These moisturizers help prevent dry, flaky skin year-round. There’s nothing worse than dry, flaky skin—whether it’s from cold winter weather or from using a particularly harsh skin-care product on your face. Luckily, the best moisturizers for dry skin can quickly hydrate even the driest skin.
But first: What exactly causes dry skin? Part of it has to do with your skin type—some people are naturally drier than others, and it’s largely genetic. Skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema, chlorine in swimming pools, and aging can also contribute to a dry, dull complexion.
“As you age, your skin becomes thinner, so it retains less water,” explains Meghan Feely, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New Jersey and New York City and an instructor in clinical dermatology at Mount Sinai. Of course, if you have dry skin, it’s important to use a good moisturizer to hydrate your skin and restore your skin barrier.
But finding the right moisturizer—especially one for your skin type—can be a daunting task. Here are the best dermatologist-recommended moisturizers for dry skin (from drugstore finds to luxurious ones!) for instant
shine.
CeraVe Moisturizer: “Ceramides are emollients that can help repair the skin barrier in conditions like eczema,” says Dr. Feel. They’re the foundation for all CeraVe products, including the popular moisturizer recommended by so many dermatologists we spoke to.
Perfect for all skin types, the gentle, nonirritating formula can be used all over the body and is packed with ingredients to provide intense hydration for even the most dehydrated skin. Bonus: You’ll get 16 ounces of product!
Glow Recipe Plum Plumping Hyaluronic Acid Cream: If your mature skin needs some extra plumping, this ultra-hydrating, lightweight cream from Glow Recipe is perfect for you. It’s packed with ingredients like hyaluronic acid
and antioxidant-rich plum to plump and brighten skin while reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
“This moisturizer leaves my skin plumped and refreshed! “I use it every morning and my skin looks amazing all day,” raves one reviewer, noting that it gives “the most beautiful dewy glow.”
First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream Intense Moisturizing: According to Dr. Harth, simethicone is one of the best moisturizers for acne-prone skin. “It’s a man-made compound that’s known to reduce moisture loss without leaving a greasy feeling or clogging pores,” he says.
First Aid Beauty’s Ultra Repair Cream contains this ingredient along with hydrating ceramides, soothing colloidal oatmeal, and enriching shea butter. Since it’s fragrance- and alcohol-free, it’s perfect for people with sensitive skin — even those with eczema or extremely itchy skin can use it.
The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factor + HA Daily Moisturizer: There’s a reason this $10 product won Best Night Cream at the 2020 Health & Beauty Awards. “I love it so much because it’s so affordable,” says Dr. Harth.
“It does a great job of incorporating key ingredients like hyaluronic acid into a cosmetically elegant formula without being too heavy.” I put it on at night after taking my tretinoin. ”
It also contains ceramides and triglycerides to support a healthy moisture barrier. Plus, the tube packaging is travel-friendly and keeps the product sealed and hygienic. (No sprouting fingers tumbling in the glass.) Clarins
Hydra-Intense Cream This high-quality cream from Clarins contains soothing botanicals, shea butter, and dimethicone to help dry skin retain moisture. Illustrator. Testers raved about the silky-soft finish, good hold under makeup, and pleasant wearing comfort. Pros: It’s noncomedogenic and free of sulfates and parabens.
If you like your creams a little thicker (but not too heavy), this rich, luxurious formula is perfect for you. How to Choose the Best Moisturizer for Dry Skin. Beware of irritants: Alcohol can dry out skin, says Mona Gohara, MD, associate clinical professor of dermatology at the Yale School of Medicine and a member of the Preventive Medicine Review Board. Sulfates, dyes, and fragrances can also be harsh and irritating, causing more trouble than they’re worth. In general, if you experience redness, itching, or other discomfort after using a moisturizer, opt for a simpler product.
Find a Moisturizer: Many ingredients can soothe the skin while hydrating it. It may take some trial and error to find the ones that work best for your skin, but ingredients to look out for are: hyaluronic acid, ceramides, urea, botanicals
oils, aloe vera, shea butter, glycerin, squalane, soy, colloids, oatmeal, and B vitamins. Know Your Skin Type: If your skin is very dry and sensitive (or you have a skin condition), a richer cream or lotion may achieve the desired effect. People with oily or acne-prone skin will benefit from a lighter, gel formula.
