Moisturiser for Dry Skin What You Need to Know

Dry skin is a common concern that affects many people, causing discomfort, irritation, and even premature signs of ageing. If you're struggling with dry, dehydrated skin, finding the right moisturiser is crucial to restoring your skin's natural moisture balance and maintaining a healthy, radiant complexion.

In this guide, we'll cover the causes of dry skin, the importance of using a high-quality moisturiser, and how to choose the best product for your needs.

Understanding The Causes of Dry Skin

Dry skin occurs when there is a lack of water in the skin. A healthy skin barrier helps lock in moisture, but when it's compromised, moisture escapes, resulting in dry and dehydrated skin.

There are several common causes of dry skin, including:

Genetics

Some people have naturally dry skin because of their genes. Certain inherited factors affect their skin's moisture levels, making it generally drier. 

Ageing

As we age, our skin’s ability to retain water diminishes, in addition to this the skin produces fewer lipids to maintain a healthy barrier. This combination makes mature skin more prone to dryness.

Environmental Factors

Prolonged exposure to cold temperatures and low humidity and spending extended periods in air-conditioned environments can lead to the skin losing its natural moisture and becoming dry.

Hot Showers

Skin care products that contain harsh substances, such as alcohol or sulphates, can disrupt the skin's natural barrier, resulting in dryness and potential irritation.

Medical Conditions

Dry skin can be a symptom of certain medical conditions, including eczema, psoriasis, and hypothyroidism.

Medications

Dry skin can be a side effect of certain medications, such as diuretics, which increase urine production, and retinoids, which are used to treat various skin conditions.

Symptoms of Sensitive & Dry Skin

Dry skin is marked by rough, scaly, or flaky skin, often accompanied by a loss of elasticity (thightness) and frequent itching. It is a common symptom of various skin conditions.

Common symptoms include:

Five Must-Have Features in Moisturizers for Dry Skin   

Wondering what to look for in a moisturizer for dry skin? According to the Journal of Dermatological Treatment, the best moisturizers include 5 important things.

Humectants

Including humectants in a formula is crucial for drawing moisture into the skin and enhancing hydration. Research indicates that humectants with a molecular weight of 200–300 Da, and no more than 500 Da, are ideal for penetrating the skin. Smaller molecules like glycerin, propanediol, urea, and hydrolyzed sodium hyaluronate are particularly effective, as they not only pass through the skin barrier but also bind water to deeper layers, ensuring optimal hydration and skin health.

Emollients

Including emollients in moisturizers is essential for creating a protective barrier that locks in moisture, ensuring long-lasting hydration. Both synthetic and natural emollients offer distinct benefits. For example, Dimethicone, a common synthetic option, provides a smooth, protective layer. Natural emollients like Jojoba, Rosehip, and Almond Oil not only moisturise but are also rich in free fatty acids, vitamins, and antioxidants. These ingredients help nourish, restore, and strengthen the skin’s barrier.

Physiological Lipids

Physiological lipids form the lipid matrix of the skin barrier, composed of Ceramides (50%), Cholesterol (40%), and Free Fatty Acids (10%). These lipids work synergistically to maintain the skin's structural integrity, keeping it resilient, flexible, and protected from environmental aggressors. When this balance is disrupted, skin becomes prone to dryness and irritation. Moisturisers with a balanced mix of ceramides, cholesterol, and free fatty acids help restore this balance and improve overall skin health.

Soothing Actives

Those with dry skin often experience itchiness, tightness, and discomfort, making it essential to include soothing ingredients in formulations. Actives and botanicals that calm and hydrate the skin are particularly beneficial. Aloe Vera, Allantoin, and Tasmanian Pepper Leaf extract are excellent choices for their calming properties. These ingredients work to reduce irritation and restore comfort, ensuring the skin feels more balanced and less prone to dryness or discomfort.

Promotes Skin Renewal

A moisturizer that supports the skin’s natural renewal or enhances lipid synthesis aids in epidermal regeneration by promoting epidermal differentiation. Lipid synthesis is essential for maintaining the skin’s barrier function, enabling the skin to repair and regenerate. Epidermal differentiation ensures that skin cells mature and form the protective outer layer, crucial for overall skin health. Ingredients like Urea, Ceramide AP and Dexpanthenol promote these processes, leading to healthier, more resilient skin.

Our Science Based Moisturisers

We understand the challenges of dealing with dry skin. Maintaining hydration and keeping your skin looking and feeling healthy can be a constant battle. That's why we have meticulously formulated our moisturisers incorporating 'The Five Concepts' to address the specific needs of dry skin.

Our moisturizers include ingredients that work together in synergy to infuse skin with much needed mositure and fortify the skins natural barrier, leaving you with a radiant, dewy complexion that exudes health and vitality. 

The Daily Face Hydrator is a lightweight, quick-absorbing cream that provides deep hydration and nourishment for the skin. Infused with Tasmanian Pepper Leaf, a powerful antioxidant that soothes and strengthens the skin, it also contains essential lipids that restore and rejuvenate the skin's vitality.

Go To Face Hydrator

The Water Bomb Anti-Aging Face Cream is a rich, indulgent moisturizer infused with Tasmanian Kelp, offering a complete lipid complex to deeply hydrate and strengthen the skin's natural barrier. Perfect for dry, and mature skin types or whenever your skin needs an extra boost of moisture.

Go To Water Bomb

Comparing The Market

Now that we understand the key ingredients to look for in a cream that specifically targets dry skin, it's time to explore the market. Let’s evaluate which creams offer a well-balanced formulation that addresses both deep hydration and lipid barrier repair.

As we browse, it’s important to prioritize products that not only moisturize the skin but also provide lasting benefits by replenishing essential lipids like ceramides, free fatty acids, and cholesterol. These creams should be designed to lock in moisture and protect the skin from environmental stressors, while also offering soothing and calming properties to prevent irritation.

Let’s dive in and identify the best products that deliver effective hydration and long-term skin barrier support.

How to Incorporate a Face Moisturiser into Your Skincare Routine

Integrating a moisturiser into your skincare routine can enhance your skin's health and appearance. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Cleanse

Step 1

Begin with a gentle cleanser to remove dirt, oil, or makeup from your skin. Pat your face dry with a clean towel.

Toner

Step 2

If you use a toner, apply it at this stage. This helps to balance your skin's pH and prepare it for the subsequent steps.

Serums

Step 3

If you use a toner, apply it at this stage. This helps to balance your skin's pH and prepare it for the subsequent steps.

Face Lotion

Step 4

Disperse a small amount of our Face Hydrator onto your fingertips. Gently massage it into your face and neck using upward motions.

Pro Tip: 
To get the most out of your moisturiser, combine it with other skincare products, like a hydrating face toner and facial serums. Using these products in conjunction can create a more effective and thorough approach to dealing with dry skin.

Consistency is key when it comes to moisturizers. Apply them both morning and night to maintain hydration and support skin health, as regular use reinforces the skin's natural barrier. While lightweight moisturizers work well in warmer months, you may need to switch to a richer formula during winter when the skin tends to become drier. Adding a hydrating serum or facial oil can also help during colder seasons.

Remember to adjust your skincare regimen based on the fluctuations in weather and climate throughout the year. During colder, drier months, it's essential to incorporate a thicker, more emollient moisturizer into your routine to provide added hydration and protection for your skin. In contrast, as the weather gets warmer, opting for a lighter, non-comedogenic formula will help prevent clogged pores and ensure your skin feels fresh and at ease despite the heat.

Additional Tips for Managing Dry Skin

Remember the following tips to manage dry skin and promote a healthy, hydrated complexion:

Conclusion

Dealing with dry skin can be frustrating and uncomfortable. Still, with the right moisturizing and skincare routine, you can restore your skin's natural moisture balance and achieve a healthy, radiant complexion. Wheen choosing a cream for really dry skin, look for high quality formulations that build the four key concepts discussed in thsi blog — non-physiological lipids (like rosehip, and jojoba oil), physiological lipids (like ceramides cholesterol, and fatty acids), humectants (which attract moisture), and soothing actives.

The research highlights the importance of physiological lipids, particularly ceramides and long-chain fatty acids, in forming a strong, organized skin barrier. In dry skin, the amount of these lipids is reduced, so including them in moisturizers can improve the skin's barrier function. Non-physiological lipids, such as mineral and vegetable oils, play a role by creating a protective layer on the skin, preventing moisture loss.

Humectants are also important in dry skin care because they help keep the skin hydrated by attracting water. When the skin is dry, enzymes that help with hydration and skin shedding don’t work as effectively, so humectants are crucial.

We offer a variety of hydrating skincare products specifically designed for dry skin, including our Daily Face Hydrator and Water Bomb Cream. These moisturizers are made with carefully selected, sustainably sourced ingredients that retain moisture, strengthen the skin barrier, and enhance a healthy, radiant complexion.

To effectively manage dry skin and have a hydrated, comfortable, youthful-looking complexion, use a high-quality moisturizer in your daily skincare routine and follow the tips in this guide. Remember to be patient and consistent with your skincare routine, as it may take some time to see visible results. With the right products and a dedicated approach, you can achieve the healthy, glowing skin you deserve.