Skincare Ingredients For Dry Skin. What Works Best and What to Avoid?

Skin is a very sensitive organ to deal with and anybody who has ever suffered from dry skin knows how hard it can be to deal with it. It can become so parched, dry, and tight. Moisturized skin, on the other hand, is soft to the touch and bright.  It’s no surprise that a lot of people are looking for ways to fight dryness and get back that desired moisture.

In this article, we will look into powerful ingredients that nourish and moisturize your skin, taking it from dry and flaky to soft and glowing. Let’s explore the fascinating world of skincare and tricks to a radiant, well-hydrated complexion!

What is Dry Skin?

Our top layer of skin, or epidermis, has a very thin barrier that absorbs water from the surroundings in order to keep it hydrated and protected from the environment. But sometimes, the skin loses this stored water very easily. This is known as dry skin and, in medical terminology, as xerosis or xeroderma. This lack of water can make skin appear to look a bit tight, flaky, and itchy in some cases.

Many people have skin dryness naturally, but some can also develop it in the winter season. According to the American Dermatology Association, some common causes of having dry skin are mentioned below,

• Cold weather and windy environments
• Harsh cleaning chemicals can strip moisture and oils from the skin
• Excessive washing can cause natural oils to strip away, leaving it dry and tight.
• Taking long showers and scrubbing body for long
• Aging
• Sometimes, dry skin can also result from a skin condition called eczema.

Which Skincare Ingredients Are Best for Dry Skin?

If you have dry skin, it just means that it doesn’t have enough water, so the first thing you should do is moisturize. And there are three must-have properties skincare ingredients must have to work for dry skin. It includes humectants, occlusives, and emollients. Let’s see what characteristics they possess to work for skin.

• Humectants work by taking out water from the surrounding environment and pulling it into the skin’s epidermis.
• Occlusives work as a physical barrier and halt the evaporation of water molecules from the skin.
• Emollients make skin feel smoother and more balanced.

For the ideal skincare routine, you need to have all of these to build a regimen that works for your dry and dull skin.

Let’s see below how all these ingredients work to prevent skin from becoming dry.

Category	Function	Common Ingredients
Humectants	Attract water to the skin and keep it hydrated	Glycerin, Hyaluronic Acid, Aloe Vera, Urea
Occlusives	Form a barrier to prevent water loss	Petrolatum, Beeswax
Emollients	Smooth and soften skin by filling in gaps	Shea Butter, Coconut Oil, Squalane, Ceramides

You don’t need a ton of things to meet the requirements because nature provides a plethora of substances that can do it all and more. These below-mentioned beneficial substances should be on your list of priorities if you want to revitalize your dry skin from the inside out.

1. Glycerin

The best solution that can help prevent dry skin and enhance skin moisture is glycerin. Using this humectant helps to both retain moisture in your skin and stop it from evaporating. It has a smooth texture and can be applied easily on the body and face equally. As per the research conducted in 2016, among many other options, glycerin was named as the most effective humectant for increasing skin moisture.

Because it does not clog pores, it is safe for use on all skin types. Glycerin, according to some studies, can delay the onset of skin aging when applied topically. Not only this, a number of infant products include glycerin, which is safe for use even by young children.

How to Use: To use glycerin, you can mix it in your regular moisturizer or buy glycerin-based products such as toners, creams, washes, etc.

2. Hyaluronic Acid (HA)

Hyaluronic acid is like a hero for your skin. It is already present in your body. Think of this humectant as a magnet that can draw in and hold onto water effortlessly. It has a proven capacity to retain 1,000 times its own weight in water. Because of this property, hyaluronic acid is a popular component in moisturizing products.

This miraculous acid has several proven positive effects on the skin, including lessening dryness and the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles with prolonged use. In addition to its amazing moisturizing and anti-aging effects, hyaluronic acid also acts as an antioxidant, protecting skin from environmental aggressors and signs of premature aging.

How to Use: Hyaluronic acid works best when it is applied to a slightly damp face or after showering. And then topping it up with a moisturizer of your choice. The skin’s natural moisture barrier allows it to retain more water and prolongs the skin’s plumpness.  More benefits are achieved when applied to moist skin in the morning and evening.

Alternatively, you can also go for polyglutamic acid. It is an amino acid biopolymer found in natto, a sticky Japanese delicacy produced from fermented soybeans. Some sources claim that polyglutamic acid may bind water at a density of 4,000 to 5,000 times its own weight.

3. Aloe Vera

The thorny succulent plant isn’t just a pretty plant; it can be very beneficial for your skin, too. It contains a mushy pulp within its stalks, which, is really good for dry, dehydrated skin as it’s 95% water. Because of this, it is an excellent choice for anyone seeking a natural skin moisturizer.

Aloe vera also boasts almost 75 different anti-oxidants and compounds such as calcium, potassium, zinc, fatty acids, and vitamins A, C, D, and E.  When used together, these moisturizing components have the potential to alleviate sunburn symptoms, heal inflamed areas, and promote the body’s natural synthesis of hyaluronic acid, which helps the skin retain its elasticity.

Aside from its obvious skin-care uses, aloe vera may be included in a variety of different products, including face masks, lotions, and creams.

How to Use: Applying them to slightly damp skin immediately after cleaning helps seal in moisture for the greatest benefits.

4. Petroleum

Many occlusive substances are used for dry skin, and petrolatum is among the most common. The rich-textured skin protectant petrolatum, which is also called petroleum jelly, forms a physical barrier on top of the skin, effectively preventing water loss. This component, which is present in a variety of topical ointments, aids in the healing process of very dry, cracked, or chafed skin.

How to Use: Use petroleum jelly as a moisturizer for your face and body after you shower. This moisturizer acts as an occlusive barrier, keeping your skin from losing its moisture. You can also do slugging (a good method for hydrating the face for those with dry skin) and extremely dry hands, feet, elbows, and knees are common uses for it.

5. Ceramides

The outermost layer of the skin contains ceramides (almost 40% of it). These are natural lipids that prevent water loss, damage from the environment, and irritation. But with different causes, those ceramides might also get stripped from the skin. That is why dermatologists strongly advise using ceramides because they have an occlusive effect that helps restore a compromised protective barrier.

This also means that ceramides act like skin cement, which is actually what holds the skin together.
According to research, skincare products containing ceramides can aid in hydrating the skin, retaining moisture, and boosting the skin’s natural protective barrier.

How to Use: Although ceramides are most commonly found in moisturisers, you may also find them in active serums, toners, sheet masks, cleansers, and sheet masks. You can add them to your skincare regimen by selecting a product that contains them. A ceramide-based product can be used twice a day, in the morning and at night. You can apply it to damp skin, seal in moisture, and enhance the effectiveness of your other skincare products as well.

6. Shea Butter

We can’t talk about dry skin treatment without mentioning shea butter. The fatty acids, vitamins, and antioxidants found in abundance in shea butter make it an effective remedy for dry skin.  This natural moisturizer not only keeps skin hydrated but also forms a layer that keeps moisture in. As a result, it helps with skin tone, elasticity, and plumpness while also reducing collagen breakdown. Even it is recommended by the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) to apply shea butter or similar products as soon as possible after drying off.

Because of its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties, shea butter might be an excellent choice for soothing extremely dry and irritated skin types. Its creamy texture adds to its healing potential. It has also been observed to promote collagen production in skin cells, which is great to fight for fine lines and wrinkles.

How to Use: For best results, apply shea butter to dry skin right after washing. You may use it as a lip balm, hand cream, or body moisturizer. To maximize its effects, try combining it with other topical oils or lotions.

7. Vitamin E

Vitamin E will quickly become an ally in the fight against dry, flaky, or rough skin. As a natural emollient, vitamin E does wonders for the skin by creating a barrier that prevents moisture loss.

In addition to keeping your skin moist, vitamin E is known to make scars and fine lines less noticeable. This makes it a great addition to your anti-aging routine. It also reduces inflammation, which helps calm inflamed skin and makes the appearance of the skin better overall.

Many items of food also contain vitamin E, including avocados, sunflower seeds, and almond oil. So, eating them is a terrific method to reap even more benefits.

How to Use: Do a patch test before you use vitamin E oil. Put a small amount of the oil on the back of the knee or behind the ear. If it works well, then start with a low quantity of vitamin E oil and spread a thin layer over the area. You can treat specific areas by directly using vitamin E capsules and putting the oil on scars or dry spots.

Other Products

• Olive Oil: Because of its high vitamin E and squalane content, olive oil naturally has the ability to give intense hydration. Squalane helps the skin retain moisture, and vitamin E makes it even better at it.
• Glycolic Acid: Its humectant qualities make it useful for rehydrating dry skin.
• Lactic Acid: Though it’s a light exfoliant, lactic acid also moisturizes. Skin becomes smoother, firmer, and dewier as a result of the natural exfoliation process. It also helps with dry skin and acne.

Finally, remember to apply sunscreen! Protecting the skin barrier all day long is best accomplished by using SPF first thing in the morning. The skin’s protective barrier keeps moisture in.

Don’t’s for Dry Skin

There are a number of important “don’ts” to remember while dealing with dry skin so that the problem doesn’t get worse. (1)

• Avoid denatured alcohol: Often known as ethanol with additives, it is a common ingredient in mattifying cosmetics. It is used because of its better absorbing properties. But if you are trying to treat dry skin, it is better to avoid it because it strips away natural oils from the skin.
• Don’t use salicylic acid: It may work wonders in curing acne and clearing up clogged pores. But it’s a major problem for people whose skin is already dry. An already damaged skin barrier might become even more damaged as a result of its harsh exfoliating characteristics, which could cause further irritation and dryness. To prevent these negative effects, those with dry skin should exercise caution while using salicylic acid and look for kinder alternatives.
• Limit exfoliation of skin: Exfoliation is a good thing to do as it removes dead skin from the body. But to keep dry skin at bay, use a chemical exfoliant once or twice weekly. Acids are utilized in chemical exfoliants to dissolve dead skin cells and smooth the skin.
• Avoid caffeine: Cutting down on coffee could help you stay hydrated better. Instead drink water or herbal teas to keep yourself hydrated all day long. Reduce your caffeine consumption might aid in maintaining healthy, hydrated skin.
• Avoid extreme hot showers: Hot water is harsh and removes the protective oils from the skin when you wash your face, body, or hands. So the best is to use lukewarm water for bathing and spend only 5-10 minutes maximum in showers. Also, always pat dry skin instead of rubbing while using a towel.
• Use gentle products: Try to choose fabric softeners and laundry detergents that are fragrance-free and suitable for sensitive skin.

Conclusion

Dry skin can cause flaky, rough, and tight skin due to lack of moisture. And to tackle it, it’s important to use mild products and follow a regimen. Hydration-boosting wonders like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and ceramides can help you feed and refresh your skin, keeping it soft and hydrated. But because every person’s skin is different, there will always be a period of trial and error. You need to see what works for you and what does not.

Don’t use strong chemicals like salicylic acid and distilled alcohol, as they can make dryness worse. Focus on gentle exfoliation instead, and take cold baths to keep the natural oils on your face. Keeping yourself hydrated and picking items without scents will also make a big difference. You’ll be well on your way to getting the soft, glowing skin you want with a little time and appropriate care!