Winter is here! And so is dry, flaky skin. The easiest and most effective way to combat dry skin is to use the right moisturizer. Most people can easily remedy their dry skin by adjusting their moisturizing routine. But with hundreds of products available, where do you even begin? To help you decide, we asked dermatologist Dr. Hend Soliman to give us her opinion on the best lotion for dry skin. Here’s what she told us.
How do you identify your skin type?
According to Dr. Hend Soliman, determining your skin type is a simple but important step in every person’s skin care routine. While most people already have an idea of their skin type, for those who don’t yet, we have an amazing and effective method to determine your skin type in less time. And once you’ve answered the question “how do I know my skin type?” you’re ready to take care of your skin according to its type!
- Start by washing your face with a gentle cleanser.
- Pat it dry and do not apply any products.
- Leave it bare for about 30 minutes, then begin your skin test. Do you feel a slight tightness in your skin, especially if you make faces or smile? Or is your T-zone starting to glow?
- We suggest you wait another 30 minutes and examine your skin again.
Dr. Hend Soliman explains the difference between skin types:
1- Dry skin: If your skin feels tight when you smile, you most likely have dry skin.
2- Normal skin: If you notice a slight shine on your nose and forehead, your skin is normal.
3- Oily skin: If your nose, forehead, and cheeks are very shiny, your skin is probably oily.
4- Combination skin: If you have combination skin, your skin will be oily around the T-zone.
5- Sensitive Skin: If your skin is a little irritated or red, you most likely have sensitive skin.
How does a moisturizer work and what does it contain?
Moisturizers draw moisture from the environment and hold it inside the skin, keeping it hydrated and soft. They stimulate the production of ceramides in the body, preventing water loss from the top layer of the skin.
They contain:
1- Water
Most moisturizers are oil-in-water emulsions. This is because oil helps to retain water in your skin.
2- Humectants
Humectants are supposed to attract moisture from the environment and stick to the skin. However, in extremely dry climates, humectants can end up drawing water from inside the body, contributing to dryness. This is why most humectants are used with emollients.
3- Emollients
Their purpose is to smooth the skin.
4- Vitamins A, E, and C
These vitamins help to improve the health of the skin. Most moisturizers contain them to improve overall texture.
What ingredients should you look for in a moisturizing lotion for dry skin?
1- Antioxidants
Antioxidants help soothe dry skin and maintain overall skin health. They prevent premature aging, fine lines and enhance texture. It is ideal to choose a moisturizing lotion for extremely dry skin loaded with antioxidants.
Some antioxidants that help relieve dry skin are vitamin E, lycopene, and niacinamide. Other antioxidants that can help you with dry skin include vitamin C, vitamin A, resveratrol, green tea, and curcumin.
2- Emollients
Emollients lubricate the skin and make it smoother. They come in the form of creams, ointments, and lotions. If you have dry skin, it is recommended to use a cream because of its thick consistency.
Creams also contain more oil than lotions. They soften your skin and improve its texture. Some useful emollients for treating dry skin are shea butter, fatty acids, and multiple flower oils.
Emollients like mineral oil, beeswax, olive oil, kerosene, and vegetable oils are also essential ingredients in moisturizers for dry skin.
3- Humectants
Humectants draw moisture from the environment to the skin. However, heavy emollients combined with humectants are a good option for dry skin. Emollients prevent water from evaporating.
Humectants, in dry climates, are able to draw water out of the deep layers of the skin. This can lead to dehydration of the skin. If you have dry skin, the best option is to purchase heavy, oil-based moisturizers.
Look for these humectants before purchasing a moisturizer: Glycerin, propylene glycol, and urea. Other effective humectants include silicones, hyaluronic acid, and aloe vera.
4- SPF
Get a moisturizer with sun protection properties. SPF is essential to protect you from further sun damage. If you only wear a moisturizer and go out in the sun without protection, moisturizer alone can’t do much!
5- Skin Replenishing Ingredients
These ingredients enrich the top layer of the skin to keep it hydrated. They replenish the components lost from the skin’s surface, keeping it soft and moist.
- Ceramides
Ceramides improve the skin’s barrier function, preventing water loss.
- Glycerol
Glycerol is used to moisturize the skin and improve its elasticity and texture.
Other skin-replenishing ingredients include phospholipids, and cholesterol.
Here are the top moisturizing products that keep your skin type soft and silky all year round.
For the face:
Ducray Ictyane Hydra UV Light Face Cream SPF 30
To be applied only in the morning.
Eau Thermale Avène Hydrance Aqua-Gel
To be applied in the morning and evening.
Eau Thermale Avène Hydrance Rich Hydrating Cream
To be applied in the morning and evening.
For the body:
Ducray Ictyane Hydrating Body Lotion
Eau Thermale Avène TriXera Nutrition Nutri-Fluid Lotion
What are some tips for choosing the right moisturizer for dry skin?
For dry skin, opt for a heavier moisturizer and look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid and dimethicone, which help keep the skin hydrated.
According to Dr. Hend Soliman, it’s hard to choose a good moisturizer for your skin, but by considering the following tips, you’ll be able to care for your skin and find the best moisturizer for you. Here’s what she recommends:
- Use more than one moisturizer (if necessary). No one needs a closet full of moisturizers. But a thin lotion for your face and a thick cream for your body can be great for skin care.
- Apply your moisturizer while your skin is wet. Apply it a few minutes after bathing or showering, then pat your skin dry.
- Make your moisturizer do double duty. Want to even out your skin tone? Look for a tinted moisturizer that matches your skin tone.
Some people wonder if drinking water can actually help treat dry skin. Dr. Hend Soliman explains that while proper hydration is important for your overall health, it’s not clear that drinking more water will affect skin hydration in healthy people. If the outermost layer of the epidermis does not contain enough water, the skin loses elasticity and becomes rough. However, despite this link, no study shows that drinking more water has an impact on skin hydration or appearance.
Last Updated on February 16, 2024
