The best moisturizer for dry skin help rehydrate and increase the ability of the skin to hold water. Though every stage in your skincare routine is important, people with dry skin types need to focus more on the moisturizing phase to prevent flaking. However, not all moisturizers will be effective for skin that is extremely dry. A light lotion-type moisturizer just won’t do, especially if you’ve reached the cracked, scaly stage of dry skin; you actually need that really thick cream to comfort your skin. The best moisturizer, however, can rehydrate dry skin, calm inflammation, and recover rough texture. Here is the list of the 7 best moisturizers for dry skin.
Moisturizer- What is it and how does it work?
Face Moisturizers bring moisture into the skin, not just to its surfaces. They might be in the form of lotions, creams ointments, and gel. Lotions are preferable for normal to slightly dry skin since they are lighter and less oily. However, creams are best for too dry or sensitive skin since they offer a thicker barrier to keep your skin hydrated. Gels, like petroleum jelly, or ointments, keep skin hydrated by sealing moisture in.
Face moisturizers function in two ways: either they temporarily lock in moisture or they restore moisture that has been lost in the skin’s outer layer. There are different classes of ingredients in moisturizers: Occlusives– which form a protective seal; Humectants– which pull in water from deeper skin layers; Emollients– which fill in cracks and roughness, thus soothing your skin; and Barrier-repair ingredients, like ceramides- replace natural fats and skin conditioners- helping the skin barrier to function properly.
Many products in the market are formulated with or without the combination of these ingredients, so it’s best to choose a moisturizer based on your skin type or skin concern.
How to choose the moisturizer for dry skin
The majority of cream-based moisturizers for dry skin have a thicker consistency. It’s up to you if you want to avoid fragrances or use only natural ingredients. Alcohol, perfume, dye, and other additives can irritate dry skin which may further lead to dryness. Consider purchasing items with the hydrating components like glycerin. The most crucial factor is that the product should be with high-quality ingredients that is unique to your skin conditions. Finding the items that work best for you could need some trial and error. Moisturizers containing ceramides, aquaporins and hyaluronic acid may help to reduce dermatitis, redness, and wrinkles.
Our Top Picks for Best Moisturizer for Dry Skin
1. CeraVe Moisturizing Cream for Dry skin
There is no better choice than this, this moisturizing cream is one of the top-rated product in the market. This is formulated with hyaluronic acid, which locks in moisture, and three different kinds of ceramides that act in concert to prevent dryness on the body and face. Also, you don’t need to use it rarely because it comes in a huge sizable tub. Just scoop out the quantity you want and apply it to your dry skin. Wash your hands before using it to prevent contaminating the cream with dirty fingers in order to maintain it as clean as possible.
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, Ceramides
2. La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer
This trusted moisturizer is really a good value for money. It’s a great choice to use since it absorbs quickly, feels light on the skin, and doesn’t leave a greasy shine. With the formulation of La Roche-Posay thermal water (a calming antioxidant), ceramide-3 (retain your skin’s moisture), niacinamide (a brightener), and glycerin (a hydrator), it guarantees all-day hydration while repairing the skin barrier. Additionally, it is a fragrance-free and non-comedogenic moisturizer containing SPF 30 (Sun Protection Factor).
Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, Glycerin, Ceramides, Prebiotic thermal water
3. Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel Moisturizer
Spending money on face products may get too expensive over time. That’s why this neutrogena moisturizer is so popular since it is affordable. For flaking, red, or irritated skin, its cooling gel mix feels incredibly calming. If you’ve ever experienced painfully dry skin, you understand how wonderful it is to feel something cold. Also, it absorbs quite rapidly, so it eliminates dry skin quickly, and it doesn’t leave a greasy or sticky sensation.
Since its is non-comedogenic and oil-free, it is also good choice for people with acne-prone skin. Humectants comprise hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and dimethiconol, a type of silicone that offers a skin a smooth feel.
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, glycerin
4. Vanicream Moisturizing Skin Cream
A rich, silky moisturizing lotion that supports restoring and maintaining a healthy level of moisture. Helps soothe skin that is red, inflamed, cracked, or itching. Even on the most fragile skin, it is as effective as it is kind. Excellent moisturizing solution for dry skin caused by psoriasis, and eczema. It’s free of parabens, and fragrances that commonly irritate dry, sensitive skin. It is formulated with ceramides, which reinforce the skin barrier and seal in moisture.
Key Ingredients: Glycolic acid, Ceramides
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5. CeraVe AM Moisturizing Facial Lotion
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizer is a morning routine skincare lotion, with 3 important ceramides that help lock in skin moisture and restores your skin barrier. It also has the hydrator hyaluronic acid, and soothing agent niacinamide, and offers broad-spectrum sunscreen, with SPF 30 (Sun Protection Factor). Since it is non-comedogenic and won’t clog pores, it’s ideal for all skin types.
Note: CeraVe Moisturizing Facial Lotion come with two option one AM and PM where AM is the morning routine moisturizer and PM for the night. Choose as per your need.
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, Niacinamide and Ceramides.
6. Aveeno Sheer Hydration Daily Moisturizing Lotion
This sheer hydration body lotion quickly absorbs and deeply hydrates dry skin for 24 hours. This fragrance-free composition, which contains soothing oat, nourishes the skin and leaves it feeling light and airy.
Key Ingredients: Glycerin, Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Flour
7. Neutriderm Moisturizing Lotion
Neutriderm Moisturizer is soft, non-greasy, gentle on the skin, and formulated with a pleasant fragrance. Along with dry skin, it is an excellent moisturizing option for other skin types like oily, sensitive, and acne-prone skin as well. Neutriderm’s Special Vitamin E enters deeper into the skin and releases its benefits for a longer time.
Note: It’s not fragrance-free
Key Ingredients: Vitamin E