Products for Dry Skin

Dry skin is usually down to a shortage of natural oils, which means moisture escapes from your skin more easily. Genetics play a part, and so do cold weather, central heating, hot showers and harsh cleansers. Skin also makes less oil as we get older, so dryness often becomes more noticeable over time.

Look for something creamy or oil-based that leaves your skin feeling comfortable once you've rinsed. If your skin feels squeaky or tight afterwards, the cleanser is probably too strong. Wash with lukewarm water rather than hot, and pat your skin dry. Our cleansers collection is a good place to compare textures.

Dry skin has a weaker barrier, so it loses moisture quickly and is more easily irritated, which can make it feel itchy. A rich moisturiser applied while your skin is still slightly damp helps, and so does avoiding very hot water. If your skin is also easily upset, our products for sensitive skin may suit you. If the itching keeps you awake or comes with a rash, speak to your GP.

The skin around your eyes is thinner and more delicate, so it often feels dry first. Use a gentle touch when cleansing, and choose a cream made for the area. You'll find some to choose from in our eye creams collection. If your eyelids are red, swollen or sore, see your GP or optician rather than adding more products.

Yes. UVA rays are around all year, even on cloudy days, and sun exposure can make dry skin feel tighter and more uncomfortable. Choose a sunscreen with a creamy, comfortable texture and apply it as the last step in your morning routine. We've gathered a selection of sunscreens for dry skin in one place.

Keep things gentle. Cleanse with lukewarm water, pat your skin dry and apply a rich cream or balm straight away to keep the moisture in. Avoid scrubbing at flaky areas, as this can make them more irritated. Patches usually settle with consistent care, but if they stay put, spread or feel sore, it's worth getting them checked.

It can. Foaming cleansers and strong actives such as retinol or exfoliating acids can strip skin that is already short of oil. If your skin feels tighter than usual, pare your routine back to a gentle cleanser and a rich moisturiser for a couple of weeks. Then reintroduce products one at a time, so you can see which one is causing the trouble.

See your GP if your skin is cracked or painful, or if it hasn't improved after a couple of weeks of gentle care. Weeping or blistered skin needs checking too. A moisturiser can ease dryness, but it isn't a treatment for a skin condition, so it's best to get anything persistent looked at.