Best moisturizers for dry skin: How to avoid cracked, flaky skin in the winter months

With all the products on the market, skincare is intimidating

The case marks the first known methylmercury poisoning from a face cream in the US (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Getting into skincare can be daunting, especially with a drier skin type. With all the new products on the market from toners and facial oils to cleansers and creams, many don’t know where to start. If you’re not in the loop, hearing a suggestion to use hyaluronic acid can seem more dangerous than helpful.

So let’s start by breaking down exactly what dry skin is, how to combat it, and what the best products for dry skin type are.

What Is Dry Skin?

Dry skin occurs when your skin isn’t able to retain enough moisture, according to experts at Harvard. It can occur due to bathing too often, winter weather, certain soaps, some medical conditions, or just simply getting older.

The moisture in your skin reflects the moisture level in the air around you, so people are more susceptible to dry skin in the winter time. One way to combat this is to add a humidifier to your home, but another approach is to moisturise your skin using a lotion of a jelly.

What actually is a moisturiser and how do I find the right one for me?

There are tons of moisturisers on the market, and it can be hard to find a good one. Moisturisers are designed to add moisture to the skin and “lock” it in using three types of ingredients:

• humectants, which attract moisture

• emollients, which fill the space between hydrated skin cells

• and a sealing agent

But not all moisturisers are effective for every purpose. Some are designed as non-comedogenic for facial use, as to not clog pores. Others are designed to be used in areas that need a little extra moisture, like elbows and knees.

Body Moisturisers

Different moisturisers serve different purposes, and should be treated as such. Thicker and oilier moisturisers do well on the body, as do oils, particularly after bathing. Almond or Argan oil are both good choices, as is petroleum jelly

Others prefer lotions for their body, like myself. I use Everyone Lotion, which is naturally scented, cruelty free, and enriched with vitamins and oils. It’s also 3 in 1, meaning it can be used on the body, hands, and face, making this a great choice for those who prefer ease to routine.

Our pick: Everyone Lotion, $18.68

(Everyone lotion (Everyone lotion)

Facial Moisturisers

Our pick: CeraVe Moisturising Cream, $13.56

(CeraVe (CeraVe)

When it comes to facial moisturisers, many prefer a cream based moisturiser. Be careful to avoid ones with fragrance as it can further dry your skin! A great one, its lower price aside, is CeraVe, which is designed to not block pores, is gentle on skin, and is fragrance free.​

Philosophy Renewed Hope in a Jar Refreshing and Refining Moisturiser, $25.91

(Philosophy ) (Philosophy)

If you’re looking for something a little nicer, we'd recommend the Philosophy Renewed Hope in a Jar Refreshing and Refining Moisturizer for Dry Skin. At $25, it’s a good option for those looking to invest in their skincare a bit.

Drunk Elephant Lala Retro Whipped Cream, $60

(Drunk Elephant (Drunk Elephant)

As for a high-end cream moisturiser, Drunk Elephant’s Lala Retro Whipped Cream is a vegan cream enriched with 6 oils and no alcohols, silicones, fragrances or dyes. At $60, it’s an investment purchase but your skin will thank you!

Facial Oils

Our pick: Apothecary 90291’s 01 Luminous Facial Oil, $120

(Apothecary 90291’ (Apothecary 90291’)

There are also facial oils designed to moisturise without a greasy feeling, like Apothecary 90291’s 01 Luminous Face Oil, a raw and ethically sourced oil blend that I use as a moisturiser year round. However, the high price point may serve as a barrier to purchasing this one for skincare newbies.

Pearlessence Rosehip Balancing Facial Oil, $12

(Pearlessence / Amazon)

If you’re interested in trying a facial oil but aren’t ready to spend upwards of $100, the Pearlessence Rosehip Balancing Facial Oil is a good, reasonably priced one.