Other effective ingredients include hyaluronic acid, which plumps skin and restores lost hydration, and emollients such as shea butter, which “can help to heal cracked skin due to its vitamins A, E, and F content,” cosmetic chemist Ginger King previously explained.
When do I apply moisturizer?
After washing with cleanser, layer your products in order of lightest to heaviest in texture. “A serum and a cream have different functions, and therefore [different] molecule sizes,” explains Dr. Engelman. “A serum placed on top of a moisturizer will not allow the serum to be fully absorbed since the smaller molecules cannot penetrate the larger ones. Start the products with the lightest consistency like toner, followed by serums and ampoules. Next, are any prescription topical treatments, lotions, creams, and finally sunscreen [with at least SPF 30].” Of course, skip the SPF in your evening routine.
Anything else I should consider for dry skin?
Once you’ve found your go-to hydrator, you may also find that making small adjustments to your daily routine—such as using fragrance-free skin-care products—can make a world of difference. “If you struggle with redness or irritation, it’s important to be thoughtful about how you are cleansing your skin,” says New York City-based board-certified plastic surgeon Adam Kolker, MD, who recommends patients use “cool water or lukewarm water” to rinse off their cleanser to avoid exacerbating any dry patches or redness. In fact, in the morning, you can skip a dedicated cleanser and stick to a quick water-only rinse.
Outside of topical skin care, consider investing in a humidifier that goes on your desk, nightstand, or end table to boost humidity, of course, and prevent moisture loss in your own skin, according to Y. Claire Chang, MD, a NYC-based board-certified dermatologist at Union Dermatology.
Meet the experts
- Shari Marchbein, MD, a New York City-based board-certified dermatologist
- Marisa Garshick, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Manhattan, New York, and Englewood, New Jersey
- Dendy Engelman, MD, a New York City-based board-certified dermatologist
- Brendan Camp, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City
- Renée Rouleau, esthetician and founder of Renée Rouleau Skincare
- Joshua Zeichner, MD, board-certified dermatologist and director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City
- Ginger King, a cosmetic chemist
- Adam Kolker, MD, a New York City-based board-certified plastic surgeon
- Y. Claire Chang, MD, an NYC-based board-certified dermatologist at Union Dermatology
How we test and review products
When Allure 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.