The telltale signs of dry skin include flaky patches, tightness, redness and irritation. And while dry skin can be a year-round concern, skin often becomes drier and more irritated once winter arrives. With outdoor temperatures dropping and indoor heating kicking in, even oily skin types might notice their skin becoming dry and irritated, while dry skin types will often notice even more tightness and flaky patches and sometimes even eczema in areas of the face. Thankfully, there are a few key skincare ingredients for dry skin that can help prevent, nourish and treat areas of concern. Here, we’re highlighting the top four need-to-know best ingredients for dry skin, along with tips for winter skin, to keep all skin types nourished and hydrated.
Hyaluronic acid
The first dry skin ingredient that’s a top winter skincare tip is hyaluronic acid. The hydrating heavyweight is a molecule that can be naturally found in the skin. It acts as a humectant in skincare, drawing in and binding water, which, in turn, can help skin retain moisture and look plumper. Thanks to its ability to attract and hold water, hyaluronic acid is an excellent addition to a skincare routine for dry skin. While it’s an ingredient that has gotten a lot of buzz lately, it has actually been used in skincare products for years. If you’re looking to reap the benefits of hyaluronic acid, apply La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Anti-Aging Serum to bare, damp skin morning and night for a hydration boost. Packed with hyaluronic acid and vitamin B5, this serum helps to repair skin’s moisture barrier and reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles.
Glycerin
Glycerin has long been known as a workhorse winter skincare ingredient. It’s often used in many types of skincare products, and, just like hyaluronic acid, it’s also a humectant. Glycerin is a great option to add to a skincare routine for dry skin, especially if you’re suffering from dry skin in the winter, as it can help to soothe and hydrate and lock in moisture. Glycerin is often found in moisturizers as it can help to protect skin, prevent water loss and repair elasticity. Adding a glycerin-rich moisturizer like La Roche-Posay Hydraphase HA Light Face Cream to your lineup of winter skincare products will help to keep dry skin at bay during the colder months. This cream offers 72 hours of intense moisture to parched skin and has a lightweight, non-greasy texture that leaves no residue.
Ceramides
To help combat dry skin in winter, ceramides are a popular and effective ingredient. Ceramides are lipid fat molecules that are a natural component of the skin barrier. They’re an important part of skin’s composition as they help retain moisture, prevent dehydration and keep your skin feeling soft. If your skin’s ceramide levels are low, your skin barrier could be compromised, which means you could experience dryness, irritation and, in some cases, eczema. You’ll want to apply ceramides to strengthen and hydrate your skin year-round but especially in winter as it’s one of the best skincare ingredients for dry skin. La Roche-Posay Toleriane Sensitive Crème is a soothing and hydrating cream that works on all skin types, even sensitive skin. Not only is it formulated with ceramides to help repair and protect the skin barrier; it also contains other skin-loving ingredients like glycerin and niacinamide.
Shea butter
A nourishing plant lipid that’s rich in fatty acids, antioxidants and vitamins, shea butter is the fourth ingredient that’s a must for dry skin. Like ceramides and glycerin, shea butter helps to protect the skin from external aggressors while also providing the skin with hydration. And it’s known for its soothing properties as it’s often used to help care for skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema. Shea butter is often a key ingredient in skincare for dry skin and can be found in many of La Roche-Posay’s products, including the Lipikar body care line. Developed to treat dry skin on the face, La Roche-Posay Nutritic Intense Face Cream is perfect for sensitive and very dry skin types. It nourishes, protects and hydrates, and the shea butter-rich texture melts into the skin for an instant comforting effect.
