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The steady stream of new skincare trends can go on endlessly but dry skin can never do without thick dollops of moisturiser or a few drops of rich facial oils. Tightness, dehydration, skin-flaking and signs of premature ageing come with the territory of having dry skin. It’s because this skin type doesn’t produce as much natural oils to keep the skin hydrated and conditioned. Other factors like inadequate hydration, harsh weather conditions and stripping cleansers can also render the skin parched. That’s why moisturiser is the best thing you can give your skin to aid oil production, improve the natural skin barrier, prevent signs of lines and wrinkles and give it an overall nourished glow. With that being said, no two dry skin needs are the same. Choosing a moisturiser should depend on a few factors like what suits your skin, lifestyle and environment. So, here are 12 moisturisers for men with dry skin that have our stamp of approval.
Lotions
Lotions are mostly water-based moisturisers that have a runny consistency. This type of moisturiser works well for dry skin that’s sensitive where the product can be easily massaged into the skin without having to rub at the skin. Also, this kind of formula makes for a good moisturiser for dry skin all year round due to its lightweight nature.
1. The Face Shop Chia Seed Hydro Lotion
Why we love it: If you have sensitive skin and don’t like tugging at your skin then this K-Beauty is made for you. Its vitamin B12 formula intensely hydrates and soothes to mitigate redness and get rid of flakiness.
Key Ingredients: Chia seed extract and vitamin B12
2. Cetaphil Daily Advance Ultra Hydrating Lotion
Why we love it: If you have a severely compromised moisture barrier that’s breaking out or inflamed, this is sure to remedy that discomfort. The best way to use this is by applying a generous layer almost like a sleeping mask during nighttime. Panthenol locks in moisture, glycerine increases water retention and niacinamide regulates oil production.
Key Ingredients: Panthenol, glycerine and niacinamide
3. Embryolisse Filaderme Emulsion Face Lotion
Why we love it: This cult-classic gem comes from the shelves of French pharmacies and is loved by many all over the world for its rich emollient properties. It’s also revered for its multi-tasking prowess as a primer, mask and even a makeup remover.
Key Ingredients: Rapeseed phytosterols and shea butter
Gels
A Gel-based moisturiser may be recommended to people with oily skin but it can equally be a good moisturiser for dry skin for men who prefer a lightweight formulation that’s cooling and soothing. This type of moisturiser is also great for hot and humid weather when rich moisturisers can feel heavier on the pores.
4. Quench Ultra Light Gel Moisturiser With 2% Niacinamide & Cherry Blossom
Why we love it: This celebrity-backed facial gel is an effortless way to get a glow when you haven’t had time for a pampering moment of ‘skindulgence’. It has grapefruit extracts that mildly exfoliate and cleanse the pores so you don’t have to worry about this lightweight gel clogging the pores.
Key Ingredients: Grapefruits, cherry blossom, pearl and liquorice root
5. Simple Protect N Glow Vitamin C Moisturising Glow Gel
Why we love it: If you’re looking for a summer-approved moisturiser, this one’s perfect. This antioxidant-rich gel restores the skin’s glow and absorbs quickly into the skin, making it a great daytime moisturiser.
Key Ingredients: Vitamin C
6. Moody 7D Hydro Burst Water Gel Moisturiser
Why we love it: This one feels like a splash of hydration that your skin will just drink up. It has all the ingredients you need to replenish dry skin like hyaluronic acid which traps in hydration, coconut water which hydrates and softens and aloe vera which soothes.
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, coconut water and aloe vera
Cream
This is the most conventional kind of facial moisturiser. It’s richer and thicker than lotions. A face cream would be great if your skin needs deep moisturisation especially if it’s flaky and tight. This type of formula is great for when the weather is arid and cold which can be extra unforgiving on dry skin. It retains the skin’s elasticity and keeps it soft.
7. Bioderma Atoderm Intensive Baume
Why we love it: If you struggle with chronic atopic skin conditions that cause cracks, flakiness and inflammation, this one will feel like a balm to your skin, quite literally. This is what one reviewer said:
“The only moisturiser that works for my extremely dry and sensitive skin! I have eczema prone itchy dry skin, and this is that one product that truly works at moisturising my skin adequately and provides some itch relief.”
8. Pilgrim Squalane Glow Moisturizer
Why we love it: Three words – plant-based squalane. It’s one of the best natural moisturising ingredients that mimics the lipid production on our skin. Therefore, using this consistently will strengthen the moisture barrier and retain hydration. It also has niacinamide and vitamin C which tackles signs of hyperpigmentation.
Key Ingredients: Squalane, vitamin C and niacinamide
9. Episoft AC Moisturiser With SPF 30
Why we love it: When a rich moisturiser meets sun protection, you get the Episoft AC Moisturiser with SPF 30. While we appreciate the instant hydration it provides, we also like how you can get away with not applying sunscreen if you’re in a rush thanks to the formula’s microencapsulated sunscreen. But of course, we would recommend using a separate sunscreen.
Key Ingredients: D panthenol, glycerine and microencapsulated sunscreen
Facial Oil
Facial oils are another great avenue to heal and repair dry skin concerns like flakiness, compromised skin barrier and sun damage. Moreover, you can indulge in a relaxing face massage using facial tools like a jade roller or gua sha. This will stimulate collagen production and improve the skin’s elasticity thereby reducing signs of ageing.
10. Kapiva Ayurveda Kumkumadi Glow Face Oil
Why we love it: Kumkumadi is a potent Ayurvedic composition of saffron and other herbal extracts that’s rich in antioxidants. So, if you want a solution that’s more rooted in tradition, this is a must-try nighttime reparative treatment to fight dryness and hyperpigmentation.
Key ingredients: Kumkumadi tailam, green tea and jojoba seed oil
11. Ras Luxury 24K Gold Radiance Beauty Boosting Face Elixir
Why we love it: This Cosmopolitan India Beauty Awards Winner is true luxury in a sleek glass bottle. This high-end is a blend of six antioxidant-rich carrier oils, and soothing extracts like rose and lavender. The cherry on top is, without a doubt, the flecks of 24k gold for an added glow unlike any other. Another great part is that if you’re not quite ready to splurge, they have a 6ml version that you can use with other creams and lotions for that added dewiness.
Key Ingredients: Olive oil, pomegranate oil, jojoba seed oil, lavender, rose and 24k gold
12. Nykaa Naturals Rosehip 100% Pure Cold Pressed Face Oil
Why we love it: This is a lowkey yet effective option if you’re looking for a face oil that’s minimal. Widely known for its anti-ageing properties and essential fatty acids, this fights early signs of ageing like fine lines and wrinkles and boosts the skin’s natural moisture levels. A few drops of this can be applied on its own or as a final step after your serum and face cream to fully trap in the moisture and hydration.
Key Ingredients: Cold-pressed rosehip oil
