Frequently Asked Questions
What causes dry, sensitive skin on the face?
When skin is dry and sensitive, that’s a sign that your moisture barrier is compromised. “When the skin barrier is compromised, it does not protect you as well from allergens and irritants,” explains Dr. Lolis. This layer of your skin doesn’t just act as a shield against environmental factors; it also helps prevent water from escaping the skin. “When the skin barrier is weakened, there is more transepidermal water loss, so your skin becomes dry and more susceptible to irritation,” she adds.
Things like overuse of harsh active ingredients, such as retinol, and skin conditions, like eczema, can lead to a weakened skin barrier, but so can seasonal changes, says Dr. Kim. “As the weather gets colder, our skin gets drier and inflamed,” he explains. “Our skin barrier gets compromised, and we need heavier moisturizers to keep our skin protected and hydrated.”
Which moisturizer is best for a dry, sensitive face?
When shopping for a moisturizer for dry, sensitive skin, it’s crucial to look for ingredients that fall into three categories: humectants, emollients, and occlusives. “Humectants attract water like a sponge to keep the epidermis hydrated,” says Dr. Lolis. These include hyaluronic acid, sodium hyaluronate, and glycerin. Emollients are lipids that act as a barrier between skin cells, preventing water from evaporating; Dr. Kim points to ceramides and fatty acids. “Ceramide is a naturally occurring molecule in our skin and helps keep the skin barrier intact,” he says. “Fatty acids are an important component of our skin’s natural barrier and help keep the skin hydrated and supple.” The last category, occlusives—which include ingredients like petroleum jelly, shea butter, and beeswax—act as a top coat, trapping in all that goodness.
You can also seek out skin soothers like vitamin B3 (a.k.a. niacinamide), allantoin, and bisabolol, but other actives, such as vitamin C, alpha and beta hydroxy acids, and retinol, should be avoided. “The best moisturizers are ones that are simply and primarily designed to keep the skin hydrated and moisturized,” says Dr. Kim. Dry skin will get the most nourishment from a rich, thick, and creamy moisturizer rather than a cream with a gel-like texture, though these can be good for layering, says Dr. Lolis. “I also like balms for specific dry patches,” she adds.
How do you rehydrate dry sensitive skin on the face?
To really combat dryness and sensitivity, a multi-pronged approach is key. Dr. Lolis recommends using a gentle cleanser followed by a hypochlorous acid spray due to its anti-inflammatory properties. Then, apply a hydrating serum. “Use a hyaluronic acid serum while the skin is still damp to enhance absorption,” she says. Once your serum has absorbed, slick on a rich, creamy moisturizer like the ones above to help reinforce the skin barrier. Those with extremely dry skin can try slugging with a rich balm for added insurance against dehydration.
You can also add a face mask into your weekly routine, says Dr. Kim. “Using a gentle, hydrating mask once a week will help deliver that extra hydration your skin needs,” he explains. “Look for calming and hydrating ingredients like Centella asiatica, oat extract, rice extracts, and ceramides.”
Meet The Experts
- Cheryl Karcher, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Center Aesthetic & Dermatology, based in New York City
- Shamsa Kanwal, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Portland
- David Kim, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Idriss Dermatology and founder of Lightsaver based in New York City
- Jenny Liu, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and assistant professor based in Minneapolis-Saint Paul
- Margarita Lolis, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon in central New Jersey
- Jenna Queller, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of DermWorks based in Boca Raton, Florida
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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.
For our review of the best face moisturizers for dry, sensitive skin, we enlisted the help of multiple editors, writers, contributors, and dermatologists to review the products. This ensures our testing base spans different skin tones, genders, and dermatological conditions. We considered each product’s performance across four primary categories: ingredients, wear and longevity, packaging, and inclusivity. For more on what’s involved in our reporting, check out our complete reviews process and methodology page.
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