Australian skin gets it from both sides. Air-conditioning and sun in summer, heaters and cold mornings in winter. If your skin feels tight, rough or dull, a few small changes, and the right textures, make a real difference.
Why skin gets dry
DermNet notes that dry skin is common and often made worse by low humidity, hot water, harsh soaps and frequent washing. The aim is simple: cleanse without stripping, smooth away the rough surface, and put moisture back in.
The habits that help in any season
- Keep showers short and warm, not hot.
- Choose a wash that leaves oils behind, rather than one that strips.
- Moisturise within a few minutes of drying off, while skin is still slightly damp. The AAD recommends this to help trap moisture.
- Exfoliate gently, not aggressively.
The routine
Smooth with Renew Pine Scrub
Rough, flaky skin cannot take in moisture well. Renew is a dry pine wood scrub, activated with water: it foams like a wash and exfoliates gently, so it lifts dry skin away without the harshness of a salt or sugar scrub. Use it a few times a week, or blend it with Awaken for an extra-gentle polish.
Wash with Awaken Body Wash
This is where many dry-skin routines go wrong. A big, foamy wash can leave skin squeaky and tight. Awaken is a silky body wash with a soft, light lather, and it has jojoba, sweet almond and coconut oils in the formula, so skin is left feeling moisturised after you rinse. Aloe vera keeps it gentle, and Kakadu Plum and Finger Lime bring native goodness.
Moisturise with Hydrate Lotion
Silky, lightweight and fast to sink in, Hydrate is easy to use morning and night, which is exactly what dry skin needs. Camellia seed oil, shea, argan and coconut give long-lasting moisture, and skin feels noticeably soft and smooth.
Finish with Nourishing Balm
When skin needs more, Nourishing Balm is our richest cream. Thick and buttery, with shea and cocoa butters and a blend of nourishing oils, it melts in and leaves skin deeply soft without feeling greasy.
Summer: light and often
Air-con dries skin out quietly. Keep Hydrate handy and use it twice a day. Its light texture means no sticky feeling in the heat. Sunscreen goes on over the top during the day; Cancer Council Australia recommends SPF30 or higher, reapplied every two hours.
Winter: richer, and a little gentler
Add Nourishing Balm in the evening, all over. If skin feels sensitive, blend Renew with Awaken rather than using it on its own.
Common questions
Should I stop exfoliating if my skin is dry?
Not necessarily. Gentle exfoliation helps moisturiser work better. Go easy, and follow straight away with lotion or balm.
Lotion or balm?
Lotion for every day, balm when skin needs more. See our guide to body lotion vs body balm.
A routine for both seasons
The Complete Body Routine brings all four together: Renew, Awaken, Hydrate and Nourishing Balm.