Moisturising Routine
Use a gentle cleanser only where needed, pat rather than rub, and apply a fragrance-free moisturiser while the skin is still slightly damp. Reapply to dry areas as needed. Choose a lighter texture for daytime or hair-bearing areas and a cream or ointment when stronger water-loss protection is useful.
What matters most.
- Moisturise promptly after washing rather than waiting for tightness.
- Use texture strategically: light where convenience matters, richer where dryness is greater.
- Introduce one new product at a time.
- Keep sunscreen and prescribed treatments in the routine according to their directions.
Step 1: make cleansing less disruptive
Cleansing should remove what needs removing without leaving the skin squeaky or tight. Keep showers short and warm, not hot. Use a gentle fragrance-free cleanser, and consider using it mainly on areas that need it rather than producing a full-body lather every time.
After washing, pat with a soft towel and leave a little water on the skin. Vigorous rubbing adds friction and removes the dampness you are about to trap with moisturiser.
- Five-to-ten-minute warm shower
- Gentle cleanser used selectively
- No scrubs on cracked or inflamed skin
- Pat dry; do not rub
Step 2: moisturise while skin is slightly damp
Apply moisturiser promptly after bathing, handwashing or facial cleansing. This timing helps reduce evaporation from the water already on the surface. Smooth the product in gently rather than repeatedly rubbing the area.
Use enough to leave the skin comfortable, then give it time to settle before dressing. Pumps can be convenient for frequent body use, while tubes reduce finger contact with the remaining product. If using a tub, clean hands or a spatula help reduce contamination.
Step 3: match texture to the job
A lotion spreads quickly and may suit mild dryness, daytime use or warmer conditions. A cream offers a richer middle ground. An ointment creates a stronger barrier against water loss and often suits small, very dry areas or overnight use, but it can feel greasy.
Your face and body do not have to use the same texture. Dry cheeks may like a cream while the T-zone needs less. Shins and hands may need something richer than the upper back. Comfort and consistency are legitimate parts of product selection.
- Mild or widespread dryness: lotion or lighter cream
- Persistent dry areas: richer cream
- Localised rough or cracked-prone areas: ointment may help seal
- Acne-prone face: consider non-comedogenic labelling
Step 4: adjust without rebuilding everything
Reapply when skin feels dry, after handwashing and after activities that strip or rinse the skin. In winter, you might switch only the body product to a richer cream. In summer, keep the same gentle cleanser but choose a lighter daytime texture.
If a product stings, produces a new rash or makes itch worse, stop it and return to the last routine you tolerated. Change one variable at a time so you can identify what helped. Persistent inflammation or cracking calls for professional assessment, not an endlessly expanding routine.
Common questions,
clearly answered.
Should moisturiser go on wet or dry skin?+
Slightly damp skin is usually practical. Pat off excess water, then apply promptly so the moisturiser can help reduce evaporation without being diluted by dripping water.
Do I need different face and body moisturisers?+
Not always. Some fragrance-free creams are positioned for both. Separate products can be useful when your face is acne-prone, your body needs a richer texture or you prefer different finishes.
Where does sunscreen fit?+
For daytime exposed skin, use broad-spectrum sunscreen as directed after moisturiser has settled, unless your product instructions or clinician advise a different order.
How this guide was prepared
Our editorial team used the following authoritative health and dermatology resources. This guide provides general information and does not diagnose or replace personalised medical care.
Published 19 January 2025. Last updated 12 December 2025. We revisit guides when source guidance or relevant product information changes.