4 heavy-duty moisturisers for very dry skin
Hands up if your skin needs help in the hydration department.
As the colder temperatures hit and we crank the heaters, most of our complexions are left craving a juicy safety blanket, which is why we've hunted down the best moisture-boosting products on the market.
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First things first, if you’re not already exfoliating on a somewhat regular basis (this will depend on your skin type, but once or twice a week is advisable), start doing so.
Parched skin will love you for it because no matter how much moisture you whack on your skin, if it can’t penetrate through the dead skin cells it’s not getting to where it needs to be. Regular exfoliation buffs away dead skin cells and surface grime, allowing moisturising formulas to reach the area they need to hydrate. We love St. Ives Energising Coconut & Coffee Scrub because it smells amazing (especially if you love coffee!), and it uses walnut shells rather than micro-beads for a gentle, and eco-friendly exfoliation. If you find a physical exfoliant too harsh however, try an AHA or BHA formula such as Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 8% AHA Gel Exfoliant. Add a hydrating serum (such as Billie Goat Soap Hydrating Face Serum) after your cleanse and exfoliation but before your moisturiser to give your skin a serious boost. Following it with a rich moisturiser will lock in the active ingredients in the serum.
A good moisturiser is essential in the fight to combat dry skin. Plunkett's Vita E Natural Vitamin E Cream provides protection against parched skin while also addressing existing dryness. Grand Nature Intensive Cream with Grape Seed Extract is another dry skin superhero. Grape seed is a powerful antioxidant and when applied topically it helps to deeply moisturise the skin, tighten pores and even treat acne. Another option is Bellamer Botanical Skin Care Hydration Plus for Face and Neck. The rich, buttery cream is packed with essential oils, melting into the skin upon contact to instantly plump and hydrate.
If it’s not just your face but your entire body that is crying out for hydration, try replacing your regular body wash with a more nourishing formula like method Body Wash Simply Nourish. It contains coconut, rice milk and shea butter for a comforting cleanse. Finish with a layer of lotion like DermaVeen Daily Nourish Moisturising Lotion. Apply while your skin is still slightly damp for an easier spread and faster skin absorption.
And lastly, don’t forget to drink at least eight glasses of water a day. It’s an oldie, but a goodie!
Main image credit: @tach.j
*This article has been updated since its original publication.
What are your moisture magnets? Do you have a go-to cream that saves your skin in winter?
Have you tried any of the products mentioned above?
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144 Member Comments
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I'd like to try the QV. I generally like their products.
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my skin gets dry during winter and i find dermaveen works for me
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I find using creams instead of lotions helps my skin the most, I like Avene skin recovery cream Rich/Riche
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Just started using Palmers exfoliating enzyme and love it. I use serums, oils and Tatcha cream to keep my face hydrated. My body I use a moisturising body foam, and a thick cream, as well as oils. My poor kids have my dry skin so if we don't look after it we all walk around itching.
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I use the Plunketts Vitamin E cream morning and night as my skin has been so dry lately. It's great stuff and I definitely see an improvement. I always forget to exfoliate though!
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I used to love body butters for dry skin on my body, but now I prefer body oils. Sometimes I make my own body oils with a carrier oil and essential oils. I still use moisturisers for my face, but facial oils feel more nourishing for my dry and older skin.
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Ohhh will give them a try!
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I am thankful that my skin is not too dry but I do need to use a good serum and moisturiser to keep it well nourished.
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I tried the Kiehl's one and loved it.
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These all sound soo soo good. Would love to try a few out myself and see how they go this winter
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What's blowing my mind is that with age I realise a little more very year that not all dry skin looks the same... I feel like I was always told in my teens and 20s that "dry skin" is flaky and sore and cracked... when in reality your skin can look oily or even 'normal' and still be really, really dehydrated.
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I love this for the accuracy behind it
Thats so true. No matter how oily or 'moisturised' your skin can look does not mean it is well hydrated and healthy
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Thanks for a great read and love DermaVeen. .
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I have super dry skin and most moisturisers don't work for me.
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I don’t think I’ve tried any of these. Luckily my skin doesn’t get really dry, just dehydrated so I should really drink more water. I’ve been using more oils or oil-based products at night but am still yet to convince myself I like them (except the Good Oil, I loved that).
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These are some great tips, I have dry skin which worsens in winter and its only exfoliation and a heavy duty moisturiser that helps keep the hydration levels up. If its too greasy then it breaks me out. What works for me is - exfoliation and a Hyaluronic acid based serum before applying moisturiser.
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I've found myself using a thicker moisturiser recently.
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I go through so much moisturiser in winter.
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I like to use facial oils when my skin feels parched. For my body I always have Dove Body Cream on hand
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I don't think I've tried any of these moisturisers. And I'm always forgetting to drink eight glasses of water a day. Thanks for the reminder.
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Some interesting products to try.I am currently using weleda products.
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I use a range of moisturisers, especially at this time of year.
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