Your skin can be overly dry at any time of the year, winter like summer. Thankfully, there are four powerful ingredients that can help provide relief.
1. Hyaluronic acid
Hyaluronic acid has a great reputation for fighting the signs of aging, and it’s well deserved. Flexible, rich in water, with the ability to help retain moisture, this molecule moisturizes your skin deeply, while plumping it up and restoring its radiance.
A substance produced naturally by your body, hyaluronic acid acts as a "binder" that keeps your cells tightly knit, increasing your skin's protective barrier. The problem is that with age, your body produces significantly less hyaluronic acid, which can lead to dry or fragile skin. When that starts to happen, using products with hyaluronic acid can help rehydrate your skin.
2. Glycerin
Glycerin has five key properties: it moisturizes, it’s hypoallergenic, emollient and protective and it helps promote healing. Given its many benefits, it’s easy to understand why glycerin is featured prominently in countless balms, creams, oils, soaps, gels, shampoos and conditioners.
This fatty substance also creates a protective layer while retaining moisture to help your skin stand up to harsh winter conditions and prevent dehydration.
3. Shea butter
Shea butter is soothing and moisturizing, with several properties that make it a perfect ingredient for products that treat your body, hair and nails. It also contains Vitamin F and fatty acids that are ideal for nourishing any type of skin. What’s more, shea butter helps restore your skin’s elasticity and suppleness while promoting cell renewal. No wonder it an essential part of your skin-care routine!
4. Ceramides
Ceramides are natural lipids (fatty acids) that form a barrier to help your skin maintain proper moisture content.
When your body produces enough ceramides, your skin is better able to retain moisture and maintain its natural protective barrier. But, as is the case with hyaluronic acid, ceramide levels decrease with age. So, it’s important to include ceramide-based products in your fight against dry skin.