Top 6 skincare products to tackle dry skin [review 2024] 

Vanessa Gibbs

Tired of flaky, dull and downright uncomfortable dry skin? Us too. That’s why we’ve rounded up the six best professional skincare products for those with dry skin. Whether you’re looking for everyday essentials or special treatments, all of these products are designed to deliver a moisture-packed boost to the skin. 

How do we know what we’re talking about? Here at Face Dr, our team of experts have decades of experience in the skincare industry and we’ve helped hundreds of clients get glowing, healthy and hydrated skin they’re proud of. 

We’ll share our six top products for dry skin, but—of course—everyone’s skin is different. Want to skip the research and get tailored recommendations for your exact skin? We offer free online skincare consultations where one of our experts can analyse your skin and recommend the best products for your exact skin type, severity of dryness and those best for any other concerns. 

 

Want to find out more about dry skin? We’ve covered the best in-clinic treatments and how much treating dry skin will cost

But first, how do you know if you have dry skin? 

woman using skincare product for dry skin

What is dry skin? 

 

Dry skin is extremely common and most people will experience it at some level at some point in their lives. It can range from a slight feeling of tightness after cleansing to flaky and red skin that affects our day to day. It can feel itchy and inflamed, look dull and sore, and—worst of all—it can be hard to cover up as foundation turns cakey and highlights any rough patches. It’s all caused by the skin’s moisture barrier not holding onto moisture as it should. 


What causes dry skin? 

 

Dry skin is one of those skin conditions that could be caused by many different things. A few examples include: 

  • Hot showers or central heating 
  • Extreme weather—especially cold temperatures, low humidity and strong winds 
  • Harsh skincare and make-up products
  • Skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis
  • Health conditions like diabetes or hypothyroidism. 

If your dry skin is affecting your day-to-day life, you’re finding dry patches popping up across your face and body, or you feel like it’s getting more severe, it may be time to consider speaking with a GP who can offer advice on managing more serious dry skin conditions. 

 

What are the best products for dry skin in 2021?

 

Here at Face Dr, our skin experts have decades of experience in the industry treating all sorts of conditions, including dry skin. We know a thing or two about the best products out there to help hydrate, protect and heal skin that’s in need of moisture. Here are our top six products to help tackle dry skin once and for all. 

ZO Skin health dry skin products

 

iS Clinical Moisturising Complex  

Good for: An everyday moisturiser

Price: £74

For an everyday moisturiser that’s lightweight and can boost skin’s hydration, try this iS Clinical Moisturising Complex. Hyaluronic acid increases moisture levels in the skin and ingredients like antioxidants, botanicals, green tea and vitamins A and E create a protective barrier against environmental damage and help to restore comfort to dry skin. The moisturiser also brightens complexion and reduces signs of ageing, too. 


ZO Skin Health Hydrating Cleanser

Good for: Cleansing and make-up removal 

Price: ZO stockists can’t share product prices online. Get in touch at hello@myfacedr.com to find out more about this product. 

Choosing an everyday cleanser when you have dry skin can be tough, you need something that can do the job on tough make-up without using harsh chemicals. For a go-to cleanser that can remove make-up, clean the skin and provide a hydrating boost at the same time, try the ZO Skin Health Hydrating Cleanser. The cleanser uses ingredients like glycerin and allantoin to remove dirt and oil without stripping the skin of moisture. It’s non-greasy formula leaves skin clean without any residue, and it soothes irritated and dry skin to ensure that it’s not aggravated further. 


SkinCeuticals HA Intensifier Serum 

Good for: A potent moisture boost

Price: £90 

Serums are well-known for providing the skin with a powerful dose of ingredients. This SkinCeuticals HA Intensifier Serum uses pure hyaluronic acid, an ingredient known for its ability to attract and hold onto moisture. The serum boosts the skin’s hyaluronic levels by 30% and uses botanical ingredients like licorice root and purple rice to further soothe, moisturise and improve texture and firmness of the skin. Apply four to six drops, once or twice a day.


iS Clinical Hydra-Intensive Cooling Mask  

Good for: Calming irritated skin  

Price: £70 

The iS Clinical Hydra-Intensive Cooling Mask can be used up to three times a week for a powerful hydrating boost for dry skin. The lightweight gel mask uses natural ingredients like rosemary leaf oil to soothe and calm irritated and inflamed skin and aloe leaf oil to help the skin heal and recover. Apply a thin layer after cleansing and leave the mask on for five to 10 minutes before rinsing off. The cooling sensation is great for those experiencing discomfort, stinging or irritation from dry skin, too. 


PCA Skin Hydrating Toner 

Good for: A non-drying toner 

Price: £12 

Toners are often drying on the skin, so opt for one that’s designed to be as hydrating as possible. The PCA Skin Hydrating Toner softens and smoothes the skin while removing excess oil and dirt. Fruit extracts like watermelon and apple support the skin’s natural moisture levels and evening primrose oil moisturises and soothes irritation. As well as an at-home bottle, you can buy a travel-sized spray bottle that’s perfect for on-the-go toning and can even be used to set make-up. 


ZO Skin Health Hydrating Crème 

Good for: Irritated or itchy skin 

Price: ZO stockists can’t share product prices online. Get in touch at hello@myfacedr.com to find out more about this product. 

Great for those with severe dry skin or eczema, ZO Skin Health Hydrating Crème helps to boost the skin’s natural moisture levels and calm irritation and inflammation. The lightweight cream helps to reduce the look of redness, calm itchiness and leaves the skin smoother, softer and more hydrated. Antioxidants protect the skin from free radical damage and ophiopogon japonicus root extract speeds up healing and reduces the chances of future flare ups. It can also be used on the body if you experience any other dry patches.

 

Want an expert opinion? 

Face Dr expert giving online skincare consultation for dry skin

These top six products for dry skin can help with everyday skincare needs as well as start to heal and restore moisture to extra dry skin. But, if you’re not sure where to start or you’re nervous about trying a new product on sensitive dry skin, why not get an expert opinion before getting started? 

Our skin experts can analyse your skin and give you tailored advice on which products to try and anything else you can do to tackle dry skin. Our free online consultations only take 30 minutes and can be done from the comfort of your home. 

Plus, if you’re looking for products to tackle any other concerns—like signs of ageing, hyperpigmentation or acne—our experts can share their favourites. 

We only ever share products that we’ve seen first-hand results from, so you can trust you’re investing in something that will actually provide real results. 

Learn more about ZO Body Emulsion


By Rachel Meyer

At Face Dr, our Skin Experts regularly recommend ZO Skin Health products to our clients due to their amazing, effective results. ZO Body Emulsion is one of those products. If you have been considering trying this game-changing body lotion to show your body’s skin the same TLC that your face gets.
Read more
Are you experiencing random breakouts? How about unexplained dry or flaky skin? Whatever is going on, it could indicate the skincare routine that’s been working so well for you is no longer providing results. Let’s dive into some of the biggest reasons why your skincare routine might cease to work.
Read more
Find the best facial masks to try in the comfort of your own home. Facial masks are an excellent way to target skin concerns and add a little more TLC to your skin routine. Discover our top mask recommendations from ZO Skin Health, Obagi and other brands on the market.
Read more
Find out more about Obagi Medical Hydrate Luxe facial moisturiser, including cost, how to purchase, how to use and if it's the right hydrator for your skin.
Read more
Learn more about Obagi Hydrate® Facial Moisturizer, including ingredients, cost, benefits and if it is right for your skin.
Read more
Don’t know your Exfoderm® from your Exfoderm® Forte? We discuss the differences between the two products, who they're suitable for and how much they cost.
Read more