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These moisturisers are like a water bottle for dry skin
We asked a derm how you should actually apply moisturiser to dry skin
If you've been using the same industrial-sized jar of moisturiser on dry skin and youâve not seen any results, it might be time to rethink your regimen.
We often get caught up in a âmore is moreâ approach when applying moisturiser, but while this may feel great on thirsty skin, itâs all about the type of cream you use, rather than the amount you apply.
Thereâs plenty to consider when shopping for the right formula. What texture is best? What are the good ingredients to look out for â and what are the bad ones too? Suddenly, the straightforward task of applying moisturiser just got a little more complicated.
Eager to discover the answers? We tapped up Dr Cristina Psomadakis (Dr. Soma) to pinpoint exactly what formula to look out for and the best way to apply it.
The best moisturisers for dry skin
What should you look for in a moisturiser for dry skin?
âA hydrating moisturiser should have a combination of ingredients that hydrate, draw in moisture and help to smooth the skin,â says Dr Soma.
Hyaluronic acid is, of course, here to aid hydration on every layer of the skin â rather than simply the surface â while ceramides reign above for their ability to boost your barrier. Dr Soma also says ingredients like glycerin and urea are beneficial for dry skin types as they attract and retain moisture.
âThe consistency is a personal preference,â says Dr Soma. If thick formulas donât appeal, you can still find all the nourishing ingredients you need inside a lighter lotion; however, try a rich cream if flakiness and sensitivity are real bugbears.
âI'd also recommend a fragrance-free formula so you reduce the risk of irritation or allergy that can come from added scents,â advises Dr Soma.
How should you apply a moisturiser to dry skin?
Sounds obvious, right? But for those of us with chronically dry skin, thereâs more to moisturising than slapping on a cream and hoping for the best.
âYou should use a moisturiser while the skin is still slightly damp,â says Dr Soma. Applying a hydrating facial mist or serum before your cream will ensure sustained moisture throughout the day and will prevent dehydration lines from appearing by noon.
âIf you have particularly dry and cracked areas you can use the occlusion technique,â says Dr Soma. âThis involves putting a thick ointment [she recommends the Eucerin body lotion] onto the areas that are particularly sore, covering with a glove or sock and allowing it to sit for 30 minutes to an hour,â she adds.
Again, it seems like an obvious question, but weâre often asked: âHow many times should you apply moisturiser?â Well, the answer depends on your skin type.
âAs standard, once a day is key and particularly after showering,â says Dr Soma. âHowever, for people with dry skin or a damaged barrier â and especially those with dry skin conditions such as eczema â they often need to moisturise 3+ times per day,â she adds.
So, where to start when finding the best face cream for your poor dry skin? Here, see the most effective hydrating formulas that have a place in our bathroom cupboard, and shop for your winner.
BTW, our Special Beauty Bible dedicated to all things skincare is on newsstands on the 27th of August. Donât miss your chance to grab our beauty bible full of helpful tips and product recs for now to keep forever.
How do we test moisturisers?
When it comes to our carefully curated moisturiser recommendations, we considered a lot of factors from ingredients, product specs and most importantly, our own experience with each and every one. Some of our product suggestions have been favourites of ours for well over a year, whilst others made their way into our hearts in more recent months.
With so many moisturiser recommendations on the market, our list solely focuses on moisturisers that have helped to soothe and keep our dry skin at bay. The price point varies between each product but whether you're looking for a budget-friendly suggestion or fancy a bit of a splurge, we've included moisturisers for all price points.
If you're currently on the hunt for a new moisturiser to help tackle dry skin or keen to update your current rotation, we've got some great suggestions below that you won't want to miss.
The best moisturisers for dry skin...
Clare Stephenson is a Beauty Ecommerce Writer for Cosmopolitan, Womenâs Health, Red and Good Housekeeping, covering all things makeup, skincare and hair care, as well as deals events including Black Friday and Amazon Prime Day.
Clare has been an ecommerce writer since 2022, writing matter-of-fact reviews such as deep dives into skin concerns and shopping pages filled with her favourite products for every budget and need.
Before working at Hearst UK, she received a BA degree in Multimedia Journalism at Bournemouth University, focusing her studies on the world of magazines and editorial. From there, she worked as an editorial assistant at Voir Fashion Magazine, covering events like Fashion Week and interviewing reputable brand founders, including Rea Ann Silva creator of Beautyblender.
When sheâs not testing the latest and greatest products, you can find Clare sifting through vintage clothing stores in the city or horseback riding in the countryside.
Follow Clare on Instagram @clarefrancesstephenson.
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