Dry Skin Skincare Routine
Replenish, rehydrate, and renew dry skin with dermatologist-recommended skincare from Exclusive Beauty Club.
Products in Our Dry Skin Routine
Build a dry skin routine from our curated collection.
Zerafite Soothing and Calming Creamy Cleanser
$35.00Zerafite Soothing and Calming Creamy Cleanser formulated with MLE (Multi-Lamellar Emulsion) Techn...
Yon-Ka Paris Lait Nettoyant Cleansing Milk
$25.00A non-stripping, luxurious cleansing milk that is ideal for all skin types, especially dry or deh...
Avene Cleanance HYDRA Soothing Cleansing Cream
$28.00Restore balance and comfort to your dry, irritated skin with Avène Cleanance HYDRA Soothing Clean...
PCA Skin Creamy Cleanser
$42.00This gentle, hydrating creamy cleanser effectively removes dirt, debris and makeup without strip...
PCA Skin Daily Cleansing Oil
$48.00This luxurious oil-based formula nourishes while cleansing, effortlessly removing makeup and impu...
Revision Skincare Gentle Foaming Cleanser
$52.00This soap-free cleansing foam features a unique amino acid surfactant that gently and effectively...
Zerafite Soothing and Calming Creamy Cleanser
$35.00Zerafite Soothing and Calming Creamy Cleanser formulated with MLE (Multi-Lamellar Emulsion) Techn...
Murad Renewing Cleansing Cream
$36.00Murad Renewing Cleansing Cream Hydrate, Exfoliate & Renew – Restore Youthful, Radiant SkinInd...
Revision Skincare Vitamin C Lotion 30%
$149.00A high-potency antioxidant treatment designed to visibly brighten, smooth, and refine the skin. P...
goop beauty All-in-One Super Nutrient Face Oil
$105.00Nourish your skin and visibly smooth fine lines while delivering a hefty dose of hydration with t...
SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic Antioxidant Serum
$185.00Shield and brighten your skin with this clinically-proven antioxidant serum. Formulated with vita...
La Roche-Posay Vitamin C12 Serum
$44.99Brighten and smooth sensitive skin with dermatologist-tested vitamin C. La Roche-Posay Pure Vitam...
Hydrinity RetaXome Daily Retinal Hydrator
$145.00Next-level retinal renewal for radiant, resilient skin Meet your nightly powerhouse: Hydrinity R...
Marini Skin Solutions Marini REBOOT PDRN Face Serum
$160.00Reboot your complexion with this next-generation regenerative serum powered by concentrated PDRN....
SkinMedica Retinol Complex 0.5
$80.00SkinMedica Retinol Complex 0.5 is a moderate-strength retinol treatment designed to improve skin ...
Plated Skin Science INTENSE Serum
$258.00This revolutionary serum features a potent concentration of renewing growth factors paired with p...
Senté Dermal Repair Ultra-Nourish Creme
$182.00Replenish and restore dry, compromised skin with Senté Dermal Repair Ultra-Nourish—an intensive, ...
Zerafite Barrier Repair Moisturizer
$50.00Zerafite Barrier Repair Moisturizer Strengthen and restore your skin barrier. Zerafite Barrier Re...
SkinMedica HA5 Hydra Collagen Hydrator with Vegan Collagen
$192.00Next-level hydration with hyaluronic acid and vegan collagen for visibly smooth, plumper skin Ref...
SkinCeuticals Emollience
$85.00Intense hydration for dry, sensitive, or post-procedure skin. SkinCeuticals Emollience is a luxur...
Obagi Hydrate Luxe
$85.00Obagi Hydrate Luxe – Ultra-Rich Moisturizer for Intensive Overnight Hydration Obagi Hydrate Luxe ...
SkinCeuticals Hydrating B5 Gel
$95.00Quench parched, dehydrated skin in seconds without heaviness or grease. SkinCeuticals Hydrating B...
SkinMedica HA5 Hydra Collagen Water Burst Moisturizer with Vegan Collagen
$78.00Infused with five forms of hyaluronic acid, this ultra-hydrating moisturizer boosts barrier funct...
Vichy Mineral 89 Moisture Recovery Night Cream
$35.99Vichy Minéral 89 Moisture Recovery Night Cream is a deeply hydrating overnight treatment formulat...
EltaMD UV Restore Broad-Spectrum SPF 40 Untinted
$17.00EltaMD UV Restore Broad-Spectrum SPF 40 – Repair, Protect & Renew Skin Rejuvenate and protect...
EltaMD UV Daily Hydration+ Broad Spectrum SPF 50
$45.00EltaMD UV Daily Hydration+ SPF 50 Face Sunscreen Hydrate. Protect. Strengthen your skin barrier d...
PCA Skin Hydrator Plus Broad Spectrum SPF 30
$52.00Protect aging skin against UVA and UVB rays with our most hydrating sunscreen recommended for dry...
SkinCeuticals Future Mineral UV Defense Sunscreen SPF 50
$60.00A lightweight, 100% mineral sunscreen that delivers advanced broad-spectrum SPF 50 protection whi...
Step 1: Cleanse Twice Daily
Daily cleansing removes impurities, oil, dead skin cells, and pollutants from the surface of your skin. By removing buildup, you’re prepping your skin to better absorb moisturizer and targeted treatments. Cleansing also supports the skin’s natural protective barrier and promotes healthy pH balance.
Follow these steps to properly cleanse dry skin:
- Wash your hands to avoid transferring bacteria to your skin.
- Splash your face with lukewarm water and apply your chosen cleanser.
- Gently massage the cleanser into your skin for 30–60 seconds.
- Rinse your face thoroughly with cool or lukewarm water.
- Pat your skin with a clean, dedicated skincare towel to remove excess moisture.
We recommend twice daily cleansing for dry skin, ideally once in the morning and again at night. In the morning, opt for a hydrating cleanser like Zerafite Soothing and Calming Creamy Cleanser. To remove makeup or other impurities in the evening, consider adding a pre-cleanser to your routine like PCA Skin Daily Cleansing Oil.
Step 2: Apply Targeted Treatments
Targeted treatments like serums, facial oils, and eye creams are optional but can be particularly beneficial for dry skin. Lightweight treatments like serums and oils should be applied before moisturizing so they have the best chance of being absorbed. Heavier creams and masks should be applied at the end of your routine, ideally at night so they don’t interfere with sunscreen application.
Follow these steps to apply serum or other targeted treatments to dry skin:
- If your skin is dry, dampen it lightly with a little lukewarm water or alcohol-free toner.
- Dispense a pea-sized amount of serum onto your fingertips.
- Gently rub the serum into your palms for a few seconds to warm it.
- Press your palms lightly to your face and pat the serum into your skin.
We recommend treatments that hydrate, nourish, and protect the skin but you can tailor your choices to reflect your individual skin concerns. In the morning, consider a lightweight lotion enriched with antioxidants like Revision Skincare Vitamin C Lotion 30%. If you want to include retinol in your routine for the anti-aging benefits, it’s best to apply it at night. Choose something that also supports hydration, like Hydrinity RetaXome Daily Retinal Hydrator.
Step 3: Hydrate and Moisturize
Always follow cleansing with a hydrating serum or moisturizer. Dry skin lacks the natural oils needed to keep it soft and supple, so your skincare routine should focus on restoring hydration and supporting the skin barrier to prevent moisture loss.
Follow these steps to properly moisturize dry skin:
- With clean fingers, apply a nickel-sized amount of moisturizer to your face.
- Massage the product into your cheeks, chin, and forehead, taking care with the gentle skin around your eyes and nose.
- Apply some extra moisturizer to your neck, working it gently into the skin.
We recommend moisturizers that support barrier function for dry skin. In the morning, opt for an antioxidant-rich formula (to protect against environmental stressors) like Sente Dermal Repair Ultra-Nourish Creme. At night, a rich cream moisturizer can help restore hydration and promote overnight repair. We recommend something like Obagi Hydrate Luxe for dry skin.
Step 4: Finish with Sun Protection
Sunscreen is a crucial element in any skincare routine, no matter your skin type, but dry skin is particularly susceptible to sun damage. Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 and opt for a formula that contains hydrating ingredients like ceramides, glycerin, or hyaluronic acid.
Follow these steps to apply sunscreen to dry skin:
- Apply sunscreen at the very end of your skincare routine (it should be the last product).
- Dispense a nickel-sized amount of sunscreen onto your fingers, enough to cover the length of your index and middle fingers.
- Spread the sunscreen evenly over your face and neck, massaging it in gently.
- Wait 15 to 30 minutes before going outside to give the sunscreen time to settle in.
Always include sunscreen in your daytime skincare routine. If you’re hesitant to add another product, consider a moisturizer with SPF. For dry skin, we recommend physical sunscreen formulated with hydrating and nourishing ingredients like EltaMD UV Restore Broad-Spectrum SPF 40 Untinted.
FAQs
What Is the Best Skincare Routine for Dry Skin?
A skincare routine for dry skin focuses on restoring hydration and building the skin’s protective barrier to reduce moisture loss. Opt for gentle cleansers that remove makeup, dirt, and surface oil without drying out the skin and prioritize sun protection to avoid further damage. At night, you can add a nourishing serum or hydrating night cream to lock in moisture and repair the skin barrier.
How Often Should You Moisturize If You Have Dry Skin?
If you have dry skin, you should moisturize at least twice daily, ideally once in the morning and again at night. Cleanse your skin first to remove impurities and apply moisturizer while your skin is still slightly damp to help seal in hydration. In colder climates or in low humidity, you may need to reapply moisturizer throughout the day.
Which Ingredients Should I Look for in Products for Dry Skin?
When shopping for skincare products for dry skin, look for ingredients that deliver immediate hydration as well as those that help repair the skin barrier. Humectants like glycerin and hyaluronic acid draw moisture into the skin while emollients like shea butter, squalane, and natural oils seal it in for lasting hydration. Barrier-repair ingredients include things like niacinamide, ceramides, and fatty acids.
What Should You Avoid If You Have Dry Skin?
Avoid skincare ingredients and products that strip away your skin’s natural oils or disrupt the skin barrier. Examples include foaming cleansers formulated with sulfates, harsh exfoliating acids, alcohol-based toners, and heavily fragranced products. Always patch test new products on a small area of skin to check for a reaction before applying it more broadly.
Is Exfoliating Good for Dry Skin?
Yes, exfoliation is good for dry skin when done gently and in moderation. Overexfoliating can strip your skin of its natural oils and damage the skin barrier, making dryness worse. Opt for gentle exfoliants like a mild lactic acid or enzyme-based product and apply 1–2 times per week, depending on your skin’s tolerance.
What Is the Right Order to Apply Skincare Products for Dry Skin?
For the best results, start with a gentle but thorough cleanse followed by a hydrating serum or moisturizer. During the day, finish with a broad-spectrum sunscreen SPF 30 or higher. At night, you can add a targeted treatment or a rich overnight mask to help restore hydration lost during the day.
Explore Other Skincare Routines
Oily Skin Routine
A skincare routine for oily skin focuses on unclogging pores and balancing oil production without overdrying the skin. We recommend gentle cleansers, oil-free moisturizers, and mattifying sunscreen. Explore our step-by-step oily skin routine to learn more.
Sensitive Skin Routine
A skincare routine for sensitive skin focuses on soothing irritation and supporting barrier function. We recommend gentle, fragrance-free formulas designed to restore, hydrate, and protect. Explore our step-by-step sensitive skin routine for product recommendations.
Combination Skin Routine
A skincare routine for sensitive skin focuses on soothing irritation and supporting barrier function. We recommend gentle, fragrance-free formulas designed to restore, hydrate, and protect. Explore our step-by-step sensitive skin routine for product recommendations.
- Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh.