Chilly weather has its perks, but flaky, dry skin is definitely not one of them. Come fall and winter, humidity subsides, wind picks up, and indoor heating makes for a super dry environment. To help you stand strong in the face of ultra dry skin, we're showcasing 10 of the most nourishing, moisturizing ingredients you can incorporate into your skin care routine — and throwing in a product recommendation for each.
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Ceramides
Ceramides are lipids that help bolster your skin's barrier so it's stronger and able to better retain moisture. Usually, products made with ceramides are thick, rich, and creamy and feel very luxurious on your skin. Try Priori's LCA fx140 Barrier Restore Complexe, $72, which is formulated with ceramides as well as a 2 percent LCA complex comprised of lactic acid and vitamins A, C, E, and A.
Your skin naturally produces squalane, an important ingredient that helps keep your skin hydrated, bouncy, and healthy. The amount your body produces starts decreasing with age, so adding it back into your regimen via a topical product is a great idea. Versed's Skin Soak Rich Moisture Cream, $17.99, combines squalane with vitamin E and algae extract (another ingredient that's highly nourishing and hydrating). It's a thick, non-greasy cream with a velvety texture.
Baobab is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which helps heal the skin barrier so it's better able to lock in moisture. It also has soothing, anti-inflammatory benefits. If you're seeking a hydrating product that's slightly lighter, the new Fenty Skin Instant Reset Overnight Recovery Gel-Cream, $40, is a great option. It's made with baobab to support deep hydration, as well as hyaluronic acid and globally sourced Kalahari melon oil.
This coveted skin care ingredient that attracts moisture to your skin for a plumped look and hydrated, dewy complexion. InnBeauty Project's Slushy, $28 is another lightweight option that'll still quench thirsty skin. You can even layer it underneath another cream if you want to double down. It's a simple formula that combines hyaluronic acid and bakuchiol (a natural retinol alternative that's less irritating). The "slushy serum" is named the unique texture, which is created via a high-speed spinning process that mixes the two ingredients.
