Quick answer
A good dry-skin moisturizer does three jobs, not one. Once you know the three ingredient types, the label tells you everything.
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1. Humectants — pull water in
Glycerin, hyaluronic acid, panthenol. These need something over them or the water evaporates.
2. Emollients — smooth the surface
Squalane, fatty alcohols, plant oils. This is what makes skin feel soft.
3. Occlusives — stop water leaving
Petrolatum, shea butter, dimethicone. The seal.
A moisturizer with all three is what dry winter skin needs. A gel with only humectants will feel good for an hour and then tighten.
Also look for ceramides
Ceramides are part of the barrier itself. In winter, a ceramide moisturizer usually outperforms a richer cream without them.
Apply on damp skin
Within a minute of washing, while skin still holds water. This single habit changes results more than switching products.
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