How to care for dry skin in dry weather, according to dermatologists

How to care for dry skin is a timely question this week. In its press release of 17 October 2026, BMKG, Indonesia's weather agency, said southern Sumatra, Java, Bali, Nusa Tenggara and parts of Kalimantan were still relatively dry, and expected this to continue from 17 to 24 October 2026 as the chance of rain clouds stayed low.

This article summarises the BMKG update, dermatologists' tips for dry skin from the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), and a real lip care routine from Kira.

The BMKG update

• Relatively dry weather was expected to continue from 17 to 24 October 2026 in several regions.
• Forest fire smoke briefly reached Greater Jakarta on 16 October, but according to BMKG it did not affect surface air quality, and it began moving away from 17 October.
• 478 hotspots with high confidence were recorded on 16 October 2026.

BMKG asked people not to panic, while staying alert and monitoring air quality where they live.

Dermatologists' tips for dry skin

According to the AAD, dry skin can flake, itch, crack and even bleed. Dermatologists recommend:

1. 01Limit baths and showers to 5 to 10 minutes with warm water, then gently pat your skin dry with a clean towel instead of rubbing.
2. 02Use a gentle cleanser, only as much as you need, without a thick lather.
3. 03Apply moisturiser several times a day, especially while skin is still damp after a shower or after washing your hands.
4. 04Protect your skin from the sun with a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher.
5. 05Wear gloves for washing dishes or gardening, and choose loose cotton clothes.

Choose the right products

• Fragrance-free labels. According to the AAD, “unscented” products can contain chemicals that mask odours and irritate dry skin.
• Creams or ointments, not lotions. They add more moisture to the skin.
• A lip balm that feels good. If your lips sting or tingle after applying it, switch to another one.
• A non-greasy hand cream, applied after every hand wash.

Dry lips too? Here is Kira's result

Here is a real Kira result for the question “my lips are dry and cracked, what should I do?”:

• A gentle lip scrub twice a week to remove dead skin.
• A daily lip moisturiser with shea butter or lanolin.
• A lip balm with SPF to protect from the sun.

Kira's suggestions are AI advice, not a medical diagnosis. According to the AAD, if your lips sting or tingle after applying a lip balm, switch products. If dryness does not improve, see a dermatologist.

Read our full guides on treating dry lips and using sunscreen correctly.

When to see a dermatologist

According to the AAD, if your skin stays dry after trying these tips, it is time to see a dermatologist. Very dry skin can be caused by conditions such as atopic dermatitis or psoriasis. Ask a dermatologist before using anti-itch creams too, since some can make dry skin worse.

Ask Kira about your skin and lips

Send Kira a selfie in natural light on WhatsApp and ask about your skin or lips. Kira suggests a routine and ingredients to look for within 10 to 15 seconds. See the dry lips example.