What’s even more frustrating than having dry, cracked, and flaky skin?
When your moisturizer doesn’t do much to help!
If this sounds like a problem you face, you’re not alone, and we’re here to help! There’s actually more to it than just grabbing a bottle of lotion off the shelf in the store and using it. By re-examining the steps of your skincare routine and researching what type of moisturizer is best for your skincare needs, you’ll have your skin feeling touchably smooth in no time.
Why is my skin so dry even when I moisturize?
With so much moisturizer, what could possibly be the reason you still have dry skin?
Check it out here.
Over-exfoliating
We’re always hearing about how exfoliation is good for our skin, so what gives? Well, while exfoliation is a necessary part of skincare, there is such a thing as going overboard. Excessive exfoliation depletes your skin's natural oil, leaving it very rough. In this circumstance, regardless of your efforts to hydrate it, your skin might exhibit symptoms of roughness.
Next time you exfoliate, don’t overdo it!
Harsh washing
Washing our skin is very important. But overwashing or washing harshly with products that contain ingredients such as isopropyl alcohol and sulfates harms the skin.
Your skin becomes dry because of these substances, which remove the natural oil from your skin. And the active ingredients in some cleansers might hurt your skin and alter its pH balance.
Applying the wrong moisturizer
The kind of moisturizer you use also contributes to the texture of your skin. You might have sensitive skin that rejects a moisturizer that people call the best. For instance, you may need a richer moisturizer if you tend to have dry skin compared to someone with oilier skin. Applying the right moisturizer will save you a lot of trouble. What’s the right kind of moisturizer? Glad you asked. We’ll cover that in the next section!
How to find the right moisturizer for you
Type of skin
When choosing a moisturizer, the first thing to consider is your skin type. Examine your skin and determine if it is oily, sensitive, dry, or acne-prone before choosing a moisturizer.
- If you have oily skin/acne-prone skin, use a moisturizer that’s labeled non-comedogenic. This means it won’t clog pores. Also, don’t overdo the moisturizer, and try more water-based products (lotions).
- Dry skin can stand for thicker moisturizers (i.e., creams and ointments or balms for the driest areas), and you should moisturize not only daily but also reapply your moisturizer at night.
- Sensitive skin means you should be extra careful about the ingredients in your products. Make sure there are no unnecessary fragrances or other irritating ingredients (more on those below)!
- If you have normal skin, you can play it by ear. Use more intensely hydrating products during dry spells (like winter). Other times, you can use different products or just moisturize at night.
Product reviews
Reading reviews of skincare products is vital to choosing the right ones. It can help you determine the genuineness of the product and let you know other users' experiences.
SPF protection
Wear. Your. Sunscreen. We can’t emphasize this enough, both for your health and your looks. Sunscreen is crucial for protecting your skin. When choosing a moisturizer, you should check to see if it has sunscreen to protect your skin from sun rays. If it doesn’t, you’ll need a separate sunscreen.
Consider the texture
Even texture matters! Thinner moisturizers work well for someone just needing daily maintenance. But for someone suffering from dry skin, you need a thicker, richer texture to your moisturizer. Tip: When scoping out moisturizers at the store, keep in mind that ones labeled lotion will be thinner, while ones that are richer and provide more intense hydration will be labeled as a cream. And for the most intense hydration (for cracked skin or dry, ashy skin), you’ll want an ointment. Day vs. night matters too. Opt for a thinner option in the daytime, and use a thicker moisturizer at night.
What to avoid when picking a moisturizer
Fragrance
Now we’re not saying you need to stick to scent-free moisturizer, but if you’re experiencing dry skin or irritation, it could be that you’re sensitive to the fragrance used in your moisturizer. People with dry skin are often sensitive to strong fragrances. If you suspect this might be the case for you, be sure to select products that are fragrance-free, or try more naturally scented products to see if your skin tolerates those.
Ingredients to avoid
If you’re experiencing dry skin, you’ll want to avoid harsh ingredients such as acids. While these are very helpful for those experiencing certain skin conditions (for example, alpha-hydroxy acid helps those with aging skin), they can be very drying. Alcohols are another drying ingredient that are surprisingly found in a lot of moisturizers. Even added color can be potentially irritating and exacerbate dry skin!
Avoid using body moisturizers on the face
The body can handle more intensive ingredients than the face. Get a moisturizer that is specifically formulated for your face since body moisturizers can actually clog pores and lead to other issues.
Ingredients to look for
You want rich, hydrating ingredients in your moisturizer! Shea butter or cocoa butter are great for hydration and locking in moisture. Hyaluronic acid is another amazing moisturizer. It’s actually normally produced by your body and is intensely hydrating. Products containing hyaluronic acid can help supplement the amount your skin makes!
Another great moisturizing ingredient is ceramides. These fatty acids are naturally occurring and a great skin barrier that can prevent moisture from escaping. You can find ceramides as the star ingredient in our All-in-One Beauty Aid Cream. Specially formulated for the face, this cream has the added benefit of firming power in addition to its hydrating abilities!
Squalane is another ultra-hydrating ingredient. You can find it featured in our Pretty Filter Waterful Glow Cream. This lightweight skin-tightening cream is ideal for daily use. It has the intensity of a cream without the heavy feeling that usually comes with wearing thicker moisturizers!
A few last tips
So you’ve followed the tips in this blog and have found some moisturizers that seem to be helping. Want to get the most out of those moisturizers? Tip one: Moisturize straight out of the shower. Damp skin helps you absorb the moisturizer better! And tip two: Don’t neglect moisturizing at night with a good-quality night cream! As we mentioned above, your skin can do with a more intense moisturizer at night. Most moisturizers marketed as being for nighttime are thicker.
Our recommendation for the best moisturizer for dry skin
Need a recommendation for a great moisturizer? We’ve got you covered!
Touch In Sol Moisturizers
Touch In Sol Moisturizers are just the thing to give you that healthy glow you've been looking for. We have something for everyone!
Upon application, they eliminate dryness and provide a delicate sheen to make your face more youthful. They feature a soft texture that glides on the skin.
Last words
Remember to consider all of the above factors when choosing a moisturizer for radiant skin. When you prevent the causes listed earlier, you can be sure to escape scaly skin.
So what are you waiting for? Review the potential causes of your dry skin and invest in some great products!
