Let's start the review with two pieces of news. According to tradition, one of them is bad, the other is good. Let's start with the first one - it is impossible to change your skin type, since it is genetically determined (DNA). However, people have learned to change the color of their eyes and hair. This means that the second news is good - proper care and well-chosen decorative cosmetics will save your life from one beauty problem. In our case, the solution lies in simple things - nutrition and maximum hydration.
Useful components
To find an effective product for dry skin, you need to carefully read the ingredients. The basis of the formula of any product must include:
- acids: hyaluronic (1%), salicylic (1%) and glycolic (15%);
- elastin and collagen;
- glycerol;
- depanthenol;
- animal fats;
- SPF filters;
- zinc;
- vitamins E and C (it is better if they are both in one product);
- oils;
- herbal extracts: fig, olive, chamomile, celandine, cucumber and calendula;
- ceramides;
- squalane
You shouldn’t look away, much less buy products that contain at least one of the following components:
- mineral oil;
- alcohol;
- propylene glycol;
- sodium laureth sulfate;
- extracts of lavender, tea tree, mint and algae;
- triethanolamine.
Fortunately, the list of prohibited substances is not that long. Therefore, if you do not want to be disappointed in the product you purchased, be sure to remember and look for them in the composition. And for those who do not trust cosmetic brands, we offer several useful recipes for home remedies that have been tested by many women.
Dry facial skin: self-care
Take 1/4 tbsp. milk and cream, add 2 tbsp. l. dry (or preferably fresh) chamomile, mix and heat in a steam bath for 30 minutes. After 2 hours, strain. Apply the resulting soothing milk to your face using circular massaging movements and rinse with warm water. Leftovers can be transferred to a sterile container. Store in the refrigerator for no more than two weeks.
2. Moisturizing mask.
Mash the ripe avocado to the consistency of porridge. Add 20 g of honey, the juice of half a lemon, a teaspoon of milk and stir until smooth. Apply the resulting mass to your face and neck, and after 15 minutes, rinse with warm water. The mask can be stored in the refrigerator for two weeks.
3. Super soft cream.
Mix 1 tsp with one tablespoon of coconut oil. honey and lemon juice. Using circular movements, spread the composition over the skin in a thin layer, and after 30 minutes (or you can leave it on for an hour) rinse with warm water.
For those who do not have time to prepare folk remedies for dry skin, we suggest going to the most trusted place where you can find effective products from the best brands in the world. That is, to the pharmacy.
Pharmacy products for dry skin
Sometimes medications can cope with the task better than expensive cosmetics. Don't believe me? Here is a list of proven and effective products that can work wonders:
- "F 99" - originally a cream based on vitamin F and polyunsaturated fatty acids was intended for the treatment of dermatitis and eczema. But it turned out that the formula has a number of other positive properties. Firstly, it works great against flaking. Secondly, it returns firmness and elasticity to the dehydrated dermis. Price - about 140 rubles.
- "Arnica" - the ointment is known to many for its ability to resolve hematomas and bruises. This automatically means that the product helps improve lymph and blood circulation and has regenerating and soothing properties. As you guessed, Arnica is an excellent budget option that will help restore tone and cope with expression wrinkles. Price - about 220 rubles.
- "Dardia Lipo" is, according to customers, one of the best products for dry skin. The cream will quickly get rid of peeling thanks to the lactate and glycerin it contains. And lipid balance will be supported by cetearyl ethylhexanoate and triglycerides. Price - from 200 rubles.
Decorative cosmetics
In this regard, with oily dermis it is at least a little simpler: a mattifying product - and the makeup is flawless. But if she is dehydrated, and even with flaking, choosing a foundation turns into a real nightmare. But not everything is as bad as it seems at first glance. There are at least five proven foundations for dry skin in the world:
- Face & Body Foundation from MAC is a translucent coverage that glides on perfectly and has a satin finish. Disadvantage: it will not provide significant masking, but if your goal is to make the tone as natural as possible, then you simply cannot find a better one.
- All Day Luminous Weightless Foundation from NARS - noticeably moisturizes, applies well and is very long-lasting. Even in the hottest weather it will not spread or “float”. Minus: completely matte finish, so should be used for evening makeup.
- Synchro Skin Glow Luminizing Foundation by Shise >
Masks
Cosmetologists put them on a par with caring cosmetics. It’s not surprising, because a simple express procedure in the shortest possible time will significantly reduce the depth of facial wrinkles, cope with irritation and inflammation, and also improve the quality of the skin. Below is a list of proven masks that have proven their effectiveness not in words, but in deeds.
1. Multivitamin Power Recovery Masque from Dermalogica.
Many admitted that at first they are captivated by the pleasant aroma and texture. The composition is based on tocopherol and provitamin B, which perfectly restore the health of epidermal tissue. The high concentration of antioxidants supports the natural process of elastin and collagen production. In addition, a slight whitening effect is observed.
2. Hydrating Kiwi Mask.
Reviews of the product for dry skin from the Darphin company claim that the tonic result is noticeable after the first use. The moisturizing properties of the product are simply brilliant - the silk texture is quickly absorbed without leaving any residue, resulting in a healthy glow and softness. The composition itself is also impressive: shea butter is responsible for hydration, and vitamin E, mango and kiwi extracts act as antioxidants.
Creams
According to numerous enthusiastic comments, the following products were the most effective in this category:
- Hydra Quench from Clarins - just one light application is enough for the epidermis to instantly nourish, revive and begin to shine. The formula perfectly nourishes and restores water balance.
- Hydreane Riche from La Roche-Posay is a product for dry skin that not only moisturizes, but also reduces sensitivity and restores elasticity. Disadvantage: specific smell.
- Rosa Mosqueta by Aubrey - This night cream can only be found in organic beauty stores. The formula is based on: alpha lipoic acid - protects against free radicals; vitamin E - softens and moisturizes, rose and shea butter - give smoothness and softness.
- Aquasource from Biotherm - restores natural water balance and maintains it for 24 hours. The effect is achieved due to the presence of thermal plankton in the extract, which creates a kind of mesh on the surface of the dermis that retains moisture. The formula is also enriched with biolipids and amino acids.
Three best serums for dry skin types
Light in texture and amazingly effective in impact. Over the past few years, serums have become popular beauty products in cosmetics brands. However, many are sure that they are “heavy artillery”; and you need to start using them no earlier than 35 years old. We hasten to dissuade you! Serums are not only appropriate, but also very useful for young dermis.
So, here are three proven products for dry skin:
- Japan Gals Pure beau essence from Japonica - thanks to the presence of hyaluronic acid, the product provides hydration at the cellular level, increases elasticity and eliminates flaking.
- Ultra HD Skin Booster from Make Up For Ever - guarantees 20 times nutrition due to the content of polysaccharides. It’s no wonder that many famous makeup artists have this product.
- Smoothing Face Serum - Dr. Konopka is an inexpensive serum based on wheat germ oil, tocopherol and polyunsaturated fatty acids. The composition contains everything that is necessary to enhance the process of cell regeneration and maximum hydration.
Tonics
Toning is one of the most important stages of care, which is recommended to be done immediately after washing. Depending on the type of dermis, this category of products performs many functions: cleanses the surface of the skin from the residue of gels and foams for washing, tightens pores, moisturizes or mattifies, saturates with useful substances, and also helps the following care products to be better absorbed.
For example, a tonic for dry facial skin from the French brand La Roche-Posay, thanks to its physiological pH level, will soothe irritation and reduce the manifestation of an allergic reaction.
A product from the Vichy company based on thermal water will help maintain natural hydrobalance. The main advantage is not only toning - the formula is able to remove remnants of even the most stubborn makeup.
Dry skin will thank you if you spritz your face with Lush toner throughout the day, which, among other things, has a stunning floral scent of lavender and rose.
Best cleansing product
Reviews have recognized foams as effective cleansers for dry skin. Among the assortment presented on the cosmetic market, customers named the product from the domestic brand “Natura Siberica” as one of the best. Despite the very delicate, almost airy texture, the formula foams perfectly and provides deep cleansing. The unique composition delicately removes dead cells from the epidermis and promotes toning. Women note that in the morning the product will help the skin wake up, and in the evening it will gently soothe it, relieve irritation, making it smooth and matte.
The foam is easily washed off with warm water and does not leave any feeling of tightness or stickiness.
Rules for caring for dry skin
Here are some tips to help you achieve good results:
- Wash your face in the evenings. In the morning, you remove the fat that the skin produces overnight, thereby depriving the epidermis of its protective layer and becoming vulnerable to external factors.
- Avoid using hot water - only room temperature.
- No soap.
- Don't rub your face with a towel. It is enough to blot away any remaining moisture.
- Study the composition carefully. Products for dry and sensitive skin should not contain alcohol.
- Discreet and competent use of decorative cosmetics.
- Do not go to bed with makeup on (applies to any type of dermis).
- Proper nutrition is an important point in care.
- Take a course of multivitamins twice a year.
- Visit chlorinated pools and saunas less often.
- Adjust your drinking regime. Remember the golden rule - at least two liters of water per day.
And finally.
Regardless of the causes and general condition of dry dermis, it needs to be cared for more intensively than other types. It is not recommended to put everything off and sound the alarm when the face becomes covered with peeling, and merciless “crow’s feet” appear in the corners of the eyes. All owners of dry skin should understand and adhere to one rule: regularity is the best guarantee in this difficult struggle for beauty.
If the problem with dryness does not go away for a long time, then it is better to consult a cosmetologist or dermatologist. Professionals will conduct an appropriate examination and prescribe a course of treatment.
Taking care of dry skin goes beyond moisturizing. Her needs depend on the season and time of day. We'll tell you exactly what it needs, how often and in what quantities - in our article, and also name the 14 best products for dry skin care, according to the editors of skin.ru.
- Causes of dry skin
- Rules for caring for dry skin
- Preventing dry skin
- Features of the composition of the funds
- 14 best remedies
Causes of dry skin
The first thing you should know about dry skin is how it differs from dehydrated skin.
A specific condition, most often caused by genetics, less often by temporary circumstances, such as the use of cosmetics with retinoids or acids. Dryness is caused by a violation of the integrity of the hydrolipid mantle and a lack of secretion from the sebaceous glands - sebum. This substance supports the barrier functions of the skin, protects the epidermis and retains moisture in the cells.
A temporary skin condition that can be completely corrected. In this case, the skin feels a lack of water, not fat. And the cause of dehydration can be both improper care and banal dry air in the apartment.
Dry skin is often confused with dehydrated skin © iStock
On almost dry skin there is no inflammation. Acne and comedones are signs of oily, dehydrated skin.
On dry skin pores are almost invisible, whereas on dehydrated skin they can also be expanded if the skin is oily or combination.
Dry skin all day long feels a feeling of tightness. Dehydrated - does not respond well to cleansing with water, and also suffers during periods of cold, dry weather or when using drying cosmetics.
Dry skin is prone to premature aging © iStock
Rules for caring for dry skin
The basic requirements are quite simple.
To cleanse, use soft, delicate textures such as milk so as not to damage the hydrolipid mantle.
Don’t forget about the tonic: it will normalize the pH level, and at the same time additionally moisturize the skin, and also prepare it for applying masks, creams, and serums.
Make moisturizing creams and masks the basis of your care.
To strengthen the skin's protective barrier and maintain optimal moisture levels in cells, use a good nourishing cream.
To combat skin dullness and prevent early wrinkles, use exfoliating products.
After cleansing dry skin, be sure to apply toner © iStock
Preventing dry skin
Even minimal, but regular care is necessary: dry skin is prone to premature aging, and after 30 years the first “adult” wrinkles appear on it.
Moisturizing components of creams for dry skin – aloe vera, hyaluronic acid, glycerin © iStock
Features of the composition of the funds
If your skin is prone to dryness and you want to provide it with a comfortable life, carefully read the ingredients on cosmetics labels. Look for the substances listed below.
Hygroscopic agents (glycerin, hyaluronic acid, panthenol) attract and retain water molecules in skin cells to maintain an adequate level of hydration.
Oils strengthen the protective barrier, allow you to retain moisture in the cells, which means the density and elasticity of the skin.
AHA acids (lactic, glycolic) and plant enzymes in tonics, masks and peelings dissolve the intercellular glue of the epidermis, helping to exfoliate dead skin particles. This improves skin tone and texture and smoothes out fine wrinkles.
Antioxidants resist the oxidative process in skin cells and neutralize the negative effects of free radicals - the main cause of aging.
The best products for dry skin
14 good products for dry skin at once, according to the editors of skin.ru, are reviewed below. We have chosen them so that it is easy for you to create a complete care program for yourself, from cleansing and toning to applying day cream.
Cleansing and exfoliation
Cleansing dry skin should be thorough, but very gentle:
Oil-based products are suitable for makeup remover;
for washing - delicate foams;
for exfoliation - scrubs with non-aggressive abrasives and creamy texture.
Washing and makeup removal
Product name | Mode of application | Active Ingredients |
Micellar water with oils Skin Naturals, Garnier | Shake the bottle to mix the oil and water base. Dampen a cotton pad and cleanse your face, eyes and lips. Rinse off the product with water. | argan oil |
Milk for removing makeup from the face and eyes “Basic care” for dry and sensitive skin, Garnier | Apply to dry skin using a cotton pad or fingers. If desired, you can wash off the residue with water. | rose extract |
Cleansing cream-gel for problem skin that is dry as a result of drug treatment, Effaclar H, La Roche-Posay | Lather the product into your palms, then apply using smoothing movements to damp skin. Rinse it off. | niacinamide, zinc gluconate |
Softening exfoliating cream Exfoliance Confort, Lancôme | Apply the product to damp skin. Spread with your fingertips, moving from top to bottom in a “spiral” motion. Rinse with water. | extracts of almonds, yeast, honey |
Masks
Masks for moisturizing the skin can be cream or fabric - include both in your care ritual. Fabric ones can be carried with you and used as soon as the skin requires, for example, in an air-conditioned office or after a long flight.
Fabric and cream
Apply for 15–20 minutes, after which distribute the remaining product over the skin with massaging movements. The mask is disposable - do not reuse.
Soothing moisturizing mask Calendula & Aloe, Kiehl’s
shea butter, hyaluronic acid, waxes
Tonics
The best products for toning dry skin are tonics and lotions based on vitamins, oils and moisturizers like aloe juice. Use twice daily.
Moisturize and soothe
Product name | Mode of application | Active Ingredients |
Sheet mask for dry sensitive skin “Hydration + Comfort”, Garnier | hyaluronic acid, chamomile extract | |
Night cream-mask “Extraordinary oil. Luxury food”, L’Oréal Paris | Apply to face, pat skin dry with a napkin, and leave until morning wash. | muscat rose and argan oils |
Apply to cleansed, damp skin, pat dry and leave overnight. | aloe and calendula extracts | |
Intensely moisturizing mask Hydraphase Intense, La Roche-Posay | Apply to cleansed skin for 10–15 minutes, remove excess with a cotton pad or napkin. |
antarcticine, squalane, avocado and apricot kernel oils, vitamin E
Creams
Since the main task of those with dry skin is to moisturize it, then creams should be chosen with this labeling. The textures can be anything: light ones are useful during the day, denser ones are useful for night care.
Hydration and nutrition
Product name | Mode of application | Active Ingredients |
Skin Naturals Toner with Rose Extract for Dry Skin, Garnier | Apply daily to cleansed skin before serum and cream. | rose extract, provitamin B5 |
Moisturizing toner Ultra Facial Toner, Kiehl’s | Apply morning and evening after cleansing. |
Apply to pre-cleansed skin, avoiding the eye area. Use morning and evening.
Royal jelly, vitamin C, hazelnut extract
Proper facial skin care: which cosmetics to prefer
Properly caring for the skin of your face and body is very difficult - especially during pregnancy. But the result of your own efforts will please any woman.
Dry skin type is quite common and requires particularly skillful and careful care, since such skin is very sensitive to adverse effects and ages quickly. Dryness occurs due to insufficient activity of the sebaceous glands and increased evaporation of moisture from the surface of the skin. In young women, dry skin has a pleasant appearance: delicate, thin, smooth, matte. Subsequently, especially with insufficient nutrition or improper care, it becomes drier, flakes, and loses elasticity. It is worth noting that on dry skin, wrinkles appear quite early.
As a rule, dry skin is thin, light pink in color, does not tolerate water and soap well, often flakes and is sensitive to external influences. Dry skin can be either congenital or acquired, for example, as a result of poor care, improper washing, incorrectly selected creams, long-term use of exfoliating preparations (peels, freckle removal creams). As a result of these procedures, the skin produces little natural fat, sweating is reduced, so fat is poorly distributed over the skin. The outer layer of skin, not protected by fat, easily loses moisture due to evaporation. The dry layer of skin peels off, and the new one again remains unprotected from moisture loss. Dry skin is usually more noticeable in winter than in summer.
Dry skin can be caused by hypovitaminosis, diseases of the nervous system, working near hot stoves, prolonged exposure to the sun, and the use of soap. Dry skin undergoes age-related changes much faster and is more sensitive to mechanical, thermal, and chemical irritants.
Continuous dehydration is aggravated by the following negative factors: wind, cold, too dry/hot air, excessive sunbathing, smoking and an unhealthy lifestyle. Contact with chalky water, chlorinated water (such as swimming pool water), sea water, alcohol-containing lotions, highly alkaline soaps, strong peelings, and vitamin A and B deficiency are all very harmful to the skin.
General recommendations
- Do not use preparations containing high concentrations of surfactants - gels and foams for washing. Their action destroys lipid structures in the epidermis. You only need to wash your face with special products for dry skin: milk with a high content of unsaturated fats and waxes, hydrophilic cleansers (hydrogenated sesame oil, hazelnut oil, avocado oil, etc.), makeup remover creams. First, rinse off all medications with water, then wipe your face with a tonic appropriate for your skin type. Washing with a decoction of chamomile, peppermint, aloe, calendula, and comfrey works well on dry skin. You can wipe your face with a decoction of flaxseed or an infusion of marshmallow root. Infusions and decoctions are prepared simply: pour a tablespoon of herb with a glass of boiling water and leave for 15 minutes.
- Preparations containing petroleum products, such as petroleum jelly, ozokerite, ceresin, must be excluded: they will create a dense film on the surface of the skin that interferes with the restoration of the natural barrier. Such products can harm even those with healthy skin.
- Products for deep skin cleansing should be as delicate as possible. If you use a scrub, it should be with soft granules (for example, jojoba). Film masks and masks containing a high concentration of fruit acids are excluded: fruit acids will further dry out the facial skin and increase its irritability, reduce the protective barriers of the skin, and film masks stretch the skin.
- An important skin care measure is restoration of the lipid barrier. This can be done with the help of preparations containing ceramides, cholesterol and free unsaturated fatty acids. The main task that dry skin poses to cosmetics is to restore lipid metabolism and protect the skin from damaging environmental factors.
Cosmetical tools
Milk or cream for makeup removal. Instead of milk, you can use special cleansers made from hydrophilic oils, which remove makeup well and do not dry out the skin. You can use gels for sensitive skin containing extracts of algae, azulene, bisabolol, ecotera oil, evening primrose, currant, etc.
Alcohol free toner. It usually contains silk proteins, wheat proteins, vitamins, wheat germ and algae extracts, and collagen (usually marine).
Creams with collagen and elastin useful for very dry skin or severely damaged normal skin: they restore its tone and smooth out wrinkles. Collagen needs to be stabilized and fixed in the body. For this you need pictogenol or grape seed extract, brown algae, seaweed, which also help maintain skin tone. Lecithin promotes the release and distribution of fatty acids over the skin surface. You can read about the composition of the cream in the annotation or on the cream label.
Day cream - base for decorative makeup. It should be a soft emulsion that is quickly absorbed into the skin and creates a protective film on its surface. It includes humectants (hyaluronic acid, sorbitol, milk proteins), vitamins, antioxidants, extracts of oats, wheat, honey, etc.
Night cream - traditional fatty nourishing cream. Preference is given to semi-synthetic fat compositions containing vegetable oils, essential fatty acids, and ceramides. In addition, creams often include extracts of algae, aloe, substances that improve immune processes, whey proteins, vitamins A and E. The cream is applied 1-2 hours before bedtime in a thick layer, 10 minutes after applying it, blot the skin with a napkin .
Masks. It is better to alternate nourishing and toning masks. The nourishing mask has a high concentration of fats, it has a dense consistency, it can be used as an emergency aid, but at least 2 times a week. Toning masks contain algae, trace elements, guarana extract, gingko bilobo and other substances. Such masks not only improve skin tone, but also strengthen and protect it.
Toning face masks can be used 2-3 times a week, alternately with a nourishing mask. In the hot season, instead of a rich, nourishing night cream, you can use lighter, cooling products - for example, wipe the skin with pieces of ice from a herbal decoction. They will relieve stress and soothe your skin.
The mask is kept on the face for 15-20 minutes, after which the face is washed with warm water, then with cold boiled water, slightly dried with a towel and lubricated with nourishing cream. It is advisable to carry out this procedure 2 times a week. You should remember about possible allergic reactions to various components of the mask, therefore, when making a mask for the first time, you should make sure there are no allergies. To do this, on a small area of skin, preferably behind the ear, you need to put a little of the composition that you are going to apply to the skin as a mask. After 15 minutes, rinse it off with boiled water. Increased sensitivity can manifest itself immediately - in the form of redness or severe burning, or after some time. Therefore, wait 24 hours after the test.
When applying a mask, remember the rule: the mask is applied only to healthy, intact skin.
Consider the season
In the summer, you can use scrubs and enzyme creams (they stimulate cellular renewal, prevent skin aging and restore a healthy complexion) for cleansing; they speed up the process of skin cell renewal and even out its texture. In summer, do not forget about regular use of sunscreen.
Winter is a time to reconsider your skin care habits. Three summer principles: cleansing, protection, moisturizing (use of moisturizers) - during the cold season they need to be replaced with more intensive care: cleansing, protection, nutrition (using nourishing creams and masks).
All creams must be applied to the face at least half an hour before going out into the fresh air - otherwise the skin will become hypothermic. After applying the cream, be sure to blot your skin with a napkin. You need to wash your face no later than an hour before going outside.
Express home care program for dry skin
This program can be used periodically - once a month.
Start by removing your daytime makeup. Rub nutrients, collagen, elastin, vitamin into the skin (they are sold in ampoules in any perfume store). Then apply a light nourishing cream with liposomes (liposomes ensure rapid transfer of biologically active substances into the deep layers of the skin and fiber).
When irritation and peeling occur, you need to use emollient creams containing vitamin A.
In addition to this short-term program, there are more extensive dry skin care courses, which are usually conducted in beauty salons.
Product name | Mode of application | Active Ingredients |
Ultra Facial Moisturizer, Kiehl’s | arctic rose extract, squalane, glycerin, vitamin E, cocoa nibs butter | |
Day cream for sensitive skin “Moisturizing Expert”, L’Oréal Paris | Apply to previously cleansed skin, except the area around the eyes. | glycerin, rice bran oil |
Intensive restoring cream for dry skin types Nutrix Royal, Lancôme | Apply morning and evening to skin after cleansing, avoiding the eye area. |