Skin that flakes, itches and cracks can all be signs of dry skin. And if you have dry skin, you know the misery of splashing out on new-on-the-market moisturisers, only for it to do nothing for your parched complexion.
Admittedly, finding the right moisturisers for your skin is no mean feat. Most of the time it’s a matter of trial and error to understand how your skin reacts to the product and its ingredients. The right one that ticks all the boxes, however, can be the ultimate game-changer. To start with, think about these: What texture is best? Do you prefer a water-based or an oil-based moisturiser? Which ingredients work best for your skin type and concerns—and what are the “bad” ingredients you must avoid? There’s much to consider when shopping for the right formula.
For one, ingredients like emollients, humectants and occlusives are the perfect entries to incorporate into your skin’s hydration routine. Emollients, such as ceramides or squalane oil, help to repair and strengthen your skin’s barrier, while humectants, like glycerin and hyaluronic acid, draw and bind moisture in your skin. On the other hand, occlusives work by forming a barrier on top of your skin (known as the BeautyTok-viral process, slugging), sealing in all that good stuff so they don’t evaporate off your skin’s surface. Of course, in spite of their nourishing abilities, these ingredients come in non-greasy formulas, too, which is necessary for Singapore’s heat and humidity.
In that regard, Vogue Singapore presents a roundup of the best heavy-duty moisturisers that will help keep even the driest skin calm, smooth and deeply hydrated.
Gel moisturisers
If you have dry and oily combination skin, these are the ultra-lightweight formulas to reach for, designed for quick absorption without a heavy or greasy feeling.
Cream moisturisers
Traditional moisturisers, which typically have a cream consistency, are richer and thicker than gel moisturisers. These formulas contain more emollients and occlusives, and hence are more suited for you if you have dry or mature skin that requires intensive hydration or about to vacation in a wintry climate.
Formulated with acids
Acids are active ingredients that target a particular skin concern you might have and deliver quick results. The retinol and Vitamin C in these products have powerful antioxidant properties that can improve the look of dark spots, fine lines and wrinkles, all while moisturising and hydrating your skin.
