To Transform Dry Skin in Seconds, an Aesthetician Recommends These 4 Face Creams

For the majority of my life, I've had normal/combination skin. There were products in my skincare cabinet that had supported my skin through its ups and downs—from struggling with teenage acne to the hyperpigmentation spots that began to appear around my eyes and mouth. It wasn't until I reached my mid-twenties that I was met with a new complexion challenge prompting a clean sweep of the cabinet: dryness. Naturally, I searched for products to deliver the hydration my skin craved. Within months, it became evident that moisturizer was the key product that made the biggest difference in my routine.

Unsure of where to start the hunt for your perfect moisturizer match? We've ID'd the standouts with the guidance of celebrity aesthetician Sarah Akram. According to Akram, the answer can be found in a formula's ingredients. The key ones to look for while shopping for a dry skin–friendly moisturizer are glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and ceramides since they are all scientifically proven to lock in moisture and improve the health of the skin barrier. As you may have already probably guessed, reaping the benefits from adding said moisturizer to your daily and nightly product lineup takes consistency.

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"Moisturizer application should be applied daily, twice a day. Once in the morning and at night before bed," she says. "Some might have to apply more throughout the day, and I recommend it! It’s the best way to keep your skin looking refreshed and hydrated." Akram recommends applying your face cream directly after you step out of the shower; when your skin is damp. That way; the moisture you add back into your skin can stick around all day and night. It also helps that there are face creams on the market designed specifically for use during the day, overnight, and to be layered with other moisture-replenishing products.

If you're wondering which specific products Akram recommends to her clientele, you're in luck. "I absolutely love the Environ Vita-Complex Super Moisturiser for extra hydration and it has properties that work to repair the skin barrier," she tells us. "I recommend putting it on before bed as a way of slugging that won't be too harsh on your pores." Additionally, Akram swears by Biologique's Recherche Creme Dermo-RL (a favorite of Who What Wear's beauty team), which works overtime to refresh the skin using lipids and moisture, leaving your complexion rejuvenated and glowing.

There are also several ultra-hydrating products she adores pairing with her go-to moisturizers. "I love the Neova Night Therapy for an additive boost of hydration to the face. It features DNA repair technology and copper tripeptide to deliver a strong skin barrier both to help elevate moisture retention and repair." In addition to Noeva's Night Therapy, she favors oil-based moisturizers like the Breathable Barrier Balm by KaramMD, which "has an ultra-soothing base and features potent plant oils that have antioxidants to visibly brighten and improve hydration."

Below, take a look at more aesthetician and beauty editor–approved face creams that will transform your desert dry complexion to one that's not just hydrated; but also plump, smooth, and vibrant from brands across all price points.

Shop Akram's Moisturizer Must-Haves for Dry Skin

Shop Additional Moisturizer Favorites

Content Creator Mobina Peiman wearing eye masks

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Content creator Sarah Sol wearing Tank Air Studio

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Maya Thomas
Assistant Beauty Editor
Maya Thomas is Who What Wear's assistant beauty editor based just outside of Seattle, Washington. Her strong love for all things beauty and fashion stems from a strong childhood interest in the fine arts. During a gap year spent in Paris studying the history of French fashion, she shifted her focus to English literature and journalism as a student at Loyola Marymount University with the goal of one day pursuing a career in fashion. After graduating in May 2021, Maya began freelancing for Parade.com as a contributing commerce writer while also building a following on her lifestyle blog, Itsmayalala.com. When she's not writing, Maya spends her free time catching up on reading, perusing art galleries, and enjoying a night out at the ballet every now and then.