Short answer. A routine for dry skin is a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser, a cream or ointment applied while skin is still damp, and sunscreen in the morning. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) says creams and ointments add more moisture than lotions. It suggests showers of 5 to 10 minutes in warm water (AAD).
The morning face scan is the record. Look at the day 3 check-in, the day 7 report and the day 14 report, instead of one mirror glance.
Published 29 October 2026. Last updated 29 October 2026. Sources checked 24 October 2026. Written by the Oleah team from the sources listed below.
What is dry skin?
Dry skin is skin that lacks moisture in its outer layer. DermNet says this happens when the outer horny cell layer is short of moisture, which leads to cracks in the skin surface (DermNet). The AAD says dry skin can flake, itch and crack (AAD). If you are not sure dry is your type, read how do you tell your skin type.
What does a dry skin routine look like?
| Step | Morning | Night |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gentle, fragrance-free cleanser | Gentle, fragrance-free cleanser |
| 2 | Cream or ointment on damp skin | Cream or ointment on damp skin |
| 3 | Sunscreen, SPF 30 or higher |
These are the same core steps as a routine for oily skin. The product type changes, not the order.
What cleanser suits dry skin?
A gentle one, used lightly. The AAD says to use enough cleanser to remove dirt and oil, but not so much that you see a thick lather (AAD). It says to choose products labelled "fragrance-free", because "unscented" products can contain chemicals that hide other smells.
What moisturiser suits dry skin?
A cream or ointment, not a lotion. The AAD says ointments and creams add more moisture to skin than lotions (AAD). It lists ingredients to look for, including glycerin, hyaluronic acid, dimethicone, shea butter and petrolatum. DermNet says moisturisers generally work best on damp skin (DermNet).
What do dermatologists say?
"The truth is you may already have the product(s) you need at home." American Academy of Dermatology, Dermatologists' top tips for relieving dry skin, updated 2 January 2026
For your routine, this means you check your shelf for a cream and a gentle cleanser before you buy anything.
What should you stop using on dry skin?
The AAD lists three things to stop if your skin is dry: products with alcohol (except hand sanitiser), fragrance, including deodorant soaps, and retinoids (AAD). If a retinoid was prescribed, ask the doctor who prescribed it before you stop.
How do you build the routine from what you own?
- Find your gentlest cleanser. Put foaming or scented ones aside.
- Find a cream or ointment. Check the label for the ingredients the AAD lists.
- Apply it while your skin is damp. Pat skin dry with a towel first, as the AAD advises.
- Find your sunscreen. The AAD suggests broad spectrum, water resistant and SPF 30 or higher.
- Follow it in Oleah. The morning face scan is the record. Look at the day 3 check-in, the day 7 report and the day 14 report, instead of one mirror glance.
- Keep showers short and warm. The AAD suggests 5 to 10 minutes.
- Change one product at a time. Test anything new on a small patch first (AAD).
When should you see a dermatologist about dry skin?
The AAD says to see a board-certified dermatologist if your skin stays dry after trying these tips (AAD). If a product stings, burns or makes your skin red, wash it off and stop using it. If a doctor prescribed it, ask them first. If your skin stays sore, see a pharmacist or doctor. If it blisters or swells, see a doctor today. If your lips, tongue or throat swell, or you have trouble breathing, call emergency services now. Oleah is not a doctor and does not give medical advice.
How to check this on your own shelf
Oleah is an iPhone app for the skincare you already own. You add the products on your shelf or in your routine, and each morning you take a quick face scan that takes about 30 seconds. Oleah can flag products on your shelf that may not belong together. There is a check-in on day 3, a report on day 7 and a report on day 14. Oleah is not a doctor and does not give medical advice.
Download the free iPhone beta. Add the products on your shelf, then take a quick face scan in the morning.
Questions people ask
What is a good skincare routine for dry skin? A gentle, fragrance-free cleanser, a cream or ointment on damp skin, and sunscreen in the morning.
Is a cream or a lotion better for dry skin? The AAD says creams and ointments add more moisture than lotions.
What should I avoid if I have dry skin? The AAD lists products with alcohol, fragrance and retinoids. Ask your doctor first about anything prescribed.
How long should showers be for dry skin? The AAD suggests 5 to 10 minutes in warm water.
Sources
- American Academy of Dermatology, "Dermatologists' top tips for relieving dry skin", updated 2 January 2026. https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-basics/dry/dermatologists-tips-relieve-dry-skin. Accessed 24 October 2026.
- DermNet, "Dry skin". https://dermnetnz.org/topics/dry-skin. Accessed 24 October 2026.
- American Academy of Dermatology, "How to test skin care products". https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-secrets/prevent-skin-problems/test-skin-care-products. Accessed 24 October 2026.
Oleah tracks how your skin looks. It is not a medical device. See a doctor about skin conditions.
