The Best Skincare Routine for Dry Skin: Morning and Night
Quick answer: Cleanse gently with lukewarm water, apply a hydrating serum to damp skin, seal it in with a moisturiser and wear sunscreen every morning. At night, add a richer treatment. Start with Thin Lizzy Hyaluronic Acid Serum for an instant hydration boost.
Tight, flaky or rough skin? Dry skin is common in Australia, from air-conditioned offices to cold, windy winters. The right routine doesn't need lots of products. It needs the right steps, in the right order, done consistently. Here's a simple morning and night routine for dry skin, plus the habits that make the biggest difference.
What Causes Dry Skin?
- Weather and air-conditioning: low humidity pulls moisture from your skin.
- Hot showers: hot water strips away your skin's natural oils.
- Harsh cleansers: strong foaming or high-alcohol products can leave skin tight.
- Age: skin naturally produces less oil over time.
- Not enough water: dehydration shows up on your skin.
If your dry skin is very itchy, cracked, red or isn't improving, see your GP or a dermatologist, as conditions such as eczema may need treatment.
Your Morning Routine for Dry Skin
- Cleanse gently: use a gentle cleanser and lukewarm water, or simply rinse if your skin feels very dry.
- Hydrate: press a hydrating serum into slightly damp skin.
- Moisturise: seal it in with a moisturiser.
- Protect: finish with a broad-spectrum sunscreen every day.
Your Night Routine for Dry Skin
- Cleanse: remove makeup and sunscreen gently. Don't scrub.
- Hydrate: apply your hydrating serum to damp skin.
- Treat and nourish: use a richer treatment so skin can recover overnight.
- Don't forget your lips: they dry out too. See our tips for chapped lips.
Once or Twice a Week: Exfoliate Gently
Gentle exfoliation helps your serum and moisturiser absorb and stops makeup clinging to flakes. Choose a mild chemical exfoliant, such as one with lactic acid, and use it no more than once or twice a week. Overdoing it makes dryness worse.
Our Picks for a Dry Skin Routine
1. Probiotic Amino Purifying Cleanser: Gentle Cleanse
Best for: cleansing without that tight, stripped feeling.
A gentle foaming cleanser with amino acids, probiotics, black rose and cucumber extracts. It lifts away dirt, pollution and makeup without traditional harsh alcohols, helping prevent tightness and dehydration.
- Formulated without harsh alcohols
- Gentle foam
2. Hyaluronic Acid Serum: Daily Hydration
Best for: giving dry skin a drink, morning and night.
A hydrating serum with 1.5% hyaluronic acid (as sodium hyaluronate). It plumps skin with moisture so it looks smoother and fresher. Apply it to slightly damp skin for the best feel.
- 1.5% hyaluronic acid
- Use morning and night
3. Real Complexion Cream: Day Moisturiser
Best for: sealing in hydration with a healthy glow, alone or under makeup.
An 8in1 cream with hyaluronic acid that hydrates and helps skin look smoother, brighter and more even. Wear it on its own, under foundation or as a night cream.
- Hyaluronic acid
- Wear alone or under makeup
4. Caviar 3R: Night Treatment
Best for: rich nourishment for dry, stressed skin overnight.
A light gelée infused with rose water and active ingredients that melts into the skin, soothes stressed skin and leaves it looking plumper and renewed by morning.
- Light gelée texture
- A little goes a long way
Habits That Help Dry Skin
- Keep showers short and lukewarm.
- Apply serum and moisturiser within a few minutes of washing, while skin is still damp.
- Use a humidifier if your home or office air is dry.
- Drink enough water through the day.
- Skip harsh, high-alcohol toners. Wondering if you need a toner at all? Read toners explained.
What Customers Say
"Lovely feeling on your face. My skin feels nice and soft. Would definitely recommend it."
Julie S., verified customer
"Love the feeling the cream leaves on your skin, and a little amount only needed."
Kate A., verified customer
"Feels really nice on and dissolves into the skin with ease. A little goes a long way."
Shelley R., verified customer
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best skincare routine for dry skin?
Cleanse gently, apply a hydrating serum to damp skin, moisturise and wear sunscreen in the morning. At night, cleanse, hydrate and add a richer treatment.
Should I use hyaluronic acid on dry skin?
Yes. Hyaluronic acid draws moisture into the skin. Apply it to slightly damp skin and follow with a moisturiser to seal it in.
How often should I exfoliate dry skin?
Once or twice a week at most, with a gentle exfoliant. Over-exfoliating makes dryness worse.
Is it okay to wash my face only once a day?
Yes. Many people with dry skin simply rinse with water in the morning and cleanse properly at night.
Can I buy Thin Lizzy skincare in stores?
Yes. Thin Lizzy is available at Priceline, TerryWhite Chemmart and Wizard Pharmacy stores across Australia. The range can vary by store, so the easiest way to get the full range, bundles and online deals is to shop online. See our FAQ page for stockist details.
Next step: find the best foundation for dry skin or our guide to the best anti-aging serum.
Looking for a deal? Many of our best sellers are available in bundle offers from time to time. See our current Bundle Offers →
Final Thoughts
Dry skin loves a gentle, consistent routine: cleanse softly, hydrate on damp skin, moisturise, protect by day and nourish at night.
