Winter is coming, and we all know and hate the feeling of dry, patchy and dull skin and lips, that’s why we have compiled you a list of the top 6 ingredients to look for in your next shopping haul in order to manage your winter dry skin, in hopes of having youthful and fresh skin all year round. 

Common Causes of Dry Skin: 

Dry skin can develop for many reasons; however, it is mainly caused by the loss of water from the outer layer of your skin. Whether it's living in cold, windy conditions or low humidity climates you are at a greater risk of developing parched skin. Taking long, hot showers or soaking too long in a steamy bath can also dry out your skin, in addition to scrubbing your skin too harshly, which can also cause irritation and dehydration. 

According to certified dermatologists, there are certain natural ingredients that are now more frequently used in skincare products that can help counteract dry skin. We have compiled a short list of 6 main ingredients that have been proven to be extremely effective when it comes to balancing your skin’s moisture and youthfulness.

6 Essential Ingredients to Manage Dry Skin this Winter Season

   1. Hyaluronic Acid 

The first ingredient on our list of 6 nourishing ingredients to fight dry skin is, you guessed it right, Hyaluronic Acid. It has been all of what tiktokers and beauty influencers have raved about for the past year, and for good reason. Hyaluronic Acid is a natural, safe substance that your body produces naturally, and is used in many skincare creams and serums in the market nowadays as it is very good at retaining water, meaning that it’s a great source of hydration for dry skin. Hyaluronic Acid can also be used as an anti-aging ingredient as it helps in the elasticity and flexibility of one's skin, therefore reducing wrinkles and fine lines. Products like the Bobana Hyaluronic Acid Face Wash, the Rhea Beauty Hyaluronic Acid Serum, and the NUT BOTANICALS Eternity Spring Niacinamide & Hyaluronic Acid Face Cream make for a perfect skin care routine to restore your dry skin as well as replenish and hydrate it.  

   2. Avocado Oil 

Next comes Avocado Oil, yes, you heard that right. Avocado Oil has been proven to have a collection of outstanding ingredients like potassium, vitamins A, D & E, as well as fatty acids that all work together to boost your skin’s moisture levels, as well as combating dullness. Avocado Oil is also commonly used to fight against drying skin conditions like Eczema and psoriasis, restoring the skin’s natural hydration and saying goodbye to irritated and patchy skin. Having an avocado oil infused moisturizer or face oil in your skincare routine can immensely help in healing irritated skin. A great product with pure Mexican avocado oil extract is the Infinity Naturals Avocado Oil, suitable for use on hair, skin and body, helping to nourish and hydrate all three.

   3. Shea Butter

Shea butter, extracted from the kernels of shea trees, has been utilized in most moisturizing cosmetic products for centuries, as it has some of the richest and most anti-inflammatory elements out there, accordingly restoring lipids, giving your skin that plump and supple effect. Shea Butter does not contain any irritating chemicals that are known to dry out your skin or clog your pores, appropriate to use by nearly all skin types. For optimum efficiency, shea butter is advised to be used right after your showers, on damp skin, for maximum moisture hydration. When it comes to body care, the Norshek Skin Kin Body Lotion, the Raw African Arabian Oud Body Lotion, as well as the African Greens Shea Butter & Jojoba Oil Body Lotion are all excellent body lotions where shea butter is the first and most notable ingredient. Shea butter is also commonly used in moisturizing lip products like the extremely underrated Luna Emollient Lip Therapy Shea Butter, which prevents chapped and splitting lips, even in the harshest weather.

   4. Jojoba Oil 

Similar to that of our naturally produced sebum, Jojoba Oil is an easily absorbed and effective ingredient in treating common skin conditions like psoriasis, as well as dry and itchy skin. Applying pure Jojoba oil, available from African Greens, or products where Jojoba oil is a key ingredient, like the Trace Cosmetics Liquid Magic Face Oil, will surely pamper your skin and provide the moisture it needs for a wrinkle free and bright complexion. 

   5. Glycerin

Glycerin is one of those products that is most probably in every product you own. Having been derived from lipids, glycerin is used to make skincare products that are generally used for moisture and effectively fighting dry or dehydrated skin. As glycerin is one of the most effective skincare ingredients to combat dry skin in winter, using glycerin soaps like Norshek’s Oath Glycerin Soap or Hathor Organics’ Coconut and Vanilla Hand Wash in your daily routine will most definitely aid in preventing dry hands and body in the first place, while adding extra nourishing and anti-aging qualities. The Raw African Intense Hydration Facial Cream is also a great source of glycerin, which works to draw water from the atmosphere to hydrate and soften one’s skin. 

   6. Coconut Oil 

Coconut oil is known as the “magical elixir”, used laterally everywhere. Whether you are cooking or creating a hydrating skincare routine, coconut has got your back. The natural ingredient, made from the coconut fruit, is jam packed with antioxidants that shield your skin from environmental toxins, pollutants and dirt. Coconut Is fairly easy to absorb, providing instant hydration, as well as smoothing your skin’s texture and diminishes signs of aging. 

For deep conditioned and soft skin, the Hathor Cold Pressed Coconut oil is highly recommended. Another coconut infused body product comes the Bubblzz Coconut Hand & Body Lotion , enriched with moisture locking qualities that keep your skin smooth and supple all day long. While also having eucalyptus oil and peppermint oil which help in pain relief and muscle soothing, the Norshek Grease Body Oil  also possesses coconut oil as one of the key ingredients, adding hydration to the list of benefits.   

Now you know what it takes to obtain that beautiful nourished glow, even in the harshest of weathers, while of course keeping in mind that using each product as intended is crucial. And by adding some or all of the mentioned 6 ingredients to combat dryness in your skincare routine, you are without a doubt guaranteed healthy looking and feeling skin all winter long.    

Disclaimer: If your skin is extra dry or irritated this winter, make sure to consult your physician for extra guidance to your reasoning.