Dry skin can be a nuisance year-round, but in the cold months of winter, it can be particularly stubborn. Dry skin is caused by a lack of moisture in the skin’s outer barrier, which interferes with the skin’s ability to protect itself. And if you have dry skin, you already know how important it is to find products that actually keep your skin hydrated. The trouble is that it’s hard to know which products will strip moisture from your skin, and which ones won’t.
1. Cleanser
A good hydrating cleanser is the first step to repairing dry skin, and as such, finding a good one is vital. Avoid foaming cleansers, as even gentle ones tend to contain ingredients that strip the skin of natural moisture. Instead, opt for something rich in hyaluronic acid, which acts like a sponge, holding up to 1,000 times its weight in water. Our Essential-11 Hydrating Cleanser is loaded with it, and contains cucumber and peptides to help soothe and smooth dry skin.
2. Serums
Because serums are typically more concentrated forms of active ingredients, they are superstars for battling dry skin. On top of adding a healthy dose of moisture to your skin, they can stimulate collagen production and repair skin cells on a molecular level. Hydrating superstar Needle-less Serum is loaded with hyaluronic acid and niacinamide to keep skin supple and nourished. Pair it with our Advanced C E Ferulic to brighten dull skin and give your face a lasting glow.
3. Eye Cream
Dry skin tends to show lines and wrinkles easier than oily skin due to the lack of moisture— sadly, this is especially true around the eyes. Our eyes are surrounded by some of the thinnest skin on our bodies, so it’s critical to take good care of them. Gently pat our Age Reversal Eye Cream around the eyes to intensely moisturize and get rid of bags, puffiness, and crow’s feet.
4. Moisturizer
Pick a moisturizer that will last through the day, and help lock in the hydration added by your serums. We tend to recommend lightweight formulas, as ultra-heavy creams can weigh the skin down and feel greasy. Our Soothe and Recovery Cream contains cactus and coconut extracts, which are remarkably effective at preventing flaky skin. Plus, it’s been shown to increase skin moisture levels by 150% after 24 hours!
5. Sunscreen
Regardless of skin type, sunscreen should always be the cap on your morning routine. In addition to providing protection from harmful UVA and UVB rays, sunscreens can help with moisture retention. Look for something with zinc, whose anti-inflammatory benefits can help prevent dryness, as well as hyaluronic acid, which is dry skin’s best friend. Our ever-popular Broad Spectrum SPF45 and Universal Tinted Moisturizer SPF46 contain high concentrations of both, plus they come with the added bonus of soothing Vitamin E.
American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2003, pages 771-788
Indian Journal of Dermatology, May 2016, pages 279-287
Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, Oct. 2018, pages 491-497
