Moisturising Routine
Use short warm washes, a gentle fragrance-free cleanser only where needed, then apply a cream or ointment while skin remains slightly damp. Reapply to areas that become tight during the day.
Start here.
- Apply moisturiser after washing while skin is still slightly damp.
- Adapt the routine to the relevant areas: Hands, lower legs, elbows, feet and exposed facial areas are common, although dryness can affect almost any body site.
- Keep this safety boundary visible: Seek medical advice for pain, bleeding, widespread itch, signs of infection, sudden unexplained dryness or symptoms that persist despite a gentle routine.
Morning: protect without over-layering
Begin with the fewest steps the skin needs. Use short warm washes, a gentle fragrance-free cleanser only where needed, then apply a cream or ointment while skin remains slightly damp. Reapply to areas that become tight during the day.
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.
Low humidity, indoor heating, long hot showers, frequent washing, harsh cleansers and age-related barrier changes can all increase water loss.
Evening: concentrate on the driest areas
Evening is a practical time for a richer texture where daytime residue would be inconvenient. Glycerin and hyaluronic acid attract water; ceramides and emollients support the surface; petrolatum or mineral oil can reduce evaporation. Texture and tolerance matter more than a fashionable hero ingredient.
Do not use an overnight occlusive shortcut on an unexplained, infected-looking or blistered area. Pause exfoliating acids and retinoids when skin is raw or stinging. Fragrance, vigorous scrubbing and repeatedly switching products can add irritation.
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 medical advice for pain, bleeding, widespread itch, signs of infection, sudden unexplained dryness or symptoms that persist despite a gentle routine.
Common questions,
carefully answered.
How often should I moisturise very 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 4 January 2025. Last updated 14 May 2025. Product recommendations describe moisturising roles, not treatment outcomes.