Hydrating creams for dry skin
Let’s face it, dry skin isn’t anyone’s idea of a good time. It can feel uncomfortable and can make your skin look red or flaky, so it’s not surprising that people want a quick fix to hydrate their skin and make it look and feel as if it’s at its best.
There are many reasons why you might find yourself with dry skin. Fortunately, there are ways to help get rid of it. You might want to change the soaps and detergents you use or avoid chlorinated pools, or simply try a hydrating face cream for dry skin.
Read on to find out all about dry skin, including our best creams to use. From the best night cream for dry skin to the symptoms of dry skin, it’s all here.
Why is my face dry?
There are many potential causes of dry skin. Sometimes, it can be caused by something we’re doing. However, at other times, it’s due to environmental or external factors.
Dehydration often causes dry skin too – if your skin lacks water, it’ll be drier than it would be otherwise. Over washing or taking too many hot baths or showers can also cause dry skin, as you’re essentially removing your skin’s natural oils by doing so. If you use harsh soaps and detergents, these can also help to cause dry skin, because they’re designed to remove oils.
Dry, uncomfortable skin is a common concern, and understanding the reasons behind it can help you achieve a healthy, hydrated complexion. One major contributor is climate. Exposure to cold, windy weather or low-humidity environments can deplete the skin's natural moisture. Similarly, indoor heating systems, while cozy, can also dry out the air and, consequently, your skin.
Dehydration plays a significant role as well. Just like any other organ, your skin needs adequate water intake to function at its best. Not drinking enough water can lead to noticeable dryness.
Your skincare routine can play a significant role too. Over-washing, especially with hot water, or using harsh soaps and detergents can strip away the skin's protective oils, leaving it vulnerable to moisture loss. Likewise, neglecting to moisturise regularly can disrupt the skin's moisture balance.
Age is another factor to consider. As we age, our skin naturally produces less oil, leading to increased dryness. Additionally, certain skin conditions, such as eczema and psoriasis, can also manifest as dry, irritated skin.
Finally, prolonged sun exposure, while enjoyable, can damage the skin's barrier function, leading to dehydration.
Dry skin symptoms
There are a few main symptoms and signs of dry skin. Dry skin is most often found on your face and your hands, perhaps because these tend to be more exposed than other parts of your body. Having said that, dry skin can occur anywhere on your body.
If you have dry skin, you might notice white flakes or scaly skin, or your skin might feel rough to the touch. It might itch more than usual, appear red, or feel irritated.
With dry skin, fine lines can appear exaggerated as well, so this is something else to look out for. You might also notice cracks in your skin – in some cases, these cracks might bleed, but this won’t be the case for everyone with dry skin.
Dermatitis can also be caused by dry skin, so it’s another sign to watch out for. You may notice a rash that might be bumpy, swollen or a different colour to the rest of the skin around it.
Our best face creams for dry skin
Lancôme has a range of moisturisers to suit the needs of your dry skin, from daytime creams with SPF to intense overnight hydrators. So, let’s take a closer look at them.
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