What causes dry skin?

Many factors can lead to dry skin, including environmental factors, lifestyle choices, and even genetics. Cold weather, low humidity, and hot showers can also strip your skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness. Understanding these causes can help you build the best skin care routine for dry skin.

Everyday habits like over-cleansing, using harsh soaps, and spending time in heated or air-conditioned environments can also weaken the skin barrier and reduce moisture levels. As we age, the skin naturally produces less oil, making it easier for the skin to become dry and sensitive. Using gentle, hydrating products and protecting the skin barrier can help keep skin soft, smooth, and healthy-looking.

Building your dry skin care routine

So, what is a proper skin care routine for dry skin? While it’s tempting to pile on lots of moisturizing products to combat dryness, the best dry skin routines contain a few products that really earn their keep.

Step one: cleanse

Cleansing is the foundation of any dry skin care routine. Whether you shower in the morning, evening, or both, opt for a gentle cleanser that hydrates while removing impurities. Use lukewarm water and gently massage your cleanser into the skin using your hands or a soft washcloth (without scrubbing too harshly). Rinse thoroughly and pat skin dry rather than rubbing, as this helps minimise irritation and moisture loss.

Made with a 50% glycerin serum and clinically proven to provide 24-hour moisturization, Dove Serum+ Oil Body Wash is perfect for this step. If you’re on the go, sub it in with our Hydrating Beauty Bar instead.

Step two: exfoliate

Exfoliation is crucial for removing dead skin cells and allowing your moisturizer to penetrate deeper. Dove Body Scrubs have a  2-in-1 formula that exfoliates and moisturizes, leaving your skin smooth and radiant.

Use a gentle, moisturizing exfoliant like our Tropical Coconut & Lime Body Scrub to exfoliate gently 1–2 times a week to help remove dead skin cells and leave skin feeling smoother and softer. Use light circular motions and avoid over-scrubbing, as too much exfoliation can damage the skin barrier and lead to dryness or irritation.

Step three: moisturize

Moisturizing is the cornerstone of any dry skin care routine, and applying straight after showering while your skin is still slightly damp helps lock in hydration more effectively. For an extra moisture boost, look for products containing hydrating active ingredients such as our Hyaluronic + Hydration Cream Serum. This powerhouse product is made with hyaluronic acid, pro-ceramides, niacinamide and collagen peptides and delivers 72 hours of hydration to thirsty skin. Using it in the evening will allow it to penetrate deeper, syncing up with your body’s natural repair cycle.