There was no shadow to my younger self, but I’m not really sure how I got through my college years and early twenties without a fit, Personal skin care routine (although I am grateful for always being adamant about sunscreen!). While some advocate washing your face with nothing but water, these days, I can’t help but get into the habit of washing face-serum-moisturizer-SPF. And while my efforts have paid off with glorious rewards, I wanted a little insight into the best ingredients for dry skin — because boy, is what my skin needs.
Whether it’s been bothering you for a while or it’s showing up for the first time, chronic and even infrequent dry skin is no fun. However, the good news is that arming yourself with the best ingredients for dry skin can do wonders for your skin, confidence, and comfort. Because let’s be real, nothing beats a glow.
Featured image of Belathee Photography.
To dig deeper and tackle my dry skin issues, I spoke with Dr. Trevor Cates, founder of the revolutionary, natural skincare brand, Spa Dr. Because she’s adamant about taking a holistic approach to helping her patients (and her 30,000+ followers on the Internet). Instagram) to achieve healthy, radiant skin, I know I’ve found the ultimate source to find the best ingredients for dry skin.
Keep reading for Dr. Cates’ insights on all the ways to fix and revitalize dry skin — from treating the root cause to a beauty-enhancing diet — check it out! This is your ultimate guide to glowing skin.
What causes dry skin?
Not just in terms of beauty, but the larger topic of health and wellness in general, addressing concerns with a source-based approach is increasingly being adopted. Yes, quick fixes can be gratifying for an immediate, noticeable improvement, but really getting to the root of these problems can help improve them from the ground up. country.
Dr. Cates is dry skinned. She’s quick to point out causes that are overlooked, like those related to diet and lifestyle. “Chronic dry skin and dandruff are often the result of essential fatty acid deficiencies,” she notes. And don’t skip the role hormone contribute to dry skin. Dr. Cates cites hormonal imbalances (such as hypothyroidism) as a factor in developing skin problems.
Last but not least, if you’re experiencing dry skin, it could be a sign to learn more about your skin’s microbiome. “When your skin’s microbiome shows signs of damage and you’re showing signs of dryness,” says Dr. Cates, “you’ll also want to boost the beneficial balance of your skin’s microbiome. “. Doing so comes with many benefitsSpecifically, smoother, brighter skin.
What are the best foods to eat for hydrated skin?
Dr. Cates shares a list of foods that boost moisture in her skin.
- Apples and pears. Both contain polyphenols, an antioxidant that helps protect against premature aging and the damaging effects of UV radiation. The peel is rich in vitamin C which enhances the luminosity of your skin.
- Avocado. High levels of vitamin E can help fight signs of premature aging by protecting your cells from oxidative damage caused by free radicals.
- Almonds. These fan-favorite nuts are packed with selenium, manganese, and vitamin E that can protect your skin against UV damage from the sun.
- Cashew. A great on-the-go snack that’s packed with selenium, which acts as an antioxidant along with vitamin E. Eating cashews helps fight acne, reduce inflammation, and keep your skin hydrated.
- Radish. These red gems are rich in vitamin C, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants like betaine that help reduce inflammation and detoxify the skin.
What lifestyle habits support hydrated skin?
While switching to healthier skin care practices, it can be challenging to proceed (8 hours sleep is tough, y’all!), your skin will benefit even more. Dr. Cates’ top tips for keeping skin hydrated and promoting a healthy oil barrier? “Consume essential fatty acids, such as omega-3s. A diet lacking in these nourishing fats can leave your skin dry, itchy, and prone to breakouts. “Another reason to keep Butter Toast in your regular breakfast rotation.
What are the top moisturizing ingredients we should be looking for to treat dry skin?
Below, Dr. Cates breaks down all of the best ingredients for dry skin and why they’re a priority in our skincare routine.
- Pineapple (ananas sativus). Pineapple is a natural source of bromelain, a proteolytic enzyme that digests proteins. Bromelain hydrolyzes proteins and digests only the dead cells on the surface of the skin, leaving the living cells underneath intact. This process makes this ingredient suitable for even the most sensitive skin types. Finally, pineapple extract provides anti-inflammatory effects.
- Colloidal oatmeal. Skin care products containing colloidal oatmeal soothe and moisturize inflamed, itchy skin.
- Aloe gel. Known for its ability to soothe sensitive, inflamed skin. Avoid buying a commercial product as it often contains preservatives, other gels, and ingredients that could affect its benefits. Choose whole foods from your local health food store or make your own.
- Coconut oil. One of nature’s best moisturizers and emollients with medium-chain triglycerides that help keep skin smooth, protected and hydrated. It works well to remove makeup and surface build-up. The key when using coconut oil for any skin type is to use a pure, pure source.
- Sunflower seed oil. This is a light-colored oil extracted from the seeds of the sunflower plant. The oil provides a rich source of unsaturated linoleic and oleic fatty acids, along with vitamin E. Sunflower seed oil soothes and calms the skin. It’s thinner than some other oils, so it works well in combination to make other oils easier to apply.
- Sweet almond oil. This light and lightly scented oil comes from the seeds of the sweet almond tree. It is gentle on the skin and easily absorbed. Due to its high content of essential fatty acids, it protects from dryness and improves the skin’s barrier function, leaving it smooth and soft.
- Butter oil. This ingredient has been used for centuries for beauty and skin care. Rich in vitamins A and E and highly absorbable, this oil is great for dry or mature skin. In addition to its moisturizing qualities, its high level of antioxidants helps to heal and protect the skin. I prefer the super pure to the refined avocado oil found in the cooking oil section of your grocery store. The ultra-pure oil is green in color, revealing its natural chlorophyll — an added benefit for skin!
- Apricot kernel oil. Rich in vitamins A, C and E, along with various minerals, as well as omega-6 and -9 fatty acids. Its lightweight consistency absorbs quickly without leaving a greasy residue. Suitable for even the most sensitive skin types, including babies, its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties help reduce conditions like acne, eczema, and dermatitis.
- Vitamin E. This ingredient is ideal for aging skin as it helps prevent lipid peroxidation that damages cell membranes and is a powerful free radical scavenger. Use a blend of tocopherol blends, such as sunflower oil from non-GMO sources, similar to what you’d find in nature.
- Niacinamide. Increases synthesis of collagen and other proteins to help moisturize and keep skin elastic.
- Sodium hyaluronate hyaluronic acid. Its high water-binding capacity acts as a water-forming agent and space filler. It also supports collagen and elastin by keeping them nourished and moisturized and reducing the appearance of wrinkles while keeping skin soft, smooth and supple.
9 products that make the most of the best ingredients for dry skin
“Many skin care products (especially cleansers and scrubs) contain harsh and drying ingredients,” says Dr. Cates. “These products are filled with harmful chemicals that irritate the skin and are formulated with a pH that is too high for the skin, leaving it vulnerable to skin problems, including dry skin..“
To make sure your skin stays soft and smooth, shop for Dr. Cates’ favorite moisturizers below as well as some tried and true favorites that the internet, (and conversely, the skin care world in general), believes in- hydrated skin.
The Spa Dr.’s Daily Essentials.
This group of hard-working products contains nearly every ingredient that Dr. Cates has listed above. While they lack oats and niacinamide (which you maybe in The Spa Dr.’s body moisturizer.
Glossier After Baume
What do I love? most of as much as every Glossier product? Duplicates give me a teaser of how effective they are. Typically this line: “Puffy coat for your skin”.
OSEA Hyaluronic Sea Serum
Everything OSEA touches turns yellow – including your skin. If it’s a fast-absorbing, smoothing serum you’re looking for, make it part of your routine.
The Spa Dr. Body Moisturizer HYDRATE
Dr. Cates developed this moisturizer with both oats and niacinamide to soothe skin and boost collagen in the skin.
BYOMA Moisturizing Serum
My current makeup and skincare routines are largely inspired by “look clean” trend. Yes, the call of a brand new model has paid off. For a dewy finish, I always look to this serum.
Cosmic Super Glow Oil
After all career, creative inspiration and beauty Melissa Medveditch Given our interview a few months ago, I knew I needed to include her skincare brand, Supernal’s, signature serum, Cosmic Glow, into my routine.
Rainbow Beauty Hydrate Pack
I could spend a week in the North Pole knowing that this dream duo of moisturizers would have my back. The mask and serum work in tandem to hydrate the face and entire body.
Anese Pretty Sure I’m Gorgeous Brightening Moisturizing Mask
Somehow, I just caught the wind of this game-changing skin care brand. Not only does each product have a unique and colloquial name (“keep my drink” and “just be different” are two of my favorite examples), but the entire line is designed to celebrate every beautiful imperfection in our body.
Oak Essentials Moisture Rich Balm
You know Jenni Kayne for the brand’s Instagram-famous sweaters and fabrics befitting a dreamy Californian. But have you discovered their skincare division, Oak Essentials? Let this simple, clean beauty balm be your intro. Among its few ingredients is organic coconut oil, which, as Dr. Cates notes, is an effective, natural choice for smooth and soothed skin.
