A moisturizer provides dry skin with much-needed water and lipids. It helps the skin retain water more effectively, limiting transepidermal water loss (TEWL) – a natural process that occurs because the epidermis is porous. Moisturizing and lipid-replenishing agents help restore the skin's barrier function and hydrolipidic film, making dry skin less porous, tighter, and less vulnerable to various stressors. Moisturizers are designed to soothe the skin and relieve discomfort caused by dryness.
If you have dry to very dry skin, you may often experience discomfort including tightness, tingling, cracking and unpleasant itching sensations. Some people also suffer from redness, flaking, or roughness.
Dry skin is common in babies, who produce little or no sebum, and in the elderly. However, many adults are also affected. If you suffer from atopic dermatitis, your skin will be very dry with characteristic patches of atopic eczema, which can cause intense itching sensations and a risk of infection if scratched. Many babies and children are prone to atopic dermatitis (or atopic eczema) on the face and body. Adults may also get it on their hands and eyelids.
Dry skin requires a complete routine specifically formulated to moisturize and nourish. Whether in the form of a cream, balm, or gel, an effective moisturizer should contain ingredients that serve both purposes. Hydrating ingredients draw moisture into the skin, while nourishing ingredients provide essential lipids and help strengthen the skin barrier.
Applying moisturizer is a key step in any skincare routine for dry, very dry, and atopic-prone skin. Apply it morning and evening to your entire body and face – not just the driest, most irritated areas. Not sure how much to apply? It is recommended to follow the 3-6-9 rule when usingAtoderm Intensive balm: 3 pumps for a baby’s body and face, 6 for a child, and 9 for an adult. Otherwise, apply 1 to 2 times per day..
Regularity is key when moisturizing dry skin. Apply every morning and evening to help your skin retain moisture and reinforce its barrier function over time, as well as to immediately relieve feelings of discomfort and tightness. If you take a shower or bath at another time during the day, it’s also a good idea to apply moisturizer afterward.
Dry skin is low in lipids and water, so there’s little risk of it becoming too oily. On the other hand, normal and combination skin can become dry with age. If you're worried about making your skin oily, choose a lightweight cream or gel cream with a non-sticky, non-greasy texture. There are products and formulas to suit every need. Just remember that, regardless of your skin type, it’s essential to hydrate the skin and provide nourishing and moisturizing support for suppleness and comfort.
BIODERMA's Atoderm range comprises different formulas and textures adapted to the varying needs of dry to very dry and atopic-prone skin, including creams, oils, balms, and gel creams. They are specially designed to nourish, moisturize, and protect all types of dry skin – without creating any additional stress or damage. Depending on your skin and the time of year, you can choose fromAtoderm Intensive balm, Atoderm Intensive Gel Cream, Atoderm UltrA,and Atoderm 2-in-1 Oil.
Dry skin craves comfort and suppleness, and choosing the right moisturizer can make all the difference. Effective moisturizers for dry to very dry skin provide:
Hydration:Ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin draw water into the upper layers of the skin, deeply hydrating it. These are known as humectants.
- Nourishment and protection: Plant oils, shea butter, and squalane are ingredients celebrated for their emollient properties. These essential lipids nourish the skin and create a protective barrier, preventing water loss and the penetration of external irritants.
Even the best body lotion won't provide effective hydration for dry or very dry skin. To soothe dry skin and restore comfort and suppleness, choose a moisturizer with a rich texture and occlusive ingredients. The formula needs to deliver both water and nourishing lipids, helping the skin retain moisture. Moisturizing creams and balms are the most effective. If you prefer a lighter texture, you can opt forBiODERMA's Atoderm Intensive Gel Creamthat moisturizes atopic-prone skin with an ultra-fresh texture that is quickly absorbed without feeling greasy or sticky – helping restore balance to dry and very dry skin.
Lips are one of the most sensitive areas to all kinds of stressors, as the skin is thin and low in sebum. It doesn’t help that we constantly moisten our lips, which can lead to chapped lips, especially when it’s cold, windy, or very sunny. The best solution is prevention. Apply a moisturizing balm to hydrate and nourish this sensitive area, such as,Atoderm Lip Stick. If your lips are irritated and cracked, you can use Atoderm Lip Balm.This high-tolerance formula helps repair dry, chapped lips with shea butter, as well as other moisturizing and nourishing active ingredients.
The best way to hydrate dry and very dry skin is by applying moisturizer twice a day. But here are a few extra tips:
Use a gentle, soap-free cleanser with physiological pH that doesn’t strip the skin and preserves its hydrolipidic film, such asAtoderm Shower Oil or Atoderm Shower Gel.
- Avoid very hot water, as it can strip the skin of its natural oils – skip long showers and baths too.
- Dry your skin gently by dabbing with a soft towel (rather than rubbing) to avoid irritation.
- Wear undergarments made from cotton or another natural fiber, preferably with a soft, non-irritating texture. Apply a layer of moisturizer before wearing tight jeans
- Rinse and moisturize your skin if exposed to potential stressors such as seawater, chlorine, sweat after exercise, and household products
- Be particularly careful when it’s very hot or cold (including air conditioning and heating), and especially when it’s very humid.
- Protect your skin from UV rays with a high SPF, broad-spectrum anti-UVA and UVB sun cream.
