If you have dry skin, you’ll know that keeping it hydrated can sometimes feel like a never-ending cycle of trial and error. We’re here to spill the beans on what skincare ingredients work well together for dry skin and discuss how to mix and match them like a pro for a dewy, hydrated complexion. Dry skin is no joke, and we're here to rescue you from the confusion!
Which skincare ingredients are best for dry skin?
If you have dry skin, your mission is essentially to find skincare products that work for you that help both hydrate your skin plus help your skin retain that moisture. This can feel a bit daunting at first with all the options out there, but using the right skincare ingredients for dry skin will ensure that your skin’s lipid barrier is functioning properly and rid you of any tightness or flakiness. Because we don’t want that. Here are some great ingredients that will help you on your quest.
Hyaluronic Acid:
Hyaluronic acid is like a big drink of water for your skin cells. It’s a molecule that is naturally found in our skin, connective tissues, and eyes. It has some serious water-holding skills and can, in fact, hold up to a whopping thousand times its weight in water! Impressive right? It can go a long way to keeping your skin looking hydrated and plump. If you’re looking for a recommendation on a Hyaluronic Acid Serum, we'd suggest the affordable BOOST LAB 2D-Hyaluronic Hydro Boost Serum.
Ceramides:
Think of ceramides as the unsung heroes of your skin! Ceramides are the natural lipids (oils) in the skin that form a protective layer to help protect against skin damage - they keep the good stuff in and the bad stuff out! They work tirelessly to keep our skin barrier intact and protect it from dehydration and pesky irritants. But when our skin barrier is under attack and we don’t have the right balance of ceramides, it can lead to dryness, irritation, and sensitivity - not a fun situation! Fun fact: our rebound serum contains ceramides for barrier support and is a great place to start.
Squalane:
Time to break it down, besties! So, we've got Squalane (with an 'a') and Squalene (with an 'e'). They may sound alike, but they are in fact different. Squalene is a natural lipid found in our skin's own sebum (oil). Now, here's the twist: Squalane is the stable version of Squalene that is used in skincare. When applied to your skin, squalane forms a protective barrier that prevents water loss, keeping your skin plump and deeply hydrated. Squalane is actually a key ingredient in our thirst trap moisturiser!
Niacinamide:
Niacinamide is a form of Vitamin B3 that works to regulate sebum production, retain moisture, and strengthen the skin’s natural lipid barrier. By regulating oil production and locking in moisture, niacinamide prevents dryness and promotes a more balanced, healthy complexion. This multi-tasking ingredient also helps soothe damaged and irritated skin. So all you dry skin hotties, say goodbye to tightness and flakiness! You can find this key ingredient in our rebound serum - the ultimate barrier support formula.
To learn more about your skin barrier, read here!
Glycerin:
Glycerin is a natural molecule derived from plants or animal fats that has the ability to increase water retention within the skin. This powerful ingredient has humectant properties, which means it has the power to attract and lock in moisture. It acts as a moisture magnet, drawing in hydration from both the air and the deeper layers of your skin and then delivering it to the outermost layer, keeping your skin well-hydrated and nourished. Glycerin can be found in our anti-bacterial cleanser, a cleanser that removes unwanted congestion without stripping the skin of its natural oils.
Vitamin E:
If you're dealing with dry, flaky, or rough skin, Vitamin E will soon become your best friend. This mighty antioxidant has some fantastic moisturising properties that will leave your skin feeling nourished and hydrated. Vitamin E works wonders as a natural emollient, forming a protective barrier on the skin's surface. This barrier helps trap moisture, preventing water loss and keeping your skin hydrated for longer. Our skin shady SPF50+ is a lightweight, non-greasy moisturiser and sunscreen that contains Vitamin E (and Glycerin!) to hydrate the skin, and is a great place to start.
Which skincare ingredients go together?
Now that you've got the lowdown on the best ingredients for combating dry skin, let's figure out which power combo is perfect for you! Mix and match these super ingredients to create your ultimate skincare routine for a flawsome, hydrated, and smooth complexion!
Glycerin + Hyaluronic Acid:
When it comes to hydration powerhouses, hyaluronic acid and glycerin make an unbeatable team for dry skin. Hyaluronic acid is a humectant that draws in moisture from its surroundings and holds it within the skin, while glycerin locks in that moisture, preventing evaporation. Together, they create a moisture-locking shield, leaving your skin plump and nourished throughout the day.
Ceramides + Hyaluronic Acid:
Ceramides and hyaluronic acid are a dynamic duo when it comes to combating dry skin. Ceramides play the role of a protective shield, making sure your skin doesn't lose precious moisture and keeping that skin barrier strong. On the other hand, hyaluronic acid is a moisture magnet, attracting and holding water in your skin. When these two join forces, they become an unstoppable team that keeps your skin moisturised, hydrated, and as smooth as can be!
Vitamin C + Vitamin E:
Vitamin C and Vitamin E are two powerful antioxidants that fight a number of skin issues. Vitamin C helps improve skin hydration by stimulating the production of collagen, which is essential for maintaining skin's moisture levels. Meanwhile, Vitamin E helps lock in that hydration, preventing water loss and keeping your skin moisturised for longer. Dry skin's compromised skin barrier benefits from Vitamin E as a protective shield, while Vitamin C brightens and evens skin tone, leaving a fresh, rejuvenated complexion.
Ceramides + Niacinamide:
When used together, Ceramdies and Niacinamide can soothe the skin and help support a healthy skin barrier. Ceramides work their magic by fortifying your skin's barrier, keeping all that precious moisture locked in. And niacinamide helps regulate oil production, calms down irritation, and keeps your skin feeling hydrated and happy.
Which skincare ingredients should I avoid if I have dry skin?
If you have dry skin, it's best to avoid skincare ingredients that may further strip your skin of moisture or cause irritation. Here are a few ingredients to stay away from:
Fragrances:
Artificial fragrances can be harsh on dry skin and may cause increased sensitivity or redness. It’s best to look for products labeled "fragrance-free" to reduce the risk of irritation.
Salicylic Acid:
When it comes to salicylic acid treatments, it's important to note that they can promote exfoliation, peeling, and cell turnover. While this can be beneficial for many skin types, it may have a drying effect on the skin. This may be too harsh for those of you with dry skin and just cause further irritation.
Benzoyl Peroxide:
While benzoyl peroxide is a good acne-fighting ingredient, it can be a bit too harsh for dry skin. Benzoyl peroxide also has a drying effect, which can further strip moisture from already parched skin, leaving it even drier and potentially irritated. If you have dry skin, it's best to choose more gentle and hydrating ingredients to keep your skin happy and healthy! We recommend our acne hack spot treatment and anti-bacterial cleaner for acne-prone dry skin instead, as they’re more gentle than benzoyl peroxide.
Harsh exfoliants or cleansers:
It's important to steer clear of harsh exfoliants or cleansers when you're dealing with dry skin. These tough guys might feel like they're scrubbing away the dryness, but they can actually do more harm than good. Harsh exfoliants can strip away your skin's natural oils, which can make it feel tight and uncomfortable, making it more prone to irritation. Opt for gentle exfoliants and hydrating cleansers that nourish your skin while removing those impurities!
There you have it, besties! Your dry skin's dream team for skincare ingredients. These hydrating ingredients will work wonders to quench your skin's thirst and leave it looking absolutely flawsome.
