When you have dry skin, moisturizing becomes an integral part of your skincare routine. Without it, your skin can easily flake, tighten, and quickly age. For some, dry skin isn’t just uncomfortable, it can be painful.
A moisturizer will replenish your skin with the necessary hydration to prevent these common skin conditions. Dry skin and wrinkles certainly go hand in hand, but before you reach for that anti-aging cream, let's talk about the type of moisturizer you're using. The right moisturizer can do wonders for your skin, hiding lines, creases, and other signs of aging.
No two moisturizers are the same. If your skin is severely dry, you likely won’t benefit from a lightweight product. There are certain ingredients and textures that aid in not only rehydration but also retaining moisture. So, what is the best moisturizer for dry skin? Here is what dermatologists recommend.
Moisturizers Have 3 Main Categories
A quick browse through your local drug store or beauty store will inform you that not all moisturizers are the same. They range from thick creams, like our Ultra Rich Daily Face Moisturizer to thin gels. With all the different types on the market, you’d probably be surprised that moisturizers can be divided into one of three categories:
- Humectants
- Occlusives
- Emollients
Humectants draw water into the skin from their surroundings and retain moisture. Popular types of humectants found in skincare products include glycerin, hyaluronic acid, salicylic acid, and AHAs.
Occlusives are oil-based that create a barrier over the skin to prevent water loss. Essentially, occlusives are designed to retain moisture within the skin. Petroleum jelly and squalene are two types of occlusives. Oils, such as jojoba, castor, and argan, and types of butter like shea and cocoa are also occlusives.
Emollients work like humectants and occlusives. They hydrate and retain moisture. Some examples of emollients include lanolin, mineral oil, and dimethicone. You'll also notice that some emollients are also considered occlusives.
An ideal moisturizer for dry skin will contain one of each substance.
What Should You Look for in a Moisturizer?
When searching for the best moisturizer for dry skin, consider ingredients and texture. In terms of texture, dry skin thrives on:
- Goopy/greasy creams and ointments – these textures may not sound appealing, but oil-based products with a thick consistency supply sufficient hydration to the skin. They are perfect for severely dehydrated skin where cracking has occurred. It is also ideal for skin conditions, such as eczema.
- An oil and water base - The oil base will supplement your skin’s low oil production and replenish the skin with necessary hydration – dry skin needs moisture but doesn’t often create enough oil to do the job on its own. Oil bases, like petroleum jelly, seal in moisture and protect the skin from daily environmental stressors. If you don’t want an oil base, water-based moisturizers are the next best option.
When you’re looking for ingredients, make sure they are hydrating. We recommend a combination of emollients and humectants to draw in and retain moisture.
Try Ultra Rich Daily Face Moisturizer by Routine 10
Why do we recommend this moisturizer for people struggling with dry skin? Simple: it contains humectants, occlusives, and emollients. Let’s break down the benefits of a few ingredients in the Ultra Rich Daily Face Moisturizer.
Aloe Vera (Humectant): Aloe Vera, also known as Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, draws moisture from the air to hydrate the skin.
Shea Butter (Occlusive): This luscious ingredient works double-time, by softening the skin and retaining moisture: the natural moisture your body produces, and the moisture humectants draw in from their surroundings.
Watermelon Seed Oil (Emollient): Oils are super emollients for dry skin. They perform a similar function as occlusives, but their goal is to soften dry skin.
If you’re struggling with dry skin and you feel like it’s a losing the battle, try the Ultra Rich Daily Face Moisturizer today. Apply a generous layer morning and night for a hydrating boost of moisture.
