3 Skin-Quenching Ingredients All Dry Skin Is Begging For (All Science-Backed!)

To heal dry skin, you must first strengthen the skin barrier. How, you might ask? Well, look for ingredients that exist in the moisture barrier to begin with, such as the below. 

Fatty acids are already present in the skin and are one of the most important parts of the stratum corneum2. There are many kinds of fatty acids, from essential fatty acids (like omega-3 and -6) to ceramides (which are intercellular lipids), and they all work together to create a robust moisture barrier that traps water in the dermis. 

Some botanicals even improve your own lipid production. For example, oat oil not only helps reduce inflammation (something that damages the barrier), but it has been known to boost ceramide levels in the skin5. 

It's important to clarify that humectants are a class of ingredients, which include hyaluronic acid, glycerin, panthenol (vitamin B5), lactic acid, aloe vera, and a few other noteworthy hydrators. The skin makes its own humectants, including hyaluronic acid. But it's important to use them topically too (especially with age, as our supply declines as we get older). 

To keep skin balanced, look for pre- and postbiotics. Prebiotics—such as plant sugars, algae, and minerals—are ingredients that "feed" good bacteria on the skin. Studies show that they can support skin barrier function8—especially when paired with postbiotics. 

To keep skin hydrated, you need to keep the skin barrier strong. It's that simple. Look for lotions that utilize ingredients that support the skin barrier from multiple angles. Want some guidance? Here are some of our all-time favorite body lotions and face creams.