While the causes may differ, anyone can practice a skin routine for dry skin that will be to their benefit.

“As skin dries, it shrinks and causes cracks, which can get deep, painful, and even start to bleed. Cracks allow germs and bacteria to enter the body, which can potentially lead to a skin infection,” says Melanie Speed, RN, BSN, CAN, and owner of Flawless Aesthetics.

When it comes to a skin care routine for dry skin, keep the five steps listed below in mind:

Cleanse with a hydrating cleanser that doesn’t disrupt the outer skin layer.
Tone with an alcohol-free toner to restore skin pH.
Target specific skin concerns with a serum.
Moisturize with a nourishing, noncomedogenic moisturizer to lock in hydration.
Protect from harmful UV rays to prevent sun damage.
Cleanse
Your first step is to choose a hydrating cleanser. You want a cleanser to remove dirt and oil without causing a disruption to the outer skin layer.

A good ingredient to look for is hyaluronic acid, as in Cetaphil’s Gentle Skin Cleanser or CeraVe’s Hydrating Facial Cleanser.

Tone
Many toners use alcohol as a main ingredient, which dries out the skin. Look for an alcohol-free toner with active ingredients that restore the pH levels of your skin.

A great option is Alaffia Everyday Coconut Face Toner.

Target
This step helps to target specific skin concerns. Focus on hydration with a pure hyaluronic acid serum such as The Ordinary Hylauronic Acid 2% + B5.

Moisturize
A good moisturizer will lock in the benefits of a serum. Use a moisturizer daily that’s specifically designed for the face.

According to Sparks, “facial moisturizer needs to be really nourishing and hydrating but avoid products that might clog your pores.” It’s a safe bet to look for “noncomedogenic” on the label.

Kavita Mariwalla, FAAD and board certified dermatologist, recommends SkinFix Barrier+ Triple Lipid-Peptide Face Cream.

Protect
Daily sunscreen use prevents harmful UV rays from damaging the skin.

“I recommend wearing sunscreen to protect your skin from harsh UV rays regardless of your skin type. For sunscreen, I like ISDIN Eryfotona and La Roche-Posay Anthelios,” says Mariwalla.

Lower cost options include Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Lotion Sunscreen or Aveeno Protect + Hydrate Face-Moisturizing Sunscreen.