Dry skin should be moisturized, daily and at night. Hydrated skin will react better to cleansing, as dry skin can be irritated with harsh cleansers or scrubs or vigorously scrubbing the skin. When showering, avoid washing face directly under the showerhead. Instead, use a gentle cleanser, formulated for sensitive or dry skin and use a warm (not hot) cloth to gently wipe off. After cleansing, pat the face dry with a soft towel, and apply lotion to the skin while its still warm. This step is crucial, since the skin has lost its protective sebum layer in the shower. In order to prevent further moisture loss, apply an additional layer of a cream, to form a hydrated and protective barrier on the skin surface.