Routine guide
Dry Skin routine (AM/PM)
A commonly-advised routine structure
☀️ Morning (AM)
- Gentle cleanser
- Targeted active, if advised
- Moisturiser
- Broad-spectrum sunscreen — essential in the Indian sun
🌙 Night (PM)
- Cleanser
- Treatment active
- Moisturiser
⚠️ Go slow
- Introduce one active at a time
- Patch-test new products
- Do not layer clashing actives
Ingredients commonly recommended for dry skin
- Urea — Commonly advised as a healing/humectant ingredient to soothe and hydrate dry skin.
- Ceramides — Commonly advised as a barrier-repair ingredient for dry skin.
- Fatty acids — Commonly advised among healing ingredients to support the skin barrier.
- Glycerin (glycerol) — Commonly advised as a humectant to soothe and hydrate dry skin.
- Shea butter — Commonly advised as a moisturizing ingredient; contains stearic acid said to help repair skin.
- Cocoa butter — Commonly advised as a moisturizing ingredient (but avoided on the face for acne-prone skin).
- Hyaluronic acid — Commonly listed among ingredients that help soothe dry skin.
- Dimethicone — Commonly advised as a soothing, protective ingredient for dry skin.
- Lactic acid — Commonly listed among ingredients that help soothe dry skin.
- Lanolin — Commonly advised as a soothing emollient for dry skin.
- Mineral oil — Commonly advised as an occlusive to help prevent water evaporation from skin.
- Petrolatum / petroleum jelly — Commonly advised as an occlusive ingredient that prevents moisture evaporation, especially for very dry skin and cracks.
- Olive oil — Commonly suggested as an oil-containing ingredient in creams/ointments (noted as not ideal for acne-prone skin and possible barrier effects)
- Jojoba oil — Commonly advised as an oil to look for in creams or ointments for dry skin.
- Linoleic acid (e.g., argan oil) — Commonly noted as an ingredient that can help repair skin.
- Antioxidants / alpha hydroxy acid — Commonly suggested for mature skin to help prevent scaly, flaky skin.
Full Dry Skin guide with sources → · Check your own routine for conflicts →
Commonly advised to avoid
- Long, hot showers and baths
- Sodium lauryl sulfate (drying)
- Deodorant soaps and products containing alcohol, fragrance, retinoids, or AHA on dry/sensitive skin
- Loofahs and pumice stones
- For acne-prone skin: petroleum jelly, cocoa butter or coconut oil on the face
- Sitting close to fireplaces or direct heat sources
- Rough/wool clothing and non-hypoallergenic laundry detergents
- Sugar/physical scrubs on irritated, acne-prone, or sensitive skin
🇮🇳 For Indian skin & climate
India-specific note: In hot, sun-exposed climates dermatologists commonly stress daily broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30+), which is especially relevant for pigmentation-prone Indian skin where sun exposure can worsen dark spots. Indian winters and dry indoor heat can intensify dryness seasonally, so adjusting to richer creams/ointments and humidifiers may be advised. For acne- or pigmentation-prone skin common in India, fragrance-free, non-comedogenic formulations are commonly preferred, and heavy occlusives like coconut oil or petroleum jelly are commonly advised to be kept off the face. Note: this guidance is drawn from general/Western dermatology sources and not India-specific studies.
Frequently asked
What is a good routine order for dry skin?
A common structure is cleanse → treat → moisturise → sunscreen in the morning, and cleanse → treat → moisturise at night. Introduce actives one at a time.
Is this a personalised plan?
No — it is a general structure from published guidance. A free CureSkin dermatologist assessment can tailor it to your skin, climate and history.
General educational information for Indian skin, compiled from published dermatology literature and structured ingredient data. Not medical advice or a diagnosis.