Mornings
Give your face a quick splash with warm water, just to freshen up and open your sleepy eyes.
Use a gentle moisturising cleanser, specialized for dry and sensitive skin types. Choose a natural one, or one that (as well as being moisturising) has no harsh chemicals in it. Cream or gel cleansers work best. Massage the cleanser into wet skin, and follow the instructions on the product, before rinsing off with warm water.
Don't use a toner because they can dry you out and water is actually a better alternative. The purpose of toner is to help create "moisture" that your moisturizer can then "seal in". You will see better results if you replace your toner with a serum. Use rose water as an alternative.
Use moisturiser. If you have any special creams for dry patches, now's the time to apply them, before picking a thin daily moisturiser for sensitive skin. Just apply a thin layer of this, massaging it in with circular motions. If you have dry skin, find a rich moisturizer. Ideally, a cream.
Use sun cream. Make sure your sunscreen is broad-spectrum (protects from UVA and UVB rays). This helps protect your skin, and if you choose a moisturising cream for dry and sensitive skin, it will also help keep your skin hydrated throughout the day. Pick a product with at least 20 SPF and preferably water resistance.
Opt for a tinted moisturiser instead, or a mineral foundation for dry skin if you like to wear foundation. Only apply a little, but if you need an extra cover-up, use concealer or highlighter.
During the Day
Go to the bathroom quickly at your morning break time and apply another thin layer of the moisturiser you used in the morning. Again, massage it in thoroughly, and pay special attention to dry patches. Make sure your moisturiser is oil-free, and if your skin still feels moisturised and hydrated before morning break, then skip this step.
Take the time to apply a good lip balm or butter (The Body Shop do great ones!) while you're in the bathroom. If you still like to wear lipstick and gloss as well, then apply a good layer of the balm before, and then use your lipstick/gloss/colour on top.
Buy a big bottle of water at this time. Drinking water re-hydrates the skin from the inside, and even if you already have a drink with you, some extra liquid won't do any harm. A large drink will last you throughout the day.
Grab another drink at midday (as you ought to drink at least 2 litres of water each day), and get a healthy lunch. Water-based fruit and veg are recommended to help dry skin, as well as fruit and veg rich in antioxidants and vitamin A, B, and C. A couple of ideas are to bring in a vegetable soup, and a fruit salad for dessert, or maybe a healthy salad, a couple of pieces of fruit and some yogurt?
Go to the bathroom again before you go back to work/school/jobs etc after lunch. You may want to top up on some moisturiser or sunscreen.
Eat healthily, drink loads, and keep on top of your dry skin by moisturising all the time during the rest of the day.
Before Bed
Start by getting your self a healthy supper that will help your dry skin. Try a glass of milk with some strawberries.
Splash your face with some lukewarm water, before using a gentle make-up remover. Make sure it's for sensitive or dry skin, as well as being effective.
Use the same gentle cleanser as the one used in the mornings, Again, massage it in before rinsing off. You can then use rose water again now if you want.
Use a thick creamy moisturiser, or a rich night cream. Using one of these will soak in during the night, and nourish it while you sleep, leaving your skin feeling more moisturised in the morning. Apply a good layer, paying special attention to dryer areas.
Take yourself off to bed and put a bottle of water in reach.
Once a Week
Use an exfoliator to clean pores and to remove dead skin cells weekly of you have oily or combination skin. But for people with dry skin, exfoliators can be harsh and drying for the skin. Instead, just gently massage your skin in circular motions with a washcloth to remove dead skin cells before using your daily gentle cleanser and moisturiser.
Feel free to use a face mask once a week regardless of your skin type. For dry skin, look up homemade face mask recipes or buy a hydrating, moisturising and preferably natural one (Lush have great face masks for all the different skin types!). Common ingredients for homemade face masks for dry skin can include honey, oils, bananas, yogurt, milk and sometimes butter and chocolate.
With this routine, your skin should be much better in no time. Plus, you'll be getting the benefit of eating healthily if you eat some of the foods mentioned to help dry skin!
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