Moisturising Routine
Use a gentle fragrance-free cleanser, short warm washes and a creamy moisturiser within a few minutes of bathing. Add broad-spectrum sunscreen to exposed skin.
Start here.
- Apply moisturiser after washing while skin is still slightly damp.
- Adapt the routine to the relevant areas: Lower legs, forearms, hands, face and lips frequently need more support. Thin or fragile areas should be handled with minimal friction.
- Keep this safety boundary visible: Seek assessment for sudden severe itch, non-healing areas, infection signs, rapidly changing lesions, unexplained bruising or dryness linked to a new medicine.
Morning: protect without over-layering
Begin with the fewest steps the skin needs. Use a gentle fragrance-free cleanser, short warm washes and a creamy moisturiser within a few minutes of bathing. Add broad-spectrum sunscreen to exposed skin.
On exposed skin, finish with appropriate broad-spectrum sun protection. Introduce only one new product at a time when reactivity is a concern.
- Use warm rather than hot water.
- Pat instead of rubbing.
- Choose a finish you will reapply consistently.
After washing: use the moisture window
Moisturiser works best as part of washing rather than as a rescue step hours later. Leave the surface slightly damp, then smooth—not scrub—the product over it.
Hot water, strong soaps, low indoor humidity, multiple anti-ageing actives and reduced oil production can worsen dryness.
Evening: concentrate on the driest areas
Evening is a practical time for a richer texture where daytime residue would be inconvenient. Glycerin, hyaluronic acid, ceramides, dimethicone and petrolatum can all contribute. The most effective formula is one that feels comfortable enough for regular use.
Do not use an overnight occlusive shortcut on an unexplained, infected-looking or blistered area. Introduce retinoids and exfoliating acids cautiously; stacking anti-ageing products can irritate already dry skin. Bath oils can increase slip risk.
How to adjust the routine
Change one variable at a time: cleanser, product texture, frequency or environmental exposure. This makes improvement and irritation easier to interpret.
Seek assessment for sudden severe itch, non-healing areas, infection signs, rapidly changing lesions, unexplained bruising or dryness linked to a new medicine.
Common questions,
carefully answered.
How often should I moisturise ageing dry skin?+
Apply after washing and whenever the area feels dry, while following any condition-specific instructions from your clinician.
Should morning and night moisturisers be different?+
They can be. A lighter daytime finish and richer overnight layer may improve consistency, but separate products are not essential.
Should moisturiser go before prescribed treatment?+
The order can depend on the medicine. Follow its instructions or ask your prescriber or pharmacist rather than guessing.
How this guide was prepared
This educational guide uses authoritative dermatology and health information. It does not diagnose a condition or replace personalised medical advice.
Published 29 January 2025. Last updated 29 August 2025. Product recommendations describe moisturising roles, not treatment outcomes.