The Best Face Cream for Dry Skin: Natural Ingredients You Should Know
Thirsty, dry skin? Here are 5 natural skin care ingredients that make a difference quickly.
Not the magic, wave of your wand, lose 10 years overnight kind of hype, but skincare ingredients that do make a real, tangible difference.
I have built my organic beauty business around simple luxurious products that make a positive difference, and these are ingredients I use on my own skin, because they work.
1 - Bakuchi Oil
Derived from the seeds of the Psoralea corylifolia plant, Bakuchi oil (also sometimes referred to as babchi oil) is a remarkable ingredient for combating dryness.
Packed with antioxidants and essential fatty acids, this oil helps replenish moisture and restores the skin's natural barrier.
It aids in improving skin elasticity and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. When incorporated into your skincare routine, Bakuchi oil can promote a smoother and softer complexion, which is why it is top of my list, making it an ideal choice for dry skin on the face.
This little plant oil has been making big waves in the beauty industry, mainly because it is being talked about as a natural alternative to retinol.
Retinol does some amazing things in terms of skin-rejuvenating properties, but the flip side is that it can be too harsh or irritating for anyone with sensitive skin, not to mention its skin sensitising side affects.
You will hear talk of two types of Bakuchi oil, the oil cold pressed from the seeds which is what I choose to use, and Bakuchiol, a proprietary extract.
Studies appear to show that Bakuchi Oil can stimulate collagen production which has the benefit of reducing fine lines and hyperpigmentation while increasing the skin’s elasticity and resilience.
Like so many amazing plant oils, Bakuchi oil has a rich history, its origins deeply rooted in Ayurveda, the ancient holistic healing system of India.
2 - Squalane (olive based)
A personal favourite of mine! Derived from olive oil, squalane is a lightweight and non-greasy moisturising ingredient.
It mimics the skin's natural oils, and intensely hydrates without clogging pores.
Squalane helps to seal in moisture, preventing moisture loss and leaving your skin feeling soft and smooth.
One of the reasons I love it is that it is extremely effective in addressing dry skin patches, which seem to pop up at an alarming rate when I least expect it - and it feels super silky and lightweight on the skin.
Being olive based, it is also recognisable to most of us - less of the indecipherable ingredients that don't make sense to any of us.
Olive oil has been used for centuries in mediterranean cultures to hydrate skin naturally.
3 - Hydration Hero - Pomegranate Seed Oil
Pomegranate seed oil or Punica Granatum seed oil is rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and omega fatty acids, making it a nourishing choice for thirsty, dry skin.
This oil deeply hydrates and revitalises the skin, promoting a healthy glow.
It also possesses anti-inflammatory properties, which can soothe irritated skin often associated with dryness.
I like adding pomegranate seed oil into my skincare products as I find it helps with dryness while improving the feel and comfort of skin.
I also love it's history, that it has been prized for its rejuvenating properties for centuries, dating back to ancient civilisations such as Egypt and Persia, where it was treasured as a symbol of beauty and vitality.
4 - Dry Skin Hero - Co-Enzyme Q10
Coenzyme Q10, also known as CoQ10, is a potent antioxidant that plays a vital role in cellular energy production.
When applied topically, CoQ10 helps protect the skin against environmental damage and free radicals that contribute to dryness and premature aging.
This magic little ingredient enhances the skin's ability to retain moisture and improves overall skin tone and texture.
Coenzyme Q10 is an excellent addition to facial skin care for dry skin, providing both hydration and helping reduce some of the signs associated with ageing skin.
5 - Hydration Hero - jojoba Oil
Jojoba oil is one of my all time favourite plant oils to use in my potions - it is an easily absorbed, light oil, similar to the sebum found in our own skin.
That's what makes it so suitable to all skin types, but especially dry, sensitive skin. Because jojoba is actually a wax (rather than an oil) it's non-greasy.
That sounds like a contradiction in terms. An oil that is not oily….
But that is what is special about Jojoba, and this means it doesn't feel too rich on the skin, and yet it's great for hydration.
Because it's deeply absorbed, jojoba helps to:
- Reduce fine lines.
- Alleviate soreness and finicky skin.
- Deeply hydrate the skin without breaking you out.
- Give your skin a nice, healthy glow.
Amazing Ingredients for Thirsty, Dry Skin
You can find all of these ingredients in my Pomegranate & Rose mask, this pillowy, oil gel mask, plumps and softens skin, deeply hydrating while leaving soft, plump, comforted skin.
I'm all about helping you find ingredients and products that suit your skin, and choosing plant oils that suit your skin type.
When my customers ask me about a routine for thirsty skin, I recommend a couple of basic products with amazing ingredients and getting your skin to a place where it is more comfortable, and then building from there.
As a starting point I recommend my Cleansing Butter with one of my Facial Essences depending on their skin. Then adding in a moisturiser, either a balm or a cream depending on the preferred texture.
My Pomegranate & Rose mask is an intensive hydration treatment that can be used as a quick fix before removing with a hot cloth, or used as an overnight treatment for extremely thirsty, dry skin.
