When you are picking out skincare items, it is essential that you look at the ingredients.
Many of us who suffer from dry skin are simply told to moisturise regularly, but it is important to know that not all moisturisers are designed for dry skin.
Ali Hedley, Clinical Engagement Manager at Epaderm, has revealed the ingredients you should avoid if you suffer from dry skin.
Salicylic acid
Using salicylic acid when you have dry skin can make it even drier.
“Salicylic acid is generally found in skincare products formulated to treat oily and acne-prone skin. This is because it works by dissolving the sebum that clogs pores, and consequently helps to control oil production,” Ali states. “Naturally then, using treatments containing salicylic acid on dry skin can make the skin drier.”
Alcohol
Alcohol is an ingredient that can be found in many skincare products, but if you have dry skin you should try to avoid it.
“Alcohol is added to skincare ingredients because it can help other ingredients to penetrate the skin. However, alcohol is naturally dehydrating, which is the opposite of what people with dry skin want from their skincare products,” she explains. “So, look out for products that have SD alcohol, isopropyl alcohol and denatured alcohol mentioned on the label.”
Fragrances
Skincare products that contain artificial fragrances can make dry skin feel even more dehydrated.
“Many skincare products have artificial fragrances added to cover the smell of other ingredients and make them more sellable,” the expert says. “However, most perfumes contain alcohol, which again causes dehydration and therefore strips away the natural oils in your skin rather than replenishing them. So, it’s best to stay away from products that contain artificial fragrance, whatever your skin type.”
Benzoyl peroxide
Benzoyl peroxide is often used by those with oily skin as it is great at removing natural oils.
“This is another ingredient that’s recommended for people who struggle with oily, acne-prone skin because it dries out the skin by stripping away the natural oils,” Ali comments. “It does this by breaking down into oxygen and benzoic acid. However, when applied to dry skin, this can lead to excessive dryness, redness, and irritation.”
For those with dry skin, the expert recommends Epaderm Cream, which she describes as “a clinically proven 2-in-1 emollient and cleanser that can improve skin hydration in just two weeks”.
