Best skin care for dry skin: Ingredients to avoid in top moisturisers
We all know the importance of a good moisturiser especially when our skin is feeling extra dry. This is what you should be checking the label for.
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Let’s talk about irritated, red, itchy and dry skin.
Whether it’s because you’re living in constant heating, went too rough with an exfoliator or suffer from a constant case of thirsty skin, the culprit could be hiding in your skincare collection.
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Speaking to news.com.au, principal dermatologist at Specialist Dermatology Surgery & Laser, Dr Adam Sheridan says that while dry skin is often the result of factors like your environment, genetics and age, things like reduced outdoors activity, airconditioning and an “unforgiving skin care regimen” can also contribute.
“Such elements are then further compounded by any tendencies towards inflammatory skin conditions, like atopic dermatitis, and those that compromise the natural skin barrier,” he adds.
“A compromised skin barrier predisposes one to dry skin through accelerated moisture loss and a reduced ability to retain moisture.”
Luckily, there are a few simple skincare product fixes we can make to our routines.
WHAT INGREDIENTS SHOULD YOUR MOISTURISER CONTAIN?
Ideally, Dr Sheridan says an effective moisturiser will contain ingredients that add moisture (emollients) and seal in existing hydration (humectants and occludents).
“Good emollients are liquid paraffin and natural oils. A classic humectant is glycerine,” he says.
So if you want to give dry, angry and inflamed skin the boot, here are the key words to look out for when you’re making your next moisturiser buy.
Fragrance-free moisturisers:
For those with sensitive skins, fragrance should be a key ingredient you avoid, says Dr Sheridan. Not only are they an “unnecessary additive,” they can also cause irritation, redness and itching in people with sensitive and dry skins.
There are, however, lots of moisturisers that don’t contain the ingredient.
La Roche-Posay, Toleriane Ultra Overnight Sensitive Moisturiser, $41.95
Clinique, Moisture Surge 72-Hour Auto-Replenishing Hydrator, $85 for 70mL
Sukin, Sensitive Facial Moisturiser, $11.49
Glycerine:
Also known as glycerin or glycerol, this classic humectant works to rehydrate the skin while protecting it from moisture loss and environmental irritants. It’s also non-comedogenic which means it won’t clog your pores and is a great option for acne-prone skin.
Dr Hauschka, Revitalising Day Cream, $49
Paula’s Choice, Super Hydrate Overnight Mask, $42 (currently $33.60)
The Body Shop, Vitamin E Intense Moisture Cream, $28
Natural oils:
For an intense dose of nourishment, finish your skincare routine by massaging a few drops of face oil into your skin. Not only will your little DIY facial improve absorption, the added blood circulation also reduces puffiness and increases brightness and glow.
As for which oil to pick, antioxidant-rich jojoba oil is a wonder ingredient that mimics the natural oils found in human skin. This means it’s easier for the moisture to penetrate your face and it can help with balancing oily skin too.
Squalane oil is another buzzy ingredient you’ve probably heard a lot about. The easily absorbed oil was once derived from shark liver but is now extracted from sources like olive oil, sugar cane and wheat germ and is fantastic for boosting softness and improving texture.
If you don’t love the feeling of oil on your skin, something with a lightweight formula like Clarin’s Blue Orchid Face Treatment Oil can also be mixed with your existing moisturiser to give it a hydrating boost.
The Jojoba Company, Jojoba Oil, $19.95
Indie Lee, Squalane Facial Oil, $49 for 30mL
Clarins, Blue Orchid Face Treatment Oil, $57
Cult favourites:
Laneige, Water Sleeping Mask, $44
A much-loved Korean beauty favourite, Laneige’s sleeping mask works while your snoozing, ensuring that you wake up with plump, glowing and super hydrated skin. You can either use it underneath your toner and serums or just whack it on as a one-step night-time skincare routine – perfect for lazy nights when you’re just not bothered.
Weleda, Skin Food, $14.95 (currently $11.81)
Loved by celebrities like Victoria Beckham, Adele and Julia Roberts, a tube of Weleda’s Skin Food sells every 16 seconds. It’s made with a formula of heavy-hitting emollients like lanolin and beeswax and has even been likened to the cult-famous (and dizzyingly expensive) Crème de la Mer. Just a word of warning: it is intensely moisturising and the texture can be a bit greasy for some. For a formulation that’s a touch lighter consider the Weleda, Skin Food Light, $24.95.
Embryolisse, Lait-Crème Concentré Moisturiser, $38
A makeup artist and French beauty staple, not only is this sumptuous face cream a great moisturiser, it also works as a hydrating face mask, primer and cream makeup remover. It’s been used by generations of French women since 1950 and is rich in aloe, shea butter and liquid paraffin.
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