No matter what your skin type, a moisturiser is the cornerstone of any good skincare routine. Indeed, alongside cleanser and SPF, it's one of my 'bare minimum' beauty products -- and if you have dry skin, it's an absolutely non-negotiable essential.
While applying hydrating mists and serums and avoiding stripping cleansers will also help to maintain healthy, hydrated skin, it's moisturiser that will make the biggest difference when it comes to addressing symptoms of dryness -- such as tightness, redness, sensitivity, rough texture, flakiness, and dullness.
Whether you're prone to dry skin all year round, or you find your dryness flares up during the winter months, adding a thick and nourishing moisturiser into your routine can make all the difference when it comes to soothing, softening, and restoring hydration to parched skin.
Of course, not all moisturisers are created equal, and so it's important to ensure that you're using the right type of moisturiser when you have dry skin. As a rule, avoid lighter, gel-textured moisturisers and opt instead for thicker, richer creams. Look out for ingredients like ceramides, hyaluronic acid, squalane, and oat, which will provide a more nourishing hydration boost and help to seal moisture into the skin.
When it comes to application, ensure you're moisturising twice daily. As an esthetician, I also advise my clients to apply their moisturiser onto damp skin after using mists and serums and before applying SPF. I also recommend applying a thicker, almost mask-like layer at night time to give skin an intensive moisture boost while you sleep.
Whether you're searching for 'the one' or you simply want a more nourishing face cream to see you through winter, we've rounded up the best moisturisers for dry skin below.