Tag: Cult

Regular moisturization is crucially important, according to Craig Kraffert, M.D., board certified dermatologist and founder of Dermstore. But it has to be the right moisturizer to actually heal severely dry skin. Dr. Kraffert says richer products — like thicker body creams in place of thinner body lotions — is key for quenching extreme dryness. Here are the ingredients our experts say makes a powerhouse body lotion that’ll actually hydrate parched skin:

✔️ Emollients: These are hydrating agents, and Dr. Kraffert says they are a must in lotion for dry skin since they prevent hydration loss while smoothing and softening skin. They come in the form of oils (plant, mineral or animal), butters (like shea and cocoa) or fatty acids.

✔️Humectants: By attracting water to the skin, humectants help increase the skin’s moisture content over time. Our experts love glycerin and hyaluronic acid, which can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water and “creates a barrier for the skin, locking in moisture and improving texture,” says Dr. Engelman.

✔️Ceramides: Your skin’s lipid layer that locks in moisture and acts as a barrier against pollution, bacteria and signs of aging depletes as you age. “Ceramides help to restore the skin’s barrier by holding the cells together,” says Dr. Engelman. “As a result, skin feels smoother, plumper and more moisturized.” Look for skincare with ceramides or niacinamide, which helps skin increase natural lipid production.

✔️ Occlusives: While emollients and humectants hydrate, occlusives sit atop the skin and create a barrier to prevent further moisture loss and act as a shield against the hydration-robbing elements like wind and cold air. They come in the form of waxy or oily ingredients like petroleum, candelilla or carnauba wax, beeswax and cocoa butter.