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Why your skin is so dry (and what you can do about it)
Written byJodi M Johnson
Reviewed byHeeral Tomlinson
Tired of tight, flaky skin? Dive into what causes dryness, our must-have products and clever hydration hacks to bring your body’s largest organ back to life
Our top picks
Plant-powered organic oil
Sukin
Sukin Rosehip Organic Oil 50ml
£21.50
Skin-loving ingredients
Cetaphil
Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser Face & Body Wash 236ml
£11.50
Mild for sensitive skin
Balmonds
Balmonds Intensive Hand Cream 50ml
£12.00
When we think about skincare, we usually zoom straight in on the face – serums, masks, moisturisers... the whole glow-up routine. But what about the rest of you? Your arms, legs, elbows and even your knees deserve just as much love. Keeping your skin hydrated and moisturised isn’t just about looking good, it’s about feeling comfortable and confident.
So, let’s get into what’s really behind that dry-skin drama, the best products to bring the bounce back and some clever, no-fuss hydration hacks to keep you silky-smooth and glowing from head to toe.
What causes dry skin?
Ever feel like your skin’s staging a rebellion: tight, flaky, maybe even a little itchy? Welcome to the world of dry skin, where your body’s outer shield is just trying to keep it together (literally). Your skin isn’t just there to look good – it’s made up of several layers that work hard to protect you from the outside world. Think of it like a built-in suit of armour. And to keep it smooth and hydrated, your skin produces a natural oil called sebum. Sebum is the MVP that locks in moisture and keeps your skin from turning into the Sahara.1
But when your skin doesn’t make enough of this oily magic? That’s when things get dry, rough and uncomfortable. So let’s look at what could be drying you out:1
- over-bathing: sorry, bubble and book lovers, long, hot baths might feel like heaven, but they can strip away your skin’s natural oils
- scrubbing too hard or using harsh soaps: this can be total sebum-saboteurs, breaking down your skin’s protective layer
- the weather: cold winds, blazing sun or even your cosy central heating can zap moisture right out of your skin
- age: as we get older, our skin slows down on the sebum production, making dryness more common (thanks a lot, biology)2
Understanding why your skin dries out is the first step toward fixing it. So, give your skin some love – skip the scalding showers, moisturise like it’s your job and stay hydrated.
From flaky to fabulous: we’ve got some hydration hacks
Silk bedding isn’t just about luxury, it’s seriously smart skincare. Unlike cotton, silk doesn’t soak up all your skin’s moisture or your nighttime serums, so you wake up less dry. It’s also a dream for your hair, especially if it’s treated or tends to break easily, less friction = fewer splits and smoother strands (goodbye frizz).3 And if you’re a nighttime sweater, silk’s got you. It wicks moisture away so you stay comfy, not clammy, without soaking it all up like a sponge.3 Basically, it’s beauty sleep’s best-kept secret.
Want to level up your moisturising game? Try applying it to damp skin. When your skin is still slightly wet (like right after a shower), it’s better at absorbing all that hydrating goodness. Locking in moisture this way might help prevent dryness and help keep your skin feeling comfortable. It’s one of those super simple tricks that makes a big difference – and your skin will thank you for it.
Ever step out of a super hot shower and feel like your skin’s suddenly tight or a bit uncomfortable? You’re not alone. A lot of people find that really hot water can leave their skin feeling a little off, like it’s been stripped of something. In fact, one study has found that spending too much time in hot water can actually harm your skin’s protective barrier.4,5 Instead, using cold or lukewarm water (especially when washing your hands) might help avoid drying out skin or flare-ups, which is even more important if you already have sensitive skin or a skin condition.4
Harsh cleansers can mess with your skin’s natural balance. The strong ingredients (called surfactants) in some face washes can break down the proteins and lipids that keep your skin healthy. That’s why your skin might feel tight, dry, itchy or irritated after washing.6 The pH of your cleanser matters too. Your skin naturally sits at a slightly acidic pH, around 5.5, so using something too alkaline, like a high pH cleanser, can throw things off. Even without harsh ingredients, a high pH product can swell your outer skin layer and mess with its structure. That’s why gentler, pH-balanced cleansers, like micellar water, are usually better for your skin’s health.5
My eyelids are dry – why?
Eyelid dryness is surprisingly common but can be both uncomfortable and frustrating. The skin on your eyelids is some of the thinnest and most delicate on your entire body, which means it's particularly vulnerable to dryness.7 Dry eyelids can happen for a number of reasons, from environmental factors like cold weather and dry indoor air to lifestyle habits such as over-washing your face or using harsh skincare products. Even something as simple as rubbing your eyes frequently or wearing eye makeup every day can strip away the skin’s natural oils and lead to irritation.
Sometimes it might be due to conditions like eczema, psoriasis or allergic reactions (these often show up around the eyes). In other cases, it might be a sensitivity to ingredients in your shampoo or face wash – even products labelled as 'gentle' can cause problems in this ultra-sensitive area. However, if your eyelid dryness doesn’t improve with a little extra moisture or some changes to your routine, it’s worth paying closer attention and speaking to your optician or GP.
Our favourite products for dry skin
When it comes to skincare, finding a cleanser that actually cleanses without leaving your face feeling shrivelled can feel like a never-ending quest. Enter Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser – a cult-favourite from the UK’s number one dermatologist-recommended cleansing brand for good reason. This creamy, soap-free superstar doesn’t just remove makeup, dirt and daily grime, it does it while giving your skin a hit of hydration that lasts. Whether you're 15 or 55, it’s gentle enough for all ages and skin types, especially those with dry or sensitive skin.
Packed with skin-loving ingredients like glycerin, niacinamide (vit B3) and panthenol (pro-vitamin B5), it’s basically a skin hydration station in a bottle. These ingredients team up to soothe, smooth and replenish moisture as you cleanse to leave your skin feeling soft, not stripped. What makes it extra special? It helps defend against signs of skin sensitivity: dryness, roughness, tightness and a weakened skin barrier.
If your skin is feeling dry, distressed or just plain moody, it might be time to treat it to a little plant-powered TLC. Sukin's Certified Rosehip Oil is a natural skin saviour packed with everything your complexion craves. This golden oil is bursting with essential fatty acids (over 70%, in fact) and skin-loving vitamins that work together to hydrate. Whether you're looking to reduce the appearance of uneven skin tone or gently fight off the early signs of ageing, this nourishing oil has your back (and your face).
It’s fast-absorbing, so no greasy residue, and it leaves your skin glowing. If redness or itchiness is part of your daily struggle, a few drops of this radiant oil can help calm things down and help restore balance. Oh, and did we mention it’s vegan? Just pure, feel-good skincare that your skin will drink up.
If your skin is crying out for hydration, Trilogy’s Ultra Hydrating Face Cream is basically a tall glass of water for your face. This rich yet easily absorbed cream is your skin’s new go-to for an instant moisture rescue – no heaviness, no greasy finish, just pure, dewy relief. Infused with a blend of Rosapene™, Manuka honey and lavender, it delivers intense nourishment while soothing and calming your skin. Think of it as a comfort blanket for a dry, thirsty complexion, it’s luxuriously rich but with a texture that melts right in.
Looking for sun protection that doesn’t feel like sun protection? Q+A’s Squalane Hydrating Daily Sunscreen SPF50 is a skin-loving multitasker that brings serious protection and glow in one silky-smooth step. This fast-absorbing, lightweight formula delivers broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection with a high PA++++ rating, all while feeling like your favourite moisturiser. No greasiness, no sticky finish and none of that chalky white cast.
What makes it extra special? It’s packed with plant-based squalane to intensely hydrate and support your skin’s natural glow, plus a clever sugar complex that helps strengthen your skin barrier. And with the soothing powers of green tea and sesame extract, your skin stays calm, nourished and oh-so-happy… Even under the sun. This hybrid mineral formula is proof that sunscreen can protect, hydrate and leave your skin looking fresh. Daily SPF never looked (or felt) so good.
If dry, tired skin has been crashing your glow goals, it’s time to bring in the overnight reinforcements. Sukin’s Nourishing Night Moisturiser is here to work the night shift – so you can wake up to skin that looks like it actually got eight hours. Made in Australia and crafted for dry or distressed skin, this rich yet gentle cream is packed with heavy-hitters like rosehip and kakadu plum, delivering both instant hydration and long-lasting moisture. But it doesn’t stop there. While you sleep, quandong, camellia and skin-loving essential fatty acids go to work, helping to refresh and revive your complexion.
If your skin is feeling rough, itchy or just plain cranky, Aveeno Skin Relief Moisturising Lotion is about to become your new favourite fix. This ultra-nourishing formula is clinically proven to deliver intense hydration that lasts up to 72 hours – yep, even days after you've applied it consistently over a few weeks.
At the heart of this skin-soothing superstar is Aveeno’s signature triple oat complex, a blend of oat extract, oat flour and oat oil that calms and comforts dry, sensitive skin. Add in a touch of luxurious shea butter and you've got a formula that doesn’t just moisturise, it helps strengthen your skin’s natural barrier and supports the production of ceramides (the good stuff your skin needs to stay smooth and resilient).
Looking for a good hand lotion? Ask and it’ll appear. Your hands are constantly in action, whether it’s washing dishes, typing away, braving the elements or getting through yet another round of hand sanitiser – they deserve more than just a quick dab of lotion. This nourishing little tube is packed with goodness. Organic shea butter and sea buckthorn oil come together to create a soft, emollient cream that not only hydrates but also acts as a protective shield against environmental stressors.
What makes it even better? It’s mild and unfragranced, making it ideal for delicate skin. The formula is rich in hemp seed oil and a soothing cocktail of Roman chamomile, calendula, nettle and chickweed – all chosen to calm, soothe and intensely moisturise to bring immediate relief. Oh, and it’s also vegan-friendly. Your hands (and the planet) will thank you.
The final say
From hydrating skin hacks that actually work to go-to products that feel like a tall drink of water for your skin, there are plenty of ways to bring back your glow. So the next time your skin starts sending out SOS signals, don’t panic. You’ve got the tools, the tips and maybe even a new favourite moisturiser to help turn things around.
And now that you’re sorted on dryness, check out the salicylic acid products we love: from serums to shampoos, or if you’ve recently jetted off and are looking for some other reviving and hydrating options, head over to the best products for post-holiday hair and skin.
Disclaimer – This article provides informational advice and is not a substitute for medical care. Working with experts for accuracy, we take great care to ensure the information is up-to-date and relevant. However, you should always consult your GP or healthcare professional before using supplements or alternative products, particularly if you have medical conditions or are under supervision.
1. Mild dry skin - NHS Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin [Internet]. www.shropshiretelfordandwrekin.nhs.uk. 2021. Available from: https://www.shropshiretelfordandwrekin.nhs.uk/self-care/mild-dry-skin/
2. Hou X, Wei Z, Zouboulis CC, Ju Q. Aging in the sebaceous gland. Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology [Internet]. 2022 Aug 17;10:909694. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9428133/#:~:text=Sebaceous%20glands%20(SGs)%20originate%20from
3. Fountain L. Benefits of a Silk Pillowcase [Internet]. Sleep Foundation. 2023. Available from: https://www.sleepfoundation.org/best-bedding/silk-pillowcase-benefits
4. Herrero-Fernandez M, Montero-Vilchez T, Diaz-Calvillo P, Romera-Vilchez M, Buendia-Eisman A, Arias-Santiago S. Impact of Water Exposure and Temperature Changes on Skin Barrier Function. Journal of Clinical Medicine [Internet]. 2022 Jan 7;11(2):298. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8778033/
5. Stefanovic N, Irvine AD. Filaggrin and Beyond: New Insights into the Skin Barrier in Atopic Dermatitis and Allergic Diseases, From Genetics to Therapeutic Perspectives. Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology [Internet]. 2023 Sep 25;132(2). Available from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1081120623012656
6. Ananthapadmanabhan KP, Moore DJ, Subramanyan K, Misra M, Meyer F. Cleansing without compromise: the impact of cleansers on the skin barrier and the technology of mild cleansing. Dermatologic Therapy [Internet]. 2004;17 Suppl 1(S1):16–25. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14728695/
7. Cochran ML, Lopez MJ, Czyz CN. Anatomy, Head and Neck, Eyelid [Internet]. PubMed. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2020. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482304/
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