Best Hydrating Moisturizer for Dry Skin
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Winter skin is something that we are all familiar with. For many parts of the country - dry, cold weather outside and dry, hot temperatures inside wreak havoc on your skin. With so many moisturizers out there how can you find which one works best for you and what is the best hydrating moisturizer for dry skin?
What Moisturizer Type Is Good For You?
Moisturizers are created to hydrate the skin but they can come in various forms that sit and feel differently on your skin. Knowing what kind of moisturizer type your skin prefers is important to making sure you keep up with your skincare regimen.
“There’s definitely not a one-size-fits-all for all skin types,” says Rebecca Kazin, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist in Bethesda. Gel-based moisturizers are usually water-based and will feel lighter on the skin than lotion. Cream-based moisturizers have a higher oil content and are thicker than lotion or gel which makes it better suited to hydrate the skin more effectively.
What's Your Skin Type?
Making sure you find the right moisturizer depends on your skin type as well as the level of dryness you are experiencing. The best and most accurate recommendations will always come from a visit to the dermatologist but here are some tips to follow as well.
Dry Skin:
If you have naturally dry skin, winter tends to be the time when your skin will become even drier. Dermatologists recommend skipping the gels and lotions and instead using a cream-based moisturizer. Creams add more moisture to the skin and tend to preserve more water than lotion. Using an ointment afterwards will help to seal the moisture to keep your skin hydrated for longer. A favorite of ours for dry skin: CLE Cosmetics Multi Cream ($32).
Oily Skin:
For some with oily skin, using too much moisturizer can clog pores which can lead to acne. Making sure to use a moisturizer formulated for oily skin which tends to be lighter will prevent from clogged pores and acne. Dermatologists recommend opting for a gel-based moisturizer which is lighter than other types. A moisturizer we love that is light and packs a wave of moisture: elvis + elvin Lilac Day Cream ($46).
Combination Skin:
If you have combination skin, your skin is dry in some spots and oily in others — often in what’s called the “T-zone,” which is the T-shaped area on your face that includes your forehead, nose, and chin. Dr. Kazin tells these patients to treat their face as though it’s two faces: moisturize the dry spots and skip the oily areas. “I tell some people never put moisturizer on the center of your face,” says Dr. Kazin. “It’s like a huge revelation that your nose probably never needs moisturizer.”
Normal Skin:
Dermatologists recommend for those who experience seasonal dryness with otherwise normal skin should use lotion. Over time however with age our skin begins to lose elasticity and holds less moisture. For those over 50+ it's recommend to make the switch to cream-based moisturizers. A favorite of ours for moisturizers perfect for normal skin: ILLUME Radiance Enhancing Moisturizer ($58).
Make sure you choose a moisturizer that fits with your skin type and severity of your dryness
If your dryness becomes more severe make sure to see your dermatologist as they may need to prescribe you something to help your skin care routine.
