For dry skin, Dr. Badreshia-Bansal recommends washing the face twice a day with a gentle cleanser or creamy wash with mild detergent. She suggests applying a moisturizer with sunscreen once a day right after cleansing while the skin is still damp, as this can help seal in moisture.

“If the skin begins to feel tight, reapplying moisturizer midday will help to improve skin hydration,” said Dr. Badreshia-Bansal. “A sunscreen-containing moisturizer in a smoothing cream formulation that contains antioxidants, plus dimethicone, grape seed oil or petrolatum, which prevent water loss from the skin, also is helpful.”

In some cases where the skin is very dry, Dr. Badreshia-Bansal noted that cleansing the face at night – when it is the dirtiest – may be the only time necessary to wash the face to prevent stripping the skin of its natural oils. If so, she advised rinsing the face with cool water in the morning to help maintain natural oils.

When exfoliating flaky skin, Dr. Badreshia-Bansal suggested that exfoliating once a week is sufficient. Since dry skin can be sensitive, gentle retinols should be applied sparingly to start – such as every other night – along with a moisturizing cream to help even skin tone, texture and color while continuing to hydrate the skin.