If the skin is a normal to dry type, it should be cleansed twice a day, with a cleansing cream or gel. A cleanser containing aloe vera would be good, as it helps the skin retain moisture and also moisturizes the skin. Apply the cleanser, with a light massage and wipe it off with moist cotton wool. After cleansing in the morning, tone the skin, using a rose-based skin tonic. Using cotton wool, wipe the skin and then pat it briskly. Toning removes the last stages of the cleanser and also stimulates circulation.
During the day, use a sunscreen, before going out in the sun. Sun exposure can also cause loss of moisture. Most sunscreens have built-in moisturizers. Moisturizers are available in cream and liquid form. For extreme dryness, it is better to use a cream. A liquid moisturizer should be used under make-up. Apply it before using foundation. Whenever the skin feels dry, apply a liquid moisturizer.
At night, cleansing is even more important, in order to remove make-up and pollutants. Make-up cosmetics also cause dryness. Massage the cleanser lightly into the skin and remove it with moist cotton wool. Using moist cotton wool helps to prevent further dryness, as it does not absorb any more moisture from the skin.
The skin should also be nourished with a good night cream. Nourishing helps to lubricate the skin and keep it soft. It also helps the skin to hold moisture better. After cleansing, apply the nourishing cream and massage it on the skin, with upward an outward movements, for 3 to 4 minutes. Then wipe off all cream with moist cotton wool.
Normal to oily skins and combination skins actually feel and look better when the humidity is less. However, after washing the face with soap, there can be some superficial dryness. But, when moisturizers are applied, the skin becomes prone to pimples. This is a problem faced by oily skins. Use a cleansing lotion or light cleansing milk. Apply it on the face and wipe off with moist cotton wool. Then tone with rose water or a rose-based skin tonic.
To deal with dryness and moisturize the skin, take 100 ml rose water and add one teaspoon pure glycerine. Mix well and keep in a bottle. Apply a little of this lotion whenever the skin feels dry. Avoid mixing home ingredients in large quantities, so that they keep well. You can even keep the bottle in the fridge. Use an oil-free day cream, or matte moisturiser, during the day.