Best Facial Moisturizer For Dry Skin

What Does A Good Skincare Routine Look Like For Eczema

Eczema is characterised by skin barrier dysfunction, says Kluk, highlighting the crux of what a clever eczema skincare routine should set out to do: reinforce and take care of that skin barrier.

First things first: emollient therapy. This means cleansing twice daily with a soap substitute and frequently and liberally applying moisturiser, says Kluk, who suggests applying an emollient up to three times each day. In general, the dryer skin is, the greasier your emollient should be. Moisturising helps restore the integrity of the skin barrier, so it should be a fundamental part of an eczema sufferers skincare routine, even when flare-ups have been put to rest.

Kluks top tip is to monitor the general quality of skin. If it is dry in some places and oily in others, look to using a lighter moisturiser gel or fluid cream on the areas where skin is oilier, and a richer cream or ointment on areas where skin is drier. As for SPF you cant get away that easily its still important to use where possible, but as most eczema sufferers will know, it can be difficult to tolerate. Kluk recommends testing a few different formulas on a small area first to ensure they dont sting or further irritate skin. Look for mineral or physical sunscreens, and those labelled suitable for sensitive skin.

Below, some of the best skincare products for eczema-prone skin.

How We Selected The Moisturizers For Dry Skin

To find the best moisturizers for dry skin, we asked two dermatologists to tell us what to look for and avoid when choosing a product that offers deep, lasting hydration. They suggested choosing moisturizers made with a combination of humectant and occlusive ingredients to draw more water to the skin and then lock it in, creating a continuous barrier. They also stressed the importance of finding products that contain emollients like ceramides and shea butter, too, since these function like the glue that holds your skin together and keeps it strong.

We scoured the internet for moisturizers formulated to hydrate your face and body, noting when a product could do double-duty . We also looked for facial moisturizers with extra benefits, like SPF protection and tinted hydration for layering under makeup.

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Tips For Keeping Your Skin Hydrated In The Winter

One of the best things you can do for your skin during winter is to invest in a good humidifier. Keeping the air in your home or office moist can help prevent your skin from drying. If you dont have a humidifier, you can also boil a pot of water on the stove and let the steam rise into the air.

Another way to keep your skin hydrated is to make sure you are using products with moisturizing ingredients. Look for items that say they are dewy or hydrating these keywords indicate a product will help your skin retain moisture. In particular, night creams are great for protecting your skin while you sleep.

Finally, remember that what you eat also impacts the health of your skin. Include plenty of skin food in your diets, such as carrots, sweet potatoes, and avocados. These foods are packed with nutrients that can help to improve your skin tone and texture.

What To Look For In A Moisturizer For Dry Skin

There are a few different things you can look for when it comes to a moisturizer for dry skin. “I usually recommend a fragrance-free product with ceramides that can help repair the skin barrier function,” says board-certified dermatologist Gary Goldenberg, MD, founder of Goldenberg Dermatology. “In some instances, lactic or salicylic acid can help get rid of the scaling and help dry skin.”

Moisturizers usually come in water-based or oil-based formulas, Rodney says. “Lighter, more hydrating lotions and gels are often water-based, while thicker creams and ointments are oil-based,” she says. The right moisturizer for you “really depends on whats causing your dry skin, and you may need one over the otheror both,” Rodney says.

For example, if you have dry skin and live in a hot environment, a thicker cream can help with water loss, Rodney says. “Thicker creams contain occlusives, which create a barrier to prevent water loss,” she explains. “Oily skin is crying out for more hydration and needs a moisturizer with emollients, which penetrate the skin with hydration, or humectants, which draw moisture from the environment.”

But some newer formulations of moisturizers allow for lighter delivery systems like lotions and gels to give you plenty of moisture, Zeichner says. With that in mind, these are the best moisturizers for dry skin:

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Learn How To Care For Dry Skin

Youve already learned that dry skin needs some tender loving care to help it look and feel its best. But did you know that there are simple lifestyle changes that you can make in addition to moisturization that can help transform your skin and improve it over time.

• Use a humidifier: If you live or work in an extremely dry environment then humidifiers can make a huge improvement. They introduce moisture to the air which helps keep your skin more hydrated.
• Drink water: This one feels like a no-brainer but many people dont drink as much water as they should. You should drink 2-3 litres a day and snack on water rich foods like cucumber, watermelon etc. to supplement internal hydration.
• Use gentle, soap-free cleansers: Make the switch to mild sulphate-free products as these will not strip or dry out your skin. Avoid using hot water while cleansing the face and body, stick to cool or lukewarm water.
• Dont scratch your skin: Dry skin can be extremely itchy and you may be tempted to scratch it, but resist the urge! Instead apply a cold compress to the itchy area for temporary relief and visit a doctor.
• Get omega fatty acids: Eat salmon and mackerel to get skin-saving Omega 3 fatty acids. You can also take supplements or opt for vegetarian sources like flaxseeds and walnuts. Omega 3 oils can help strengthen the skins natural barrier helping it retain moisture.

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Cerave Skin Renewing Night Cream $1899

Both Ramanadham and Sperling recommend this night cream. The CeraVe Renewing Night Cream is formulated with peptides, hyaluronic acid and ceramides to deeply hydrate the skin while helping to renew the skins natural barrier overnight, said Ramanadham.

Its great for all skin types, non-greasy and designed to hydrate, refresh, soften and renew the look of tired, dry skin.

Best Overall Eczema Treatment

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Understand The Three Basic Categories Of Moisturizers

Moisturizers can be categorized into three main types:

• humectants, which bind water to the skin
• occlusive, which create a physical barrier on the skin
• emollients, which help restore the skin barrier

Ideally, Mikailov says that sensitive skin moisturizers should overlap between an emollient and an occlusive in order to provide necessary hydration and prevent outside elements from penetrating the skin. He says that a moisturizer with all three components would also work, but these formulations tend to have many more ingredients.

Kora Organics Noni Glow Sleeping Mask $48

Dr. Mariana Vergara, a cosmetic dermatologist, is a big fan of face masks and recommends the Kora Organics Noni Glow Sleeping Mask for those with dry skin.

This mask hydrates, smooths and plumps the skin. It contains silver ear mushroom, coconut milk, caviar lime and Kakadu plum extract, Vergara told The Post. Silver ear helps bind hyaluronic acid to your skin to deeply hydrate. Coconut Milk is a source of omega 3 and 6 fatty acid that balances dryness and improves the skin barrier protection which decreases inflammation in the skin. It also contains antioxidants like vitamin C which protects the skin from oxidative stress.

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Top 10 Best Face Moisturizers For Dry Skin 2022

Why we like it:

Editors Rating:

Regenerist is the flagship anti-aging product line from veteran drugstore cosmetics brand, Olay. Intended for daily use, the Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream is a multifaceted face moisturizer effective for all skin types, and useful across the spectrum of skincare and beauty needs.

Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Creams formula includes a multitude of humectants and antioxidants. Hyaluronic acid and glycerin lead the way by encouraging hydration and moisture retention at the skin level, while vitamin B3 accelerates skin cell regeneration and the culling of dead skin cells. Dimethicone, an emollient, helps treat and prevent itchiness and skin irritation. In sum, expect Regenerist to keep your skin moist and hydrated and limit the visibility of lines and wrinkles.

On the negative side, Olay Regenerist is notably thick and sticky, akin to cake frosting, meaning consumers might find it uncomfortable or cumbersome to layer it over or underneath makeup and/or sunscreen. Its available in both scented and fragrance-free varieties.

Pros

• Suitable for all skin types

Cons

Why we like it:

Editors Rating:

• Skin Type: Sensitive, Acne-Prone, Dry
• Formula: Gel Cream

Generally available for under $30, Neutrogena Hydro Boost is a premium cosmetic at budget prices. While certainly costlier on average than , it offers plenty of value in addition to the low price-point.

Pros

Why we like it:

Editors Rating:

• Formula: Multi-Use Lotion

Pros

Why we like it:

Pros

Cons

Avne Tolerance Extreme Emulsion $38

Avene Tolerance Cream is my go-to recommendation for dry skin due to its minimal ingredients loaded with glycerin to support the skin barrier and moisture for exquisitely sensitive skin under more severe weather conditions, said Levin.

Lamb also recommends this Avene product. This moisturizer contains Vitamin E and Glycerin, which helps plump skin and leads to decreased appearance of fine lines, she said.

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How Do We Test Moisturisers

We’ve tried a fair few moisturisers in our time at GQ and that means there are few better arbiters of skincare quality than our editors. When assessing a moisturiser, of course, we’re looking at its efficacy to see whether it produces brighter, better-hydrated skin. Since everyone’s skin is slightly different, we’re mindful to test products for combination, acne-prone, dry and all manner of other skin types as well, whether you’ve got serious money to spend or want something that’s both affordable and effective. With over 50 moisturisers tested, we’re confident you’ll find a product that’s perfect for you.

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How To Use Face Moisturizers

Start with clean hands and a nickel-sized amount of moisturizer. Dot the moisturizer on your forehead, cheeks, and chin. Then, rub using upward strokes.

Many people find success moisturizing twice a day, in the morning and before bed. However, depending on your skin type, you may need to apply moisturizer more or less frequently to see the desired results.

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When Your Facial Moisturizer Isnt Cutting It Add In A Drop Of Vaseline Or Aquaphor

During the times your skin needs a little pick-me-up, mixing in a drop of Vaseline or Aquaphor with your regular facial moisturizer can do the trick. Similar to slugging, this will help your skin better lock in and retain moisture. The main difference between my dermatologists advice and slugging is that the former can be done both day and night due to the fact that its lighter and not as messy your skin wont look as greasy as it does when you slug.

Skinmedica Ha5 Rejuvenating Hydrator $120

Although its on the pricier side, Sperling is a big fan of this serum. This moisturizing face serum is elegant and goes on nicely under makeup or at night before bed, she said. Its very hydrating from the hyaluronic acid which is found naturally in skin. Its safe for all skin types and great for anti-aging as it helps soften fine lines and wrinkles.

Dr. Roxy Grawe, a board-certified plastic surgeon, is also a fan. This is a lotion which actually has five different types of hyaluronic acid in it. Known to hold water, this hydrates your skin without causing acne, she told The Post.

Grawe added that a little goes a long way and that the product has a gel-like consistency.

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Essential Moisturisers For Dry Skin

Dry skin needs layers of moisture, more so than oily skin. Those with oily skin may be able to get away with using just one moisturising gel or cream, but other skin types should work on using different moisturisers to address dryness from deep within. K-beauty is a good place to take inspiration when seeking moisturisers for dry skin. Korean beauty regimens focus on delivering moisture to the skin using both liquid and cream or gel products, some products penetrate deep into the skin to hydrate skin cells while others help form a barrier on top preventing loss of moisture. Replenishing and protecting the skins moisture can be done by smartly layering moisturisers for dry skin. Keep reading to know how different products work and how each one can help you address skin dryness.

Moisturisers For Dry Skin On The Body

Youve probably heard many times that you should pay as much attention to the skin on your body as you do to your face. This is not 100% true as facial skin is a lot less resilient than the skin on your body, but it doesnt mean that your body does not need care at all. If you dont usually use body lotions, butters or oils but spend a lot of time in air conditioned rooms then you may have dry skin. Your arms and legs also need soothing moisture, especially if you regularly wax or shave. Read on to know the types of body moisturizers available in India and to find the best body moisturizer for dry skin.

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What Were Looking For

A thick, goopy texture: Goopy and greasy creams and ointments are your best friend if you have dry skin, because they are oil-based, have a thicker consistency, and provide more hydration than lotions, says Noelani Gonzalez, the director of cosmetic dermatology at Mount Sinai West. You may be able to get away with using a lighter lotion in the summer, especially if it does have powerful hydrating ingredients, but typically for those who have year-round dryness or a condition like eczema, a thick moisturizer or ointment needs to be a staple in your routine.

Some extra-hydrating ingredients: Ideally, your moisturizer should also have a mixture of emollients, like ceramides, to repair the skin barrier, and humectants, like glycerin and hyaluronic acid, to draw and seal moisture into the skin. Theyre not necessarily required in order to have a high-functioning moisturizer especially if youre starting with an oil or petroleum base but they sure do help and are easy to find in lots of formulas.

How To Select The Best Moisturizers For Dry Skin

It can be overwhelming trying to choose the right moisturizer for dry skin, but the first step is determining the cause of your dryness. Is it due to aging, or is it caused by harsh weather conditions or specific skincare products? Once you have identified the source, you can select a moisturizer targeting those concerns. It also helps to consider ingredients such as hyaluronic acid , ceramides, and glycerin, which attract and retain moisture in the skin.

Next, take the guesswork out of the way by selecting a moisturizer specifically designed for dry skin. These moisturizers contain ingredients that help retain moisture and restore the skins natural barrier. If its not likely, it wont be hydrating enough.

Finally, pay attention to how your skin feels after using the product. If your skin feels tight or uncomfortable after using a moisturizer, it is probably not the right product for you. The best moisturizers will leave your skin soft and supple without any greasy residue.

Its important to remember that finding the ideal moisturizer may be a trial-and-error process, so dont be afraid to try out different options until you find what works best for your dry skin.

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