Hydration heroes: Best ingredients to rescue dry skin

Dry, flaky, or tight-feeling skin can often be a cry for help from your skin’s moisture barrier. Whether it’s harsh weather, dehydration, or the wrong skincare products, dryness dulls your complexion and accelerates aging. The secret to restoring that soft, supple glow lies in using the right hydrating ingredients – ones that nourish, repair, and lock in moisture from deep within. Here’s a look at the best ingredients your skincare should include if your skin tends to be dry.
Hyaluronic Acid
A trending ingredients in the skincare sphere, hyaluronic acid actually occurs naturally occurs in the body. Popularly called HA, it hydrates the skin so it appears plump with diminished lines. As it is a humectant, it draws moisture from its surroundings to deliver it to the cells. Hence one must use it in tandem with a nourishing moisturiser or an emollient like a facial oil to create a barrier on the skin.
Glycerin
Glycerin is a colourless and odourless humectant which lends itself beautifully to skincare products, especially those which promise to moisturise. It secures moisture within the cells to keep it hydrated. It is also a great ingredient to heal wounds and soothe inflammation.
Shea Butter
Shea butter has found fame in the skincare sphere for being particularly rich and nourishing. Even in its raw form, shea butter can tame frizz and calm skin. It is an emollient which gets absorbed very easily into the skin and helps skin retain moisture so that it stays smooth and hydrated.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is present in many different substances such as almond oil, sunflower seeds and avocados. Hence consuming them is another great way to get more benefit of it. Vitamin E is also present in skincare products because of how it protects from the drying effects of free radicals and boosts moisture levels of the skin.
Jojoba Oil
Jojoba oil makes it to our list because of how unique it is. Dry skin may bear majority of the brunt of winter skincare problems but that doesn’t mean every skin type doesn’t. Jojoba oil mimics naturally produced sebum so it suits even oily and combination skin types. It nourishes naturally and is lightweight on the skin’s surface without any residual greasiness.
Ceramides
Ceramides are fatty molecules located within the skin itself. They form part of the barrier so as to prevent transepidermal water loss. Hence adding ceramides to your beauty routine can do a world of good. Ceramides make skin supple and soft by keeping hydration securely within itself. They also reduce the effect of inflammation and irritation seen in conditions like eczema, flaking and peeling.