Keeping skin well hydrated can be challenging during dry, cold weather conditions such as harmattan. Cold weather can irritate and cause skin to lose moisture worsening dry skin. If you have dry skin, you need to use a moisturizer formulated with your skin’s needs in mind to reduce irritation, restore your skin barrier and protect your skin from harsh weather conditions.
When choosing a moisturizer for dry skin, you must choose a moisturizer with emollients which soften the skin, occlusives which protect the skin and humectants which draw moisture into the skin.
This article discusses our top picks of the best moisturizers for your specific skin needs.
CeraVe Moisturizing Cream
One of our top picks for dry skin is CeraVe Moisturizing Cream. CeraVe Moisturizing Cream was formulated by dermatologists to heal a compromised skin barrier. It is a rich, non-greasy, fragrance-free moisturizer that contains hyaluronic acid and ceramides that help to heal the skin’s barrier. Ceramides are lipids that occur naturally in the skin but start to deplete when we start ageing. This leads to dry, wrinkled skin. CeraVe Moisturizing Cream contains three types of ceramides that help the skin retain moisture and help prevent dehydration.
CeraVe Moisturizing Cream also contains hyaluronic acid and petrolatum and features MVE delivery technology that works by releasing moisturizing ingredients continually for long-lasting hydration. This fast-absorbing moisturizer is gentle on even the most sensitive skin. It is often recommended for people who have eczema and psoriasis.
Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream- Dry to Very Dry, Sensitive Skin
This dermatologist-recommended product is one of the best moisturizers for dry to very dry, sensitive skin. It defends against five signs of sensitive skin including a weakened skin barrier, irritation, roughness, tightness and dryness. Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream enriched with humectants and emollients is clinically proven to provide lasting hydration for 48 hours. It soothes, hydrates, repairs skin and improves the resilience of sensitive skin thanks to a dermatologist-recommended blend of niacinamide, panthenol and hydrating glycerine.
Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream is fragrance-free, paraben-free, hypoallergenic and noncomedogenic, so it won’t clog pores. This non-greasy cream enriched with sweet almond oil can be applied daily to the face and body.
Nivea Soft Moisturizing Cream
Nivea Soft Moisturizing Cream is a gentle moisturizer for dry skin. It is suitable for people with sensitive skin and rosacea. It is a dermatologically approved, intensive moisturizing cream that is quickly absorbed into the skin leaving the skin soft and supple. The key ingredients in this product are jojoba oil, vitamin E and glycerine. Jojoba oil is a humectant ingredient. It moisturizes the skin by attracting water to the top layer of the skin, keeping it hydrated. An added benefit of jojoba oil is that it is noncomedogenic. It works by regulating the body’s sebum production. This helps prevent acne or less severe acne.
Vitamin E helps prevent dry skin by hydrating the skin. Glycerin works by binding moisture to the skin. Nivea Soft Moisturizing Cream can be used on the face, hands and body.
Shea Butter
Shea Butter is nature’s formula for dry, irritated skin. Raw Shea Butter is deeply hydrating and rich in vitamins and nutrients such as vitamins A & E, oleic acid and stearic acid. It is a must-have for people with eczema, very dry, cracked skin, rough, scaly patches and chapped lips. Shea Butter relieves skin dryness, and irritation and prevents cell damage.
It has a high concentration of fatty acids which restores lipids and maintains skin hydration. Its anti-inflammatory properties reduce swelling and redness in the skin, easing irritation. Research shows that Shea Butter significantly reduces eczema symptoms. It also reduces wrinkles and crepey skin. Shea butter contains antioxidants, vitamins A & E which prevent cell damage and promote anti-aging effects.
Shea Butter can be applied to the face, lips and body. It is suitable for all skin types. For soft, smooth, supple, youthful skin which is well hydrated, get some Shea Butter.
Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion
Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion is rich in emollients and colloidal oatmeal which soothes and relieves dry, itchy skin. It is best for dry, eczema-prone, sensitive skin. The soothing colloidal oatmeal relieves red, irritated skin, itching and increases moisture. It also cools razor burns. Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion is also enriched with glycerine, petrolatum, isopropyl palmitate and dimethicone which work to hydrate the skin.
Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion nourishes and helps restore the skin’s moisture barrier. It has been clinically proven to moisturize skin for up to 24 hours. This product is fragrance-free, non-greasy and noncomedogenic. This formula is suitable for dry skin in men. It can be applied to the face and the body.
Vaseline Intensive Care Cocoa Radiant Body Lotion
One of our favourite moisturizers is Vaseline Intensive Care Cocoa Radiant Body Lotion. It has a mix of emollients, humectants and occlusives. It contains three occlusives: cocoa butter, shea butter and tiny microdroplets of Vaseline jelly. This non-greasy, fast-absorbing combination hydrates, nourishes and smoothens skin from head to toe. The key ingredients in this product, ultra-hydrating lipids replenish moisture and reinforce the skin barrier; cocoa butter and shea butter nourish, hydrate and make the skin feel smoother.
Vaseline Intensive Care Cocoa Radiant Body Lotion is dermatologist-tested and clinically proven to provide 48 hours of moisture and leaves a long-lasting radiant glow. Apply daily for best results and preferably right after showering while your skin is still damp.
