Sensible Beauty Solutions for Dry Skin: Top 5 Super-Hydrating Skincare Ingredients

As skin cells age, they break down and are less able to retain water, leading to dry skin that’s also more susceptible to environmental damage, free radicals, bacterial infection and other problems. So using a good moisturizer is key. Learn which ingredients play a pivotal role in keeping skin soft, supple and hydrated with this excerpt from Skincare-News.com’s latest article, “5 Super-Hydrating Ingredients for Dry Skin.”

 1. Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs)

• What they do. AHAs get rid of dead, rough, dry, flaky skin that builds up on skin’s surface, revealing fresh, new, smoother skin. Exfoliation also helps the skin absorb products more effectively, so moisturizers are able to sink into the skin and deliver hydration. Because they slough off skin’s top layer, AHAs increase a person’s vulnerability to UV damage. Be especially diligent about using sunscreen!

• Examples. Glycolic, lactic, malic, citric and tartaric acids.

2. Antioxidants

• What they do. These specialized molecules protect skin from harmful free radicals, produced by sun exposure, pollution, chemicals and other environmental assaults. Free radicals can cause dryness, skin damage, pigment changes and other signs of aging. Some antioxidants are included in moisturizers because of their hydrating effects. Antioxidants are carried via oils and waters, which are common moisturizer bases. They play a role in protecting skin cell membranes. Because dry skin is more vulnerable to environmental damage, antioxidants are especially important ingredients in moisturizers for dry skin considering their free radical-fighting powers.

• Examples. Soy; grapeseed extract; vitamins A, C, E; coenzyme Q10; flavanoids and polyphenols.

3. Emollients

• What they do. Emollients strengthen skin’s protective barrier – especially skin’s lower layers – allowing better moisture retention. They also lubricate. Emollients fill in the spaces between rough, dead cells to achieve a soft, smooth look and feel.

• Examples. Lactic acid, shea butter, petrolatum, lanolin, petrolatum, cyclomethicone, dimethicone copolyol, glyceryl stearates and propylene glycol linoleate, silicone, mineral oil and plant oils.

See the full list of five hydrating ingredients that help dry skin at Skincare-News.com. And remember, picking the right moisturizer doesn’t have to be confusing. Just knowing the important ingredients that promote hydration can help.

http://www.skincare-news.com/a-6991-5_SuperHydrating_Ingredients_for_Dry_Skin.aspx

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About Skincare-News.com—“Your Source for Intelligent Skin Care”

 Skincare-News.com is the online source for consumers seeking intelligent beauty and skin care news, advice, tips and articles. Founded in 2005, Skincare-News.com features articles, news items and frequently asked questions on skincare and beauty-related issues. Skincare-News.com is located in Sacramento, California, but receives visitors from all around the world. For more information, visit http://www.skincare-news.com.