin barrier and that to not leave your skin feeling dry.

  • Do I need a toner for dry skin?

    While using an unsuitable toner can be harsh on the skin, the correct toner for your skin type can benefit your skin and support its health. 

    A good toner for dry skin will be packed full of hydrating ingredients. It will give the skin a dewy glow while hydrating, soothing, and balancing it.

  • What ingredients can help with dry skin?

    When finding products for your dry skin routine, it’s important to consider the best moisturising ingredients: 

    • Urea is one of several Natural Moisturising Factors. These NMFs bind in water and relieve symptoms while supporting exfoliation. Eucerin was one of the first brands to offer Urea-based solutions for dry skin. 
    • Hyaluronic acid attracts and holds moisture, which enables skin to feel plumper and more hydrated. 
    • Ceramides help lock in moisture by restoring the skin barrier.  
    • Glycerin helps prevent dryness by attracting moisture to the upper layer of the skin. 
  • What ingredients should I avoid if I have dry skin?

    If you have dry skin, the following ingredients in skincare products could dry your skin out even more: 

    • Alcohol 
    • Fragrances 
    • Retinoids 
    • Parabens 
    • Salicylic acid 

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