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When skin is dry and sensitive, that\u2019s a sign that your moisture barrier is compromised. \u201cWhen the skin barrier is compromised, it does not protect you as well from allergens and irritants,\u201d explains Dr. Lolis. This layer of your skin doesn\u2019t just act as a shield against environmental factors; it also helps prevent water from escaping the skin. \u201cWhen the skin barrier is weakened, there is more transepidermal water loss, so your skin becomes dry and more susceptible to irritation,\u201d she adds.<\/p>\n
Things like overuse of harsh active ingredients, such as retinol, and skin conditions, like eczema, can lead to a weakened skin barrier, but so can seasonal changes, says Dr. Kim. \u201cAs the weather gets colder, our skin gets drier and inflamed,\u201d he explains. \u201cOur skin barrier gets compromised, and we need heavier moisturizers to keep our skin protected and hydrated.\u201d<\/p>\n
When shopping for a moisturizer for dry, sensitive skin, it\u2019s crucial to look for ingredients that fall into three categories: humectants, emollients, and occlusives. \u201cHumectants attract water like a sponge to keep the epidermis hydrated,\u201d says Dr. Lolis. These include hyaluronic acid, sodium hyaluronate, and glycerin. Emollients are lipids that act as a barrier between skin cells, preventing water from evaporating; Dr. Kim points to ceramides and fatty acids. \u201cCeramide is a naturally occurring molecule in our skin and helps keep the skin barrier intact,\u201d he says. \u201cFatty acids are an important component of our skin’s natural barrier and help keep the skin hydrated and supple.\u201d The last category, occlusives\u2014which include ingredients like petroleum jelly, shea butter, and beeswax\u2014act as a top coat, trapping in all that goodness.<\/p>\n
You can also seek out skin soothers like vitamin B3 (a.k.a. niacinamide), allantoin, and bisabolol, but other actives, such as vitamin C, alpha and beta hydroxy acids, and retinol, should be avoided. \u201cThe best moisturizers are ones that are simply and primarily designed to keep the skin hydrated and moisturized,\u201d says Dr. Kim. Dry skin will get the most nourishment from a rich, thick, and creamy moisturizer rather than a cream with a gel-like texture, though these can be good for layering, says Dr. Lolis. \u201cI also like balms for specific dry patches,\u201d she adds.<\/p>\n
To really combat dryness and sensitivity, a multi-pronged approach is key. Dr. Lolis recommends using a gentle cleanser followed by a hypochlorous acid spray due to its anti-inflammatory properties. Then, apply a hydrating serum. \u201cUse a hyaluronic acid serum while the skin is still damp to enhance absorption,\u201d she says. Once your serum has absorbed, slick on a rich, creamy moisturizer like the ones above to help reinforce the skin barrier. Those with extremely dry skin can try slugging with a rich balm for added insurance against dehydration.<\/p>\n
You can also add a face mask into your weekly routine, says Dr. Kim. \u201cUsing a gentle, hydrating mask once a week will help deliver that extra hydration your skin needs,\u201d he explains. \u201cLook for calming and hydrating ingredients like Centella asiatica<\/em>, oat extract, rice extracts, and ceramides.\u201d<\/p>\n When Allure<\/em> tests a product, our editors look at it from every angle in an effort to best serve you. We review ingredients, scrutinize brand claims, and, when necessary, examine peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies. In addition to testing each and every product that’s included in each and every review, we rely on experts who shape their fields, including dermatology, cosmetic chemistry, and medicine, to help us vet the ingredients and formulas.<\/p>\n For our review of the best face moisturizers for dry, sensitive skin, we enlisted the help of multiple editors, writers, contributors, and dermatologists to review the products. This ensures our testing base spans different skin tones, genders, and dermatological conditions. We considered each product’s performance across four primary categories: ingredients, wear and longevity, packaging, and inclusivity. For more on what’s involved in our reporting, check out our complete reviews process and methodology page.<\/p>\n A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure<\/em> wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors\u2014in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon\u2014is essential to reaching that goal.<\/p>\n After all, can we really<\/em> say a skin-care product is the “best” for people over 50 if the only testers we’ve solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it’s never been tested on curls? We’re proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.<\/p>\n<\/div>\nMeet The Experts<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/p>\n
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