Now that winter is officially here, we can guess that your skin is feeling the effects of strong heaters, very cold temperatures, and harsh wind. If our guess is right, buying a good moisturizer for dry skin is the best beauty choice you can make this season to address problems like dryness, flakes, and irritation. And don’t just trust me on this. As our beauty editor in New York City, I talked to four dermatologists who are certified by boards about moisturizers for dry skin.
The doctors agree that these essential products are perfect for making sure your skin stays healthy and happy not only during this winter season but also in the future.
Great Moisturizers for Dry Skin
Top Pick: SkinMedica Dermal Repair Cream
Affordable Choice: Gold Bond Healing Sensitive Daily Body & Face Lotion
Ideal for Sensitive Skin: First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream Intense Hydration
Top Pick with SPF: Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizer SPF 50
Most Reviews on Amazon: Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream
Top Petroleum Jelly: Amazon Basics Petroleum Jelly
What to Think About
IMPORTANT INGREDIENTS
According to certified dermatologist Dr. Stacey Tull, M.D., besides the changes in seasons, dry skin happens when our skin loses its wetness. This makes skin cells unable to stick together, causing them to flake off. Her suggestion? Pay close attention to the ingredients in your chosen moisturizer for dry skin.
“Humectants like hyaluronic acid and glycerin attract moisture to keep the skin sealed. Emollients make the skin slippery, while occlusives slow down moisture evaporation. Moisturizer ingredients like lanolin, ceramides, and dimethicone work as both emollients and occlusives,” explains Dr. Tull.
Dermatologist Dr. Mona Gohara, M.D., who is certified by a board, says that all moisturizers are made to keep the skin hydrated. But if you have dry skin, you need even more hydration. She really likes moisturizer ingredients like hyaluronic acid, antioxidants, and peptides. These ingredients help keep the moisture in and stop the skin from losing hydration.
“When dealing with dry skin, I look for things that add moisture, keep that moisture in, and make the skin smooth. The best product will have things like glycerin, shea butter, and petrolatum, which are humectants, emollients, and occlusives,” says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Laura Scott, M.D. If your skin is itchy (hello to my fellow friends prone to eczema), go for something with aloe vera or oat.
Other dry skin ingredients that dermatologists Dr. Angela Lamb, M.D., and Dr. Sapna Palep, M.D., recommend are occlusives like petrolatum to stop the skin from losing water. Palep says hydrating ingredients like glycerin, dimethicone, and ceramides are important. They attract and keep moisture, making the skin’s barrier strong and protective.
DRY SKIN NEEDS LOTS OF MOISTURE
Paleup suggests that if you have dry skin, use a cream that is thick and rich. This will give more moisture and stop water from leaving your skin. It’s better than using a lighter or gel-cream, which is more suitable for people with oily, acne-prone, or combination skin.
SENSITIVE SKIN
Lastly, Scott suggests thinking about any sensitivities your skin might have. “It’s just as important to know what is not in it. It shouldn’t have fragrances, dyes, or other things that can cause allergies, especially since dry skin can be extra sensitive,” she says.
How We Picked
Here’s some good news: All these moisturizers for dry skin got the thumbs up from the four doctors in this story.
What does that mean for you?
It means you can be confident that their recommendations are good! They are all certified dermatologists, and I really trust their advice on everything related to skincare, including moisturizers for dry skin. After talking with the experts, I looked into their choices to understand why these are all great options. So, keep reading to find the moisturizer that gives you the softest, smoothest, and happiest skin ever.
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