Find your new complexion saviour with our one of the best moisturiser for dry skin buys
Dry skin is the worst. Flaky bits appear out of nowhere and feels tight. And if it’s really dry and sensitive, it can also be painful and sore. So using the best moisturiser for dry skin is super important to keep it comfortable and happy. Any old cream just won’t cut it.
What causes dry skin?
Dry skin signifies an issue with the skin barrier, so you need a cream that will help to replenish lost moisture and fill in the gaps to restore optimal function. Temporary dryness may be caused by a number of factors. Cold and dry weather, over-washing (think about your hands during the pandemic) and hormonal changes may all contribute to a complexion that feels tight and drier than the Sahara Desert. If your actual skin type is dry, however, it’s most likely determined by your genetics or even an underlying skin condition.
What makes a moisturiser ideal for dry skin?
These differ vastly from the best moisturisers for oily skin. Applied after your best face serums, they’re developed with ingredients like hyaluronic acid (which can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water), fortifying hydrators and soothing ingredients. These clever formulas can also attract moisture from the environment, drawing it deep into your dermis. They also defend your skin’s protective barrier against environmental aggressors such as pollution, which then helps to lock in moisture. ‘Choose a good quality light moisturiser that soaks in readily, rather than just sitting on the surface of the skin,’ advises Dr Ross Perry, cosmetic doctor and managing director of Cosmedics Skin Clinics.
‘Try a rich emollient cream as this will soften and smooth out any flakiness on a dry face whilst adding in that much-needed moisture boost,’ adds consultant dermatologist Dr Anjali Mahto. ‘If in any doubt, speak to a dermatologist, GP or sales assistant to find the perfect moisturiser to suit your individual needs. There is no one size fits all when it comes to skincare.’
But there’s more to keeping your skin hydrated than simply applying moisturiser. One of the common causes of dry patches is dead cells adhering to your skin, so invest in the best cleanser that contains gentle exfoliating ingredients to break down the bonds holding those dead skin cells together. Follow this with the best toner for your dry complexion, which will boost hydration and your moisturiser will then sink into your skin better and be as effective as it possibly can.
And then when it comes to make-up, finish off with one of the best foundations for dry skin to keep your complexion looking healthy and glowing throughout the day. Scroll through for our round-up of the best moisturiser for dry skin to help you find one that suits your budget and lifestyle.
The best moisturisers for dry skin 2022
As a team, we have tested all of the below moisturisers to find the best that help to tackle dry patches, tightness and the inevitable dullness that comes with parched skin. But how did we test? Well, we took everything into consideration. The texture – you want a cream that will instantly soothe, but also not feel too heavy on the skin. The formula – does it hydrate all day long or is your skin in need of a boost after lunch? And of course, we looked at the price.
Let’s find your new moisturiser, shall we?