What are the best moisturizers for seriously dry skin?
In the hotter summer months, my skin ain’t that picky. Any lightweight lotion will do. But as soon as the chilly winds roll around, my skin shows sign of cracking.
It feels a little tighter in the afternoon. It gets red (and not in that cute blushing way) more easily. It may even get itchy.
Maybe you’re dealing with that on a daily basis. If your skin’s naturally dry, prone to sensitivities, or subject to excess exfoliation, finding a moisturiser that gets the job done feels like looking for that elusive needle in a haystack.
Fret not, here are the best moisturiser for seriously dry skin (no matter the cause):
Best For Anti-Aging: Paula’s Choice Resist Intensive Repair Cream ($33.00)
Paula’s Choice Resist Intensive Repair Cream is loaded with every antioxidant you can think of. These smart molecules patrol your body, looking for free radicals (the nasty buggers that give you wrinkles and dark spots) to destroy. Retinol goes a step further: it also boosts the production of collagen, the protein that keeps skin firm. If you’ve never used it before, be warned: it’s harsh on the skin and can cause dryness and irritation. Luckily, this cream is so rich, its moisturizing mojo will counteract the worst side effects.
P.S. If you’re already using a retinol serum, you do NOT need retinol in your moisturizer, too.
Available at: Dermstore, Nordstrom, and Paula’s Choice
Related: The Complete Guide To Retinol: What It Is, What It Does, And How To Use It
Best For Sensitive Skin: Bioderma Sensibio AR ($24.90)
Got dry skin so sensitive, anything will trigger a rash? Bioderma Sensibio AR got your covered. Its blend of non-fragrant oils deeply moisturises skin, leaving it soft and supple for hours. Plus, it has its fair share of soothing ingredients, like ginkgo and green tea, that calm down redness and irritations. While they’re at it, they also help you fight off free radicals before they give you premature wrinkles. Did I mention it’s fragrance-free, too?
Available at: Dermstore, Escentual, Feel Unique, and Revolve
Related: My Full Review Of Bioderma Sensibio AR
Best For Repairing A Broken Skin’s Barrier: Paula’s Choice Omega+ Complex Moisturiser ($35.00)
You’ll know if your protective skin’s barrier has broken down all over the place, trust me. Your face feels tight and dry all the time. It easily turns redder than a lobster. It itches like crazy and everything seems to irritate it. In the worse case scenario, even putting on moisturizer with the slightest touch is enough to make you cry. What’s a girl supposed to do? Paula’s Choice Omega+ Complex Moisturiser is loaded with ceramides, fatty acids, and natural oils – all substances that naturally make up your skin’s protective barrier. When you put them back into your skin, they patch up any holes in your barrier, making your skin softer and healthier again. Bonus points: it sinks in quickly, too.
Available at: Dermstore, Look Fantastic, Nordstrom, and Paula’s Choice
Related: How To Repair A Broken Protective Barrier (And Why It Matters)
Best On A Budget: The Inkey List Turmeric Face Moisturizer ($12.99)
Packed with squalane and coconut oil, The Inkey List Turmeric Face Moisturizer has a super moisturizing, yet lightweight, formula that keeps skin soft, supple, and perfectly hydrated for hours on end. Plus, the combination of turmeric and oats is very soothing for the skin. It helps calm down redness and irritation. That’s pretty much it. It’s a simple formula, but gets the job done well without breaking the bank.
Available at: Asos, Cult Beauty, and Feel Unique
Related: The Complete Guide To The Inkey List Moisturizers: Which One Is Right For You?
Best For All Skin Types: CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion ($15.99)
What if you have normal/oilier skin that gets drier in winter? You can switch to a heavier moisturizer during the colder months. Or you can get your hands on CeraVe PM Facial Moisturising Lotion and use it all year round. What makes it so versatile? Instead than oils, it uses barrier-boosting ingredients like ceramides and niacinamide to protect skin from harsh weather, germs, and anything else that’s trying to harm it. Plus, the lightweight texture sinks quickly in the skin, without leaving a greasy residue behind.
Available at: Dermstore, Feel Unique, and Ulta
Related: Are Ceramides The Key To Healthy Skin?
What do you think are the best moisturisers for seriously dry skin? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
