If you have dry skin, using the right moisturizer is a must. Here is what you need to know about choosing a dry skin-friendly moisturizer that will help you achieve and maintain a soft, supple, and glowing complexion.
Understanding Dry Skin
Dry skin produces less sebum (AKA the skin’s natural oil) compared to other skin types, and therefore lacks moisture. This skin type is particularly prone to feeling uncomfortably tight, especially after washing. People with this skin type often deal with rough dry patches, as well as skin flaking.
Given the fact that dry skin doesn’t have much natural moisture, the main goal of a skincare routine targeted towards this skin type is replenishing moisture levels to maintain a soft, supple complexion. At the same time, you need to make sure you’re giving the skin the support that it needs without further drying it out. Of course, a high-quality dry skin moisturizer is a critical part of a foundational routine.
Many with dry skin also face dehydration, which means the skin is lacking in water. With that in mind, it’s beneficial to use a moisturizer (as well as other products) made with both hydrating and moisturizing ingredients to keep the skin healthy and radiant.
How to Identify Your Skin Type
If you’re unsure of your skin type, there are a few factors you should assess to determine if you have dry skin. First of all, if you experience any of the tell-tale signs mentioned above (tightness after washing, dry patches, and/or flakiness), there’s a good chance you have dry skin.
To further confirm, you can also do a face wash test. Wash your face, and then leave it be (without applying any topicals) for half an hour. If your skin is feeling somewhat parched and there isn’t any oil coming through after that time period, you likely have dry skin. Otherwise, if you notice some excess sebum (particularly around your nose and forehead), you might have combination skin, rather than dry skin.
Essential Ingredients for Dry Skin
When it comes to choosing a moisturizer for dry skin, there are a few key ingredients that you should look out for. Ingredients that are especially beneficial for this skin type include:
Avoid Harsh Ingredients
While considering what ingredients to seek out is key, it’s equally as important to know what ingredients to avoid. Dry skin can be especially prone to being dried out and aggravated by harsh skincare ingredients, which means you need to be thoughtful about which products you add to your routine.
Moisturizers and other formulas made with high concentrations of ingredients known to aggravate the skin usually aren’t ideal for dry skin. Chemical exfoliants and retinoids are some of the top offenders. While beneficial to an extent, those with dry skin should use them conservatively.
Additionally, additives like parabens, phthalates, and sulfates can all be problematic for parched skin. With that in mind, it’s best to stick with clean formulas that are free of these irritants.
How to Choose the Best Skincare Products for Dry Skin
Keeping in mind what ingredients to look out for (as well as what ingredients you need to avoid) is key when seeking out a face moisturizer that will be suitable for your skin. If you’re looking for the best face cream for dry skin, one of the top products on the market is the Freedom Day & Night Moisturizer – a gentle anti-aging moisturizer.
Freedom contains some of the most effective ingredients for deeply hydrating, moisturizing, and nourishing the skin, including plant oils (like jojoba and coriander seed oils), collagen, aloe, and glycerin. The clean formula is also free of unnecessary additives that can aggravate dry skin.
While there are certainly challenges to caring for dry skin, by using a high-quality moisturizer that is suited to your skin’s needs, you’re putting yourself on the right track toward maintaining skin that both looks and feels soft, balanced, and healthy.
