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The 30-second answer
Per the AAD, a dry-skin winter routine is a gentle, moisturising, alcohol-free cleanser, a cream or ointment (not lotion) right after washing, and SPF 30 or higher sunscreen even in winter. The cheapest routine is EGP 662 (Kolanog + Macro + the Dermaelle sunscreen), a mid one EGP 1,214, and the CeraVe and Bioderma routine EGP 1,953. And cut back on acids and retinol in winter.
Cheapest
The budget routine
EGP 662
Kolanog + Macro + Dermaelle
Mid
The Dermaelle and Neutrogena routine
EGP 1,214
Cleanser + Cica Cream + fluid
Premium
The CeraVe and Bioderma routine
EGP 1,953
Cleanser + cream + sunscreen
Why does dry skin need a different routine in winter?
- Cleanser: per the AAD look for a “gentle” and “moisturizing” cleanser and avoid alcohol, which dries skin.
- Moisturiser: a cream or ointment rather than lotion because they are more effective and less irritating, applied right after washing while skin is still damp to trap moisture, and a heavier cream in cold weather. Look for a fragrance-free cream; helpful ingredients include hyaluronic acid, glycerin, jojoba oil and shea butter.
- Sunscreen: all year on the face, neck, ears and hands, broad-spectrum, water-resistant and SPF 30 or higher, preferably a cream or layered over the moisturiser.
- Acids: many dermatologists suggest cutting back on glycolic, salicylic and retinol in winter, using them less often or at a lower concentration (AAD).
- Habits: warm, not hot, water, a cool-mist humidifier in the bedroom, and avoid dry heaters (AAD).
The three routines with prices
Each routine: a cleanser, a moisturiser and a sunscreen, with the total from the product pages.
| Routine | Cleanser | Moisturiser | Sunscreen | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Budget | Kolanog Anti-Aging Cleanser for Dry Skin – 200 ml · EGP 137 | Macro Care by Care Plus Cream – 100 g · EGP 130 | Dermaelle UV Defense SPF 50 Cream – 60 ml · EGP 395 | EGP 662 |
| Mid | Dermaelle Hyaluronic Acid Cleansing Gel – 200 ml · EGP 239 | Dermaelle Barrier Repair Cica Cream – 60 ml · EGP 325 | Neutrogena Hydro Boost Fluid SPF 50 – 50 ml · EGP 650 | EGP 1,214 |
| Premium | CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser – 236 ml · EGP 589 | CeraVe Moisturizing Cream – 177 ml · EGP 519 | Bioderma Photoderm Cream SPF50+ for Sensitive Dry Skin – 40 ml · EGP 845 | EGP 1,953 |
Step 1: The cleanser
A gentle, moisturising, alcohol-free cleanser (AAD), twice a day at most.
#1
Hyaluronic and ceramideOn offer
Kolanog Anti-Aging Cleanser for Dry Skin – 200 ml
A gentle dry-skin cleanser at the lowest price
EGP 137275
EGP 0.7 per ml · 200 ml
- The page: 4D hyaluronic acid, ceramide, collagen, caviar extract, panthenol and aloe vera
- The page: cleanses gently and supports hydration and softness
- On offer, from EGP 275 to 137
Heads-up: The page does not say if it is alcohol-free, and the AAD advises a gentle, moisturising, alcohol-free cleanser
#2
For dry skinSulfate-free
Dermaelle Hyaluronic Acid Cleansing Gel – 200 ml
A gentle gel cleanser with no tightness
EGP 239
EGP 1.2 per ml · 200 ml
- The page: hyaluronic acid, collagen, cucumber extract and centella
- The page: removes daily impurities and light make-up and leaves skin comfortable
- On the pack: sulfate-free
Heads-up: For heavy or waterproof make-up use a remover first, per the page
#3
Ceramides and hyaluronicNormal to dry
CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser – 236 ml
A daily moisturising cleanser for normal to dry skin
EGP 589620
EGP 2.5 per ml · 236 ml
- The page: ceramides and hyaluronic acid
- The page: removes impurities and make-up residue while supporting hydration and the natural barrier
- On offer, from EGP 620 to 589
Heads-up: The priciest cleanser here; and the page does not say if it is fragrance-free
Step 2: The moisturiser
A cream, not lotion, right after washing. If your hands are dry too: Best hand cream for winter, for the body: Best body lotion for dry skin in winter, and for sensitive skin: Best moisturiser for sensitive skin.
#4
Dry and sensitiveCheapest
Macro Care by Care Plus Cream – 100 g
A deep moisturising cream at the lowest price
EGP 130
EGP 1.3 per g · 100 g
- The page: long-lasting hydration for dry and sensitive skin
- The page: softness without a greasy feel, for face, hands and body
- A 100 g tube for EGP 130
Heads-up: The ingredients are not on the page, and fragrance is not stated
#5
10% urea5% niacinamide
Dermaelle Barrier Repair Cica Cream – 60 ml
A rich ceramide and centella cream for dry, sensitive skin
EGP 325
EGP 5.4 per ml · 60 ml
- The page: centella, urea 10%, niacinamide 5%, Matrixyl, arnica, ceramides, hyaluronic acid, shea butter and jojoba oil
- The page: day and night for dry, sensitive and barrier-compromised skin
- The AAD advises a rich cream and lists hyaluronic acid and jojoba oil
Heads-up: 10% urea and 5% niacinamide are strong for very sensitive skin; start on a small area
#6
Ceramides and hyaluronicDry to very dry
CeraVe Moisturizing Cream – 177 ml
A rich cream for face and body
EGP 519550
EGP 2.9 per ml · 177 ml
- The page: ceramides and hyaluronic acid for long-lasting hydration and barrier support
- The page: for dry to very dry skin, face and body
- On offer, from EGP 550 to 519
Heads-up: The page does not say if it is fragrance-free; the AAD advises a fragrance-free cream or ointment
Step 3: Sunscreen (morning)
Broad-spectrum, water-resistant SPF 30 or higher (AAD). Sunscreen goes after the moisturiser.
#7
SPF 50For dry skin
Dermaelle UV Defense SPF 50 Cream – 60 ml
A cream-texture sunscreen for dry skin
EGP 395
EGP 6.6 per ml · 60 ml
- The page: 5 UV filters, hyaluronic acid 2.5%, niacinamide 4%, glycerin and beeswax
- The page: up to 8 hours of hydration and no white cast
- The page: fragrance-free and water and sweat resistant
Heads-up: The cheapest sunscreen here; it has beeswax, so check the ingredients if you are allergic
#8
SPF 50Niacinamide 2%
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Fluid SPF 50 – 50 ml
A light fluid sunscreen with hyaluronic acid
EGP 650
EGP 13.0 per ml · 50 ml
- The page: hyaluronic acid, provitamin B5 and 2% niacinamide
- The page: a non-sticky texture, comfortable under make-up
- For daily use
Heads-up: The page does not say if it is water-resistant, and the AAD advises a water-resistant sunscreen
#9
SPF 50+Dry and sensitive
Bioderma Photoderm Cream SPF50+ for Sensitive Dry Skin – 40 ml
A cream sunscreen for dry and sensitive skin
EGP 845
EGP 21.1 per ml · 40 ml
- The page: very high protection and long-lasting hydration for dry and sensitive skin
- The page: Sun Active Defense technology, with UVA and UVB protection
- On the pack: 40 ml
Heads-up: The priciest per ml here (EGP 21.1 per ml), for a 40 ml tube
All products by unit price
| Product | Step | Size | Price | Per ml/g |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kolanog Anti-Aging Cleanser for Dry Skin – 200 ml | Cleanser | 200 ml | EGP 137 | EGP 0.7 |
| Dermaelle Hyaluronic Acid Cleansing Gel – 200 ml | Cleanser | 200 ml | EGP 239 | EGP 1.2 |
| Macro Care by Care Plus Cream – 100 g | Moisturiser | 100 g | EGP 130 | EGP 1.3 |
| CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser – 236 ml | Cleanser | 236 ml | EGP 589 | EGP 2.5 |
| CeraVe Moisturizing Cream – 177 ml | Moisturiser | 177 ml | EGP 519 | EGP 2.9 |
| Dermaelle Barrier Repair Cica Cream – 60 ml | Moisturiser | 60 ml | EGP 325 | EGP 5.4 |
| Dermaelle UV Defense SPF 50 Cream – 60 ml | Sunscreen | 60 ml | EGP 395 | EGP 6.6 |
| Neutrogena Hydro Boost Fluid SPF 50 – 50 ml | Sunscreen | 50 ml | EGP 650 | EGP 13.0 |
| Bioderma Photoderm Cream SPF50+ for Sensitive Dry Skin – 40 ml | Sunscreen | 40 ml | EGP 845 | EGP 21.1 |
Sizes are in ml for most products and grams for Macro, so the comparison is approximate.
Mistakes that worsen dryness in winter
- Hot water for showers and washing: use warm water (AAD).
- A thin lotion instead of a cream or ointment: creams and ointments are more effective and less irritating (AAD).
- Delaying the moisturiser: apply it right after washing while skin is still damp.
- Staying on acids and retinol at the same strength: cut back or lower the concentration in winter (AAD); on glycolic acid: Glycolic acid toners.
- Skipping sunscreen: it is needed all year on uncovered areas (AAD).
- Dry heaters: dry heat pulls moisture from the air, so wear warm clothes rather than turning up the heat (AAD).
Ask a dermatologist or pharmacist if
- Dryness persists despite the routine: a skin condition such as eczema or psoriasis may be behind it and need treatment (AAD).
- A product burns, stings or irritates: stop it (AAD).
- You have eczema or skin inflammation: ask before any new product.
- You will use 10% urea or 5% niacinamide on very sensitive skin: start on a small area.
- No studies compare these products, so choose by the page details and what your skin tolerates.
Not sure which one?
Beseha pharmacists answer on WhatsApp. Tap the “Ask a pharmacist” button and tell them your skin type and budget.
FAQ
What is a dry skin routine for winter?
A gentle moisturising alcohol-free cleanser, then a cream or ointment right after washing on damp skin, then a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher sunscreen by day, per the AAD.
Cream or lotion in winter?
The AAD advises a cream or ointment instead of lotion because they are more effective and less irritating, and a heavier cream in cold weather.
Do I wear sunscreen in winter?
Yes; the AAD advises wearing it all year on the face, neck, ears and hands.
Should I cut back on acids and retinol in winter?
Many dermatologists suggest cutting back or using a lower concentration in winter, per the AAD.
Which is the cheapest routine?
The Kolanog, Macro and Dermaelle sunscreen routine at EGP 662, then the Dermaelle and Neutrogena routine at EGP 1,214.
Do humidifiers help?
The AAD suggests a filtered, cool-mist humidifier in the bedroom to help with dryness.
When should I see a dermatologist?
If dryness persists despite the routine or there is burning or irritation, since a skin condition may be behind it, per the AAD.
Read next: Dermaelle by skin type and Best moisturiser for sensitive skin.
The bottom line
A gentle alcohol-free cleanser, a rich cream right after washing, and sunscreen every day. The routine starts at EGP 662, cut back on acids and retinol in winter, and use warm, not hot, water. Some product pages do not mention fragrance, so check the pack. If dryness persists, see a dermatologist.
Sources
- AAD: Cold weather and your skin
- AAD: Winter skin survival kit
- AAD: Dermatologists’ tips to relieve dry skin
- AAD: How to select a sunscreen
This content is for information and is not a substitute for advice from a doctor or pharmacist. Prices and availability may change; the final price is on the product page.
