Ive found over the last few years, that my skin has changed a little.. sometimes it looks a bit scaley, even though I moisturise. So I thought I would do some research, and seeing as my Father is a guru in this department, I picked his brain too!
So, there's a difference between dry skin and dehdrated skin:
Dry skin is a skin type, but dehydrated skin is a condition anyone can experience. “Dry skin has a lack of oil, or lipids. With dehydrated skin, there’s a lack of water in the stratum corneum, which is the top layer of the skin.”
“You don’t need to have dry skin to have dehydrated skin. Oily and combination skin can be dehydrated as well,” says Dr Haus.
So how do you tell which one you have? Here’s a quick run-down of the key characteristics:
DRY SKIN CHARACTERISTICS
• Feels rough • Appears dry • Can be flaky
DEHYDRATED SKIN CHARACTERISTICS
• Looks dull • Feels tight • Feels rough • Is sensitive • Shows fine lines • Shows accelerated signs of ageing, like sagging skin and deep wrinkles
10 Moisturizers for Dry Skin: Tips and Ingredients to Look For
Quality moisturizers can help soothe and repair dry, itchy, and irritated skin. But with so many moisturizers on the market, how do you find one that works for you? It usually comes down to a matter of personal preference. You may choose to have a few on hand to suit your various needs. Keep reading for 10 of the best moisturizers for dry skin and to learn how to pick a healthy moisturizer for you.
1. Andalou Naturals Purple Carrot + C Luminous Night Cream
This night cream from Andalou Naturalsfocuses on renewing surface skin cells. It’s easily absorbed into your skin and works overnight to revitalize your complexion.
2. Nivea Soft Moisturizing Creme
This Nivea cream contains both vitamin E and jojoba oil. It absorbs quickly into your skin and hydrates without being overly oily.
3. The Body Shop Oils of Life Revitalising Sleeping Cream
A variety of natural oils gives this nighttime creaman extra boost. It’s hydrating but not too heavy.
4. Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Deep Moisture Balm
Thisfragrance-free balmis formulated to withstand cold, dry climates. Its thick consistency is nourishing when your skin is severely dry.
5. Eucerin Dry Skin Replenishing Cream
Thisreplenishing cream from Eucerincontains 5 percent urea, which helps restore and hydrate problem skin. An older studyfound that moisturizers containing urea helped reduce participants’ skin water loss.
6. Avene Hydrance Optimale Riche hydrating cream
This thick, creamy moisturizeris a popular French pharmacy beauty pick. It hydrates your skin and locks in moisture. Its soothing properties help to restore and rebalance dry skin.
7. St. Ives Timeless Skin Facial Moisturizer
Full of collagen, elastins, and safflower seed oil, this St. Ivesmoisturizer promises to soften and repair dry skin. Its medium consistency is good for both daytime and nighttime use.
8. Weleda Skin Food
You can use Weleda Skin Foodanywhere on your body that needs some extra attention. It’s formulated using plant extracts to heal and improve the appearance of dry, rough skin.
9. CeraVe Moisturizing Cream
CeraVeis the go-to moisturizer to replenish dry skin. Created by dermatologists, it contains ceramides that help skin retain moisture and protect itself from environmental influences. It’s often recommended for people who have psoriasis and eczema.
10. Dermasil Labs Dry Skin Treatment Original Lotion
How to pick a healthy moisturizer for dry skin
Most moisturizers for dry skin will have a thicker consistency and be cream-based. It’s up to you if you want to avoid fragrances or use only natural ingredients. The most important thing is that the product is well-formulated using quality ingredients and works well for your specific skin concern.
It may take a bit of trial and error to find the products that work well for you. A study from 2016 found that using a moisturiser on a regular basis was more important than the moisturiser’s specific ingredients. But research supports the use of ceramidesand aquaporins in moisturizers.
Choose a moisturizer that contains at least some of the following ingredients:
hyaluronic acid
ceramides
glycerin
urea
antioxidants
aquaporins
plant butters and oils
salicylic acid
Moisturizing tips
Achieving healthy skin depends on more than just what moisturizer you choose. How you apply the moisturizer is also important. Here are some tips for getting the most out of your moisturizer:
Apply moisturizer when your skin is still a little damp after your shower or bath.
If you have sensitive skin, use moisturizers with soothing ingredients that are free of acids, fragrances, and dyes.
Do a patch testbefore using a new product.
Buy from a reputable brand you trust.
Avoid extra hot water for showers and when washing your face.
Stay hydrated by drinking eight 8-ounce glasses of water a day.
Consider using a humidifierat night, or keep a small one on your desk during the day.
Moisturize at least twice a day (more when your skin is especially dry).
Add a protective facial serum under your moisturizer for added benefits.