Best Skincare Routine for Dry, Sensitive Skin

For dry, sensitive skin, we recommend a simple routine that protects your skin’s moisture barrier: wash with lukewarm water and a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser, using your fingertips instead of a washcloth or scrub.

In the morning, a water rinse may be enough if your skin feels clean; at night, cleanse to remove sunscreen and the day’s buildup, then pat your face dry without rubbing.

Apply a fragrance-free cream or ointment shortly after washing, while your skin is still slightly damp, to help hold in moisture; look for ingredients such as glycerin, ceramides, or petrolatum.

Creams and ointments are generally richer than lotions, so you may prefer them for very dry areas, especially in cold weather or whenever indoor heating leaves your skin feeling tight.

Each morning, finish your routine with a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher, and reapply at least every two hours when you’re outdoors, or after swimming or sweating.

If sunscreen tends to sting, you may find a fragrance-free mineral formula with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide more comfortable; a hat and shade provide additional protection without adding another skincare product.

After cleansing at night, apply your moisturizer generously, and consider a thin layer of plain petrolatum over particularly dry patches if your skin tolerates it and you want extra protection against moisture loss.

Skip harsh scrubs and introduce exfoliating acids, retinoids, or other potent treatments cautiously, since adding several products at once can make it difficult to tell what is causing irritation.

When trying something new, test it on a small area first and add only one product at a time; stop using it if you develop persistent burning, itching, or a rash.

For more routine-planning ideas, read our guide to a soothing routine for dry, sensitive skin or explore our Soothing Routines Pack, a digital bundle of skincare guides, eBooks, and checklists; our team also recommends seeing a dermatologist if irritation persists or your skin cracks or bleeds.