Women who are fair complexioned and light haired usually have dry skin. Such skin has little natural oil due to underactive sebaceous glands, it burns easily in the sun, and is frequently also sensitive. Dry skin is usually very fine and has few visible pores; it often develops flaky patches in cold weather. It is frequently affected by temperature changes, artificial heating or air conditioning, and air pollution. Women with dry skin rarely have acne as a teenager, but as they get older the lack of natural lubrication can cause fine lines and wrinkles to develop prematurely. The most important aspect of caring for dry skin is to moisturize it regularly.

Cleansing
To help preserve the protective oily film, the acid mantle, which covers the skin and locks in moisture, avoid soap and water. If you prefer, wash off cleansers using a soap-free bar or face wash, but restrict this to the mornings. Constantly wetting and drying the skin makes a dry-skin condition worse. It is better to use a cream or oil-based cleanser in the morning and evening. Apply a little to the skin, massage in gently, leave for a few seconds, then wipe off with cotton wool, a damp flannel or a soft muslin cloth. Damp cotton wool is ideal as it stops moisture being drawn out of the skin. Tissues are best avoided as they can scratch delicate skin. Cactus has an incredibly high moisture retention capacity and is ideal for rehydrating the skin, so try to find a cleanser that contains this ingredient. If you use a toner make sure it is alcohol free.

You may wish to make your own cleanser. You can experiment with various types of natural products that you think may suit your skin type but here are a couple of examples of cleansers that can be made at home.

Moisturizing
Dry and mature skin needs more regular moisturizing than younger skin. It is best to apply a moisturizer directly after cleansing. Over time you will notice that your skin doesn't produce as much natural oil as it used to, which reduces its ability to retain moisture. This can leave the face looking wrinkled and feeling dry, rough, and less flexible. Applying moisturizer can help to prevent this. Choose one that is absorbed easily and doesn't have a greasy film on the skin.
Top up moisture levels throughout the day by spritzing your skin frequently with a water spray or spray-on tonic. If your skin is very dry and you live in a centrally heated home, consider using a humidifier to put moisture back into the air.