Your skin's natural oils are what protect it, keep it hydrated, and maintain the barrier function of the skin, so you don't want to wash your face too aggressively.
"When the skin is very dry, cracked, and fissured, it can also become inflamed," says Batra. "Avoid harsh soaps and cleansers, don't scrub overzealously and use lukewarm water — hot water can be very drying. Very dry skin also accentuates wrinkle."