Dealing with dry skin can be tough — it's not just about the uncomfortable scaly feel but also how it can affect your self-image. And with the many products on the market claiming to be the silver bullet for your dermatological woes, you need to understand what your skin truly needs.
No more need to suffer in silence or sift through countless product labels. With a legacy of innovative skincare solutions grounded in science, La Roche-Posay offers expert advice backed by years of skincare research.
What Causes Dry Skin?
Various factors contribute to dry skin. These include:
Genetics
Genetics play a key role in skin health. Some individuals may have low natural moisturizing factor (NMF) production, which is vital for skin moisture.
These deficits can inhibit natural oils, leading to dryness. Reduced production of lipids compromises the skin barrier, increasing dryness and irritation susceptibility.
Aging
As we age, our skin layers thin and lose fat, reducing their ability to retain moisture, which can lead to dryness. Additionally, sebaceous gland activity decreases with age, reducing oil production and, thus, skin's natural moisturization.
Environment
Dry climates, low-humidity environments and cold winter temperatures can strip your skin of its natural lipids, leading to dry, flaky skin. On the other hand, sun exposure can lead to dehydrated skin due to the UV rays breaking down the skin's barrier, causing moisture loss.
Harsh Skincare Products
Some skincare products can disrupt your skin's natural balance because they contain harsh ingredients. These could be excessive alcohol, soap-based products, sulfates or fragrances that can strip away essential oils and damage the skin's barrier, leading to dryness and irritation.
Lifestyle Factors
Certain lifestyle factors contribute to dry skin. For instance, diets lacking certain nutrients like essential fatty acids and vitamins or high-stress situations elevating cortisol production can disrupt the skin's barrier function.
Long hot showers or excessive washing can strip the skin's natural oils, while extended exposure to air-conditioned or heated environments can result in skin moisture loss.
The silver lining? Choosing skincare products with the appropriate ingredients can help you maintain and restore your skin's hydration. These may include humectants, such as hyaluronic acid, that draw water into the skin, emollients like shea butter that smooth and soften the skin, and occlusives that create a protective barrier on the skin surface to reduce moisture loss.
How Skincare Can Help Dry Skin
With the right skincare products and practices, even dry skin can feel like a thing of the past. It's all about harnessing the power of hydration. A daily regimen can keep dryness at bay and give your skin the attention it craves.
Check out our moisturizing skincare routine to relieve dry skin.
Best Ingredients for Dry Skin
Many people struggle to find the perfect balance to keep their skin hydrated and healthy. Fortunately, certain ingredients can provide much-needed relief and nurture dry skin back to health.
Here, we're sharing the seven best ingredients for dry skin and how they can help your skin thrive.
Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acid is known to be a great moisturizing agent. This substance hydrates the skin, helping to retain moisture and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Incorporate skincare products such as our Hyalu B5 Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum into your routine to keep your skin feeling plump, hydrated, and refreshed.
Ceramides
Ceramides are essential fatty acids that help keep your skin hydrated and protected.
To keep skin moisturized, add Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer, which is fortified with ceramides, to your skincare routine.
Glycerin
Glycerin, a natural humectant, works wonders for dry skin by drawing moisture from the air and sealing it into your skin. This ingredient is particularly beneficial during cold or dry weather when the environment can take a toll on your skin.
Besides providing deep hydration, glycerin also helps to fortify the skin's natural barrier, aiding in protection against external stressors.
Glycerin-based products like our Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Face Cleanser can ensure your skin stays supple and nourished.
Shea Butter
Shea butter, a rich and creamy moisturizer derived from the nuts of the African shea tree, is a popular choice for dry skin relief. It's loaded with antioxidants, vitamins and essential fatty acids that effectively nourish and moisturize the skin, leaving it soft, smooth and healthy-looking.
Our Lipikar Triple Repair Moisturizing Cream, rich with Shea Butter, restores the skin's protective barrier, providing relief for dry skin.
Niacinamide
Also known as vitamin B3, niacinamide is an essential nutrient with multiple benefits for the skin. Niacinamide can help improve the skin's barrier function. It also boosts anti-aging properties, as it helps minimize the appearance of fine lines and uneven skin tone, making your skin look youthful and radiant.
Try our Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer UV with a high niacinamide concentration, which provides hydration for your skin for up to 48 hours.
Propylene Glycol
Propylene glycol is a synthetic compound that draws moisture to the skin, reducing flakiness and restoring suppleness.
Aloe Vera
This soothing plant extract is known for its cooling and calming properties. It's also rich in vitamins and essential minerals.
What Ingredients Should Dry Skin Avoid?
As essential as it is to know what to include in your skincare routine, it's equally crucial to know what to avoid. Dry skin types should typically stay away from:
- Alcohol: Too much can be overly drying, leading to further problems.
- Fragrances: While fragrances make products smell good, they can irritate, leading to dryness.
- Sulfates: They are known to strip your skin of natural oils, causing dryness and irritation.
Explore Skincare Expertly Formulated for Dry Skin
Understanding what ingredients to look for or to avoid can help your journey to hydrate dry skin. With an array of dermatologist-recommended skincare products for dry skin, La Roche-Posay has got your back.
Check out our Dry Skin Skincare Collection for immediate and lasting hydration.
RELATED PRODUCTS
Hyalu B5 Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Dermatological Anti-Aging Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum. Allergy Tested Formula
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