Common Mistakes People with Dry Skin Make (and How to Fix Them)

Dry skin can be uncomfortable, irritating, and even painful at times. Whether it’s a tight feeling after washing your face, flaking around your nose and cheeks, or dull, rough patches, dry skin needs consistent care and smart habits to stay healthy. 

However, many people unknowingly sabotage their skin by making simple mistakes in their skincare routine. The good news? These common pitfalls are easy to fix once you recognise them. 

Here we will discuss the most common mistakes people with dry skin make and tell you exactly how to correct them with the right skincare routine for dry skin. 

Washing your face or body too often, or with the wrong type of cleanser, strips away natural oils from your skin that help maintain hydration. Many foaming cleansers or products with high alcohol content are particularly drying, which can harm your skin in the long term. 

The Fix: 

Opt for gentle, hydrating cleansers labelled “for dry or sensitive skin” and look for ingredients like glycerine, ceramides, and hyaluronic acid, which cleanse without compromising your skin barrier. Limit face washing to twice daily (morning and night) and avoid hot water in your dry skin care routine. 

Many people with dry skin either don’t moisturise consistently or choose lightweight, gel-based moisturisers that don’t offer enough hydration.  

The Fix: 

Use a rich, emollient moisturiser right after cleansing while your skin is still damp to lock in moisture. Since creams and balms tend to be more effective than lotions for dry skin, you should look for products containing shea butter, ceramides, squalane, and occlusives like petrolatum or dimethicone. 

Many people with dry skin think exfoliating will make dryness worse, so they avoid it completely. But dead skin buildup can make skin look dull and flaky and can prevent moisturisers from penetrating effectively. 

The Fix: 

Gentle exfoliation, 1–2 times per week, is essential. Skip gritty physical scrubs and choose chemical exfoliants like lactic acid or mandelic acid, which are less irritating than stronger AHAs or BHAs. These dry skin remedies help remove dead cells while also drawing in moisture. 

Hot water feels great but is widely known for stripping the skin of its natural oils. So, long showers can end up worsening dryness, especially during colder months. 

The Fix: 

Take short, lukewarm showers (around 5–10 minutes). After bathing, gently pat skin dry with a towel; don’t rub, and apply moisturiser immediately to damp skin to seal in hydration. 

Relying solely on topical products to hydrate the skin without paying attention to internal hydration can lead to dry, lacklustre skin.  

The Fix: 

Drink plenty of water throughout the day. While hydration alone won’t cure dry skin, it plays an important supporting role in dealing with dry skin. Combine it with a balanced diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids (found in fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts) to support healthy skin from the inside out. 

Fragrances and alcohols are common in many skincare and body care products, but they can be incredibly irritating and drying for sensitive or dry skin.  

The Fix: 

Read ingredient labels carefully. Avoid products that list “fragrance,” “parfum,” or “alcohol denat” among the top ingredients. Choose fragrance-free and alcohol-free formulations whenever possible.  

Using the same products year-round, especially when transitioning into winter, can leave your skin unprotected against seasonal dryness and environmental stressors.  

The Fix: 

In colder months, switch to richer moisturisers, add hydrating face serums (like hyaluronic acid), and consider using a humidifier to combat indoor dryness. In summer, you may not need heavy creams but should still keep up hydration and sun protection. Apart from that, you should use the appropriate products for dry skin.  

Many people think sunscreen is only necessary in summer or for oily skin types. In reality, sun exposure is the cause of dry skin that can worsen dryness, damage the skin barrier, and speed up signs of ageing. 

The Fix: 

Apply a broad-spectrum Sunscreen with SPF 50 or higher daily, even on cloudy or cold days. Choose a sunscreen with hydrating ingredients and a moisturising base (look for those marketed for dry or sensitive skin). 

Layering products with retinoids, acids, or other strong actives can overwhelm dry skin, causing redness, irritation, and more dryness. 

The Fix: 

Keep your routine simple and intentional. Introduce new active ingredients slowly and space them out throughout the week. Always follow with a nourishing moisturiser, and if irritation occurs, pause actives until your skin barrier recovers.  

Many people focus all their skincare efforts on the face and neglect their arms, legs, and hands, which are just as prone to dryness. 

The Fix: 

Use a rich body cream or balm daily, especially after showers. Keep hand cream nearby, particularly in winter or if you wash your hands frequently. Look for products with urea, glycerine, and colloidal oatmeal to deeply nourish dry body skin.  

Using products out of sequence can reduce their effectiveness or create a barrier that blocks hydration.  

The Fix: 

Follow this basic layering rule: thinnest to thickest. Start with hydrating serums or essences, then layer moisturisers, creams, and finally occlusives if needed. Always apply products to slightly damp skin to boost absorption and hydration.  

Dry skin doesn’t have to be a constant battle. By identifying the common mistakes in your routine and following the dry skin care tips, you can dramatically improve the look and feel of your skin. Consistency is key, and sometimes, less is more when it comes to a skincare routine for dry skin. 

Remember: your skin is unique, and what works for someone else might not be perfect for you. When in doubt, consult a dermatologist to get a customised routine and natural treatments for dry skin that keep your skin healthy, hydrated, and glowing all year round. 

Q. What causes dry skin in the first place? 

Ans. Dry skin can be caused by a combination of factors, including genetics, weather (especially cold or dry climates), long hot showers, harsh soaps or cleansers, certain medications, and underlying skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis. 

Q. How often should I moisturise if I have dry skin? 

Ans. At a minimum, you should moisturise twice a day, once in the morning and once at night. It’s also important to apply moisturiser immediately after washing your face or bathing, while your skin is still damp. 

Q. Can exfoliating dry skin make it worse? 

Ans. Exfoliating too often or with harsh scrubs can irritate dry skin. However, gentle exfoliation 1–2 times a week with mild acids like lactic acid can help remove dead skin cells and allow your moisturiser to work better. 

Q. Are natural oils good for dry skin? 

Ans. Yes, oils like jojoba, argan, squalane, and rosehip can be very beneficial. They help seal in moisture and support the skin barrier. You can use them alone or layered under or over your moisturiser. 

Q. Does drinking water help dry skin? 

Ans. Drinking water helps support overall hydration, but it’s not a cure for dry skin. It’s most effective when combined with a good topical skincare routine that includes moisturising ingredients.