Managing dry skin is a serious struggle. But you can easily say goodbye to dry skin problems by adopting a good skin care routine. And a good skin care routine starts with a high-quality moisturizer. The problem is that there are many products on the market that claim to work like magic on your dry skin, but it’s hard to know which one will work. In this article from The Dermo Lab and in collaboration with the dermatologist and cosmetologist Dr. Dani Tawili, we’ve rounded up the best dry skin care products.
Read on!
How can dry skin occur?
A lack of moisture can lead to skin that feels dry and rough to the touch, as well as the appearance of a tired or dull complexion. The factors that can influence skin hydration may vary. According to Dr. Dani Tawili, dry skin can occur due to genetics or exogenous factors such as sun exposure, dry climate, and dirt.
- Sun exposure:
Skin exposed to the sun can gradually lose its moisture and essential oils, resulting in a dry, flaky, and prematurely wrinkled appearance, even in younger people.
- Dry climate:
Dr. Dani Tawili explains that dry air can damage the skin barrier, leading to deep water loss and dry skin.
- Dirt:
Small particles of dirt damage the skin’s protective top layer, making it vulnerable to moisture loss. As a result, it loses its flexibility and may crack.
So it’s crucial to keep your skin moisturized, regardless of your background or skin type.
What are the signs and symptoms of dry skin?
Dry skin on the face
Dry skin on the face is embarrassing and can make a person look older. Dryness usually appears on the cheeks/jowls and around the eyes. Lips often become dry as well, especially in winter.
Dry skin on the body
Dry skin on the body can appear anywhere, but it is most common on areas of the body such as the hands, feet, and shins which are frequently exposed to external factors aggravating the condition.
Initially, when the skin begins to lose moisture, it feels tight and rough. If the dryness is not treated and the skin continues to lose moisture, it becomes. :
- Very tight
- Flaky
- Itchy
Certain areas of the body – including the hands, feet, elbows, and knees – are prone to the following symptoms:
- Extreme tightness
- Extreme roughness
- Cracks in the skin
- Intense itching
How to take care of dry skin with the best dry skin care products?
Dry skin happens. Sometimes our natural lipid barrier is disrupted, which means moisture escapes and skin becomes rough, flaky, and irritated. Our tips for helping dry skin? Adopt a skin care routine for dry skin that will help provide your skin with the moisture it needs to replenish the barrier. Here’s where to start:
1- Cleanse gently
To cleanse dry or very dry skin, the cleanser must be effective but gentle enough not to strip the skin of its lipids.
Harsh soap-based cleansers can strip your skin of its natural oils, leaving it dry and tight. Look for cleansers that don’t contain artificial fragrances, dyes, or harsh chemicals that can irritate your skin. Also try to avoid showers that are too hot, which can strip away good oils and dehydrate your skin.
Another tip? When you rinse, use lukewarm water – or better yet, cool water if you can stand it! And when you dry off, pat, do not rub, to avoid further irritation.
Below we’ve rounded up the two best cleansers that will relieve dry skin and the problems that can accompany it, such as flaking, itching, or rough skin.
Ducray Ictyane Cleansing Shower Cream
Eau Thermale Avène TriXéra Nutrition Nutri-Fluid Cleansing Gel
2- Moisturize your dry skin
Moisturizing should be part of your daily skin care routine. If you tend to have dry skin, make sure you moisturize every day, not just when your skin becomes dry. Reinforcing the integrity of the skin barrier over time by regularly moisturizing your skin will help you maintain its natural moisture and balance so it doesn’t dry out so easily. Whenever possible, try to choose a dry skin cream that contains “skin-like” ingredients, as they are likely to restore your skin’s natural barrier function as effectively as possible.
When purchasing skin care products, people with dry skin will benefit from specific ingredients. Choose those that leave your skin feeling plump and nourished. The best nourishing creams are the ones offering long-lasting moisture. According to Dr. Dani Tawili, you should look for ingredients such as lanolin, petrolatum, liquid kerosene, cocoa butter, shea butter, silicone oil, and castor oil.
Ceramides are another important ingredient, as they are an integral part of the skin’s outermost layer, the stratum corneum. Ceramides are natural fats, also known as lipids, that form the essential lipid bilayer structure of your skin.
As for ingredients to avoid, you’ll want to stay away from anything irritating, harsh, or likely to strip the skin or aggravate the skin barrier. It’s important to avoid most acids, especially salicylic and glycolic acid, benzoyl peroxide, and over-the-counter retinols in any form when your skin is dry. These ingredients can further dehydrate your skin and make it even more chapped, rough and sensitive.
We’ve listed some of our favorite moisturizing products to bring dull, dehydrated skin back to life.
Ducray Ictyane Hydra UV Light Face Cream SPF 30: Apply in the morning.
Eau Thermale Avène Hydrance Aqua-Gel: Apply in the morning and evening after cleansing.
Eau Thermale Avène Hydrance Rich Hydrating Cream: Apply in the morning and evening after cleansing.
Dr. Dani Tawili notes that if your skin is dry, you should use a day and night moisturizer. If you are looking for a specific night cream, we recommend the following product from Ducray.
Ducray Ictyane Night Regenerating Night Care
3- Avoid contributing factors
In addition to a good cleansing and moisturizing routine, it is essential to avoid factors that contribute to dry skin.
- Avoid exposure to dry air by spending less time outside in hot and cold weather. We also recommend you use a humidifier when the heat is on.
- Reduce time spent in hot water and take quick showers rather than long baths.
- Use gloves to wash dishes to avoid hot water and strong detergents.
- Wear clothes made of natural materials like cotton and silk which do not irritate the skin. Wool is natural but can be irritating, so avoid direct contact.
- Try to use a detergent without dyes or perfumes, as these can stick to clothes after washing and irritate dry skin.
- Use skin care products that are free of alcohol, perfumes, and dyes to avoid irritation.
- Make sure you drink adequate amounts of fluids.
Dry skin can be irritating. But with the best dry skin care products and tips, it can be easily treated.
Last Updated on February 16, 2024
