Dry, Sensitive Skin? These Expert-Approved Moisturisers Will Leave You Hydrated and Glowing
Whether we're in the depths of winter or the height of summer, my skin has a tendency to shift towards the hydration levels of the Sahara desert if I'm not on top of my skincare routine. While I'd describe my skin as normal-to-dry, the changeable temperatures here in the UK means that switching between hot weather and central heating within mere days can play havoc with my skin's hydration levels. Of course, as a beauty editor, I'm blessed to now be armed with a whole heap of skincare products formulated to restore the moisture to my skin, but that doesn't mean that I'm not always on the lookout for more dry skin-friendly formulas to add to my rotation. And if they come approved by the best skin experts in the business? Even better.
So, why is finding the right moisturiser for dry skin so essential? "As much as 300ml of water can be lost through your skin each day which is known as transepidermal water loss," explains Dr Ophelia, Consultant Dermatologist, MBBS, BSc, PhD and MRCP. This is why it's important to make sure you're giving your skin regular moisture from serums and moisturisers that are packed with hydrating ingredients.
Ahead, 16 of the best moisturisers for dry skin, as recommended by skin experts and me.
1. Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream
"This new formulation is rich and contains lots of essential fatty acids, squalane, vitamin E and argan oil," Dr Sophie Shotter, Skin & Aesthetics Doctor explains. "This feels beautiful at night and helps to decrease transepidermal water loss."
2. Watermans Moisturise Me Hand and Skin Cream
This hand and skin cream is a top recommendation from Annemarie Hughes, Lead Trainer for Million Dollar Facial. "This is great for all skin types as it features cupuacu butter, shea butter, cocoa butter, allantoin and almond oil to prevent skin dryness and add deep hydration to the skin," she explains.
3. SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2
"This is a perfectly balanced lipid-based moisturiser that contains ceramides, cholesterol and free fatty acids in the same ratio as in your skin. The result is a boost to your skin's barrier health and a decrease of transepidermal water loss, Shotter explains. Ophelia also notes this SkinCeuticals cream as one of her top choices. "This SkinCeuticals moisturiser is good for wintertime as it feels really good on the skin and has a luxurious feel to it," she says.
4. Revision Skincare DEJ Face Cream
"The DEJ face cream is suitable for even sensitive skin types. It's a multitasker with lots of botanical and hydrating ingredients, as well as squalene that helps to keep the skin hydrated and full of moisture," says Shotter.
5. CeraVe Moisturising Lotion
I can never resist raving about this moisturising lotion as it's all I've used on my dry-to-normal skin type over the past two years. Developed with dermatologists it's clear to see why this lotion is so loved. It's formulated with three essential ceramides and MVE technology and provides long-lasting hydration to the skin. This is a great option for all skin types as it's so lightweight and smooth.
6. Trilogy Vital Moisturising Cream
This moisturising cream offers instant hydration to the skin with its blend of botanical extracts and 12 active ingredients. The skin will continue to feel rejuvenated and soft for hours.
7. Kylie Skin Face Moisturiser
This is a new addition to my skincare collection and I honestly can't imagine a time without it. The lightweight formula nourishes the skin in just a few quick pumps. Whether you choose to use it during your AM/PM skin routine or as a base under makeup, it'll leave your skin feeling smooth and full of hydration.
8. REN Clean Skincare Evercalm Global Protection Day Cream
REN always get it right when it comes to hydrating the skin and the Evercalm Global Protection Day Cream is no exception. This is the perfect contender for skin in need of a good replenish as it works to soothe and protect skin from the inside out.
9. 4.5.6 Day Hack Matte Moisturiser
This day cream offers the perfect matte finsh but doesn't skip out on hydration. Formulated with skin-loving ingredients from hyaluronic acid to help with water retention to a blend of oils that will seep seamlessly into the skin.
10. Glossier Priming Moisturiser Rich
If you're looking for a moisturiser that looks and feels super luxurious, look no further than Glossier's Priming Moisturiser Rich. It's formulated with the likes of shea and murumuru butters for an instant sumptuous feel and other key ingredients to help lock in moisture over time.
11. CeraVe Moisturising Cream
Another recommendation from Hughes is CeraVe's moisturising cream. "This hydrating moisturising cream is gentle, fragrance-free and hypoallergenic. It’s also non-comedogenic and perfect for most sensitive dry skin," she explains.
12. Youth To The People Adaptogen Deep Moisture Cream
There's been a lot of buzz online for this deep moisture cream thanks to its formulation of superior plant extracts and a pro-grade peptide complex. Your dry skin will thank you later!
13. Cetraben Lotion
"A lot of dermatologists use this lotion at home as it's so effective for dry skin and is a great in-between for the Cetraben ointment and creams without the hassle of oiliness," says Dr Ophelia. "I love to use it and my local pharmacist even told me that the Queen used it."
14. Weleda Skin Food
If your dry skin worsens during the colder months, then chances are this cult moisturiser is a staple in your skincare routine already. It's thick, nourishing, and rich.
15. La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5
Most people use this as a targeted treatment on areas of dry, sensitive skin, but if your skin is dry all over, it makes for a great overnight moisture mask.
16. Naturium Marshmallow Root Barrier Balm
Specially formulated to strenghten your skin barrier to keep moisturise locked in, this rich, balmy cream contains marhsmallow root, oatmeal, arnica and milk thistle to soothe irritable skin, ease dry patches and help skin restore its hydration levels.
This story was previously published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
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