If you struggle with flaky and chronically dry skin, it could be difficult to find a body lotion or moisturizer that would ease your symptoms. Don’t waste your money on products that promise impossible results or those that might worsen your condition. When buying skincare products, be on the lookout for these best moisturizing and hydrating ingredients.
Essential Fatty Acids
Commonly called the healthy fats, EFAs are fuel that your skin cells need to undergo moisturization and other biological processes that help keep your skin moisturized and healthy. Since your body can’t produce EFAs on its own, you need to get them from creams or your diet.
You can find omega-3 fatty acids in salmon, soy, mackerel, walnuts, safflower oil and sunflower oil. Shea butter, almond oil and olive oil are also EFAs that effectively lock in moisture. Try the Body Butter from Kedma Skincare for revitalizing, soothing and nourishing extra dry skin. It contains shea butter, Dead Sea minerals and a blend of natural oils for long-lasting and instant moisture. You can choose from kiwi, mango and vanilla variations.
Glycerin, Polyols and Glycols
These are all humectants, which are substances that effectively make the skin attract and bind additional moisture. This powerful characteristic makes glycerin, polyols and glycols a staple in most moisturizing lotions, hydrating cleansers and soaps. It appears in various variations, most commonly butylene glycol and propylene glycol.
Hyaluronic Acid
The molecule hyaluronic acid is capable of absorbing approximately 1,000 times its weight in water. This effective and swift hydrating action helps keep elastin and collagen functioning and moist, in turn making your skin more youthful, hydrated and supple.
In addition, if you have sensitive skin and body acne that reacts to heavy humectants or cream moisturizers, hyaluronic acid is a non-oily, lightweight alternative that’s safe for most skin types.
Ceramides
These are lipid molecules located in your skin cells’ membrane that can help in preventing moisture loss. Ceramides, whether synthetic or natural, can restore and maintain the function of your skin barrier to ensure that moisture is locked in.
Studies have found that ceramides are especially beneficial for individuals with chronically dry skin, psoriasis and eczema since they contain fewer ceramides than individuals with normal skin.
Sodium Pyroglutamic Acid
Another kind of humectant, sodium PCA naturally occurs in skin proteins and is highly efficient at binding water to skin cells. What’s more, sodium PCA can reduce inflammation and has anti-aging benefits. It’s also capable of attracting moisture for air in order to effectively hydrate the skin.
When buying a body moisturizer, choose one that’s appropriate for your specific skin concerns, the specific parts of your body that require moisturizing and the climate in your area. You can also purchase several kinds of moisturizers, such as body butter for cracked and extra dry skin and a hyaluronic acid lotion for normal areas for best results. Lastly, if you have extra sensitive skin and have experienced an adverse reaction to some moisturizers in the past, patch test a product on your arm first before you apply it on your entire body.
