What Should You Do About Dry Skin?
Switch to a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser, apply a ceramide-based moisturizer to damp skin within 3 minutes of bathing, use lukewarm (not hot) water for showers limited to 5-10 minutes, run a humidifier in your bedroom, and avoid harsh soaps and alcohol-based products that strip the skin barrier.
The skin barrier (stratum corneum) functions like a brick-and-mortar wall: corneocytes are the bricks and a lipid matrix of ceramides (50%), cholesterol (25%), and free fatty acids (25%) forms the mortar. When this lipid matrix is depleted — by harsh detergents, hot water, dry air, or aging — transepidermal water loss (TEWL) increases and skin becomes dry, rough, and uncomfortable. Effective treatment focuses on repairing and maintaining this barrier.
The most effective moisturizing strategy combines three ingredient types: humectants (glycerin, hyaluronic acid) that attract water, emollients (ceramides, fatty acids, squalane) that fill gaps between skin cells, and occlusives (petrolatum, dimethicone, shea butter) that create a physical barrier preventing water evaporation. Applying this combination to damp skin (within 3 minutes of bathing) traps surface moisture and dramatically improves hydration.
The skin barrier lipid matrix consists of ceramides (50%), cholesterol (25%), and fatty acids (25%)
What Ingredients Should You Look for in Moisturizers?
Look for ceramides (the most important barrier-repair ingredient), hyaluronic acid or glycerin (humectants), petrolatum or dimethicone (occlusives), niacinamide (barrier support), and cholesterol/free fatty acids. Avoid fragrances, essential oils, and drying alcohols in moisturizers for dry skin.
Ceramide-dominant moisturizers have been shown in clinical studies to improve skin barrier function within 24 hours and achieve near-normal barrier repair within 2-4 weeks of consistent use. Products containing ceramides in a physiologic ratio with cholesterol and fatty acids most closely replicate the natural skin lipid composition. CeraVe, Cetaphil, and Vanicream product lines all offer well-formulated, affordable ceramide moisturizers.
For severely dry skin, the 'soak and smear' technique recommended by dermatologists involves soaking in lukewarm water for 10-20 minutes, then immediately applying a thick layer of ointment-based moisturizer (petrolatum, Aquaphor) to trap the absorbed water. This is particularly effective for conditions like eczema where the barrier is significantly compromised. Wrapping treated areas with damp clothing overnight (wet wrap therapy) provides intensive hydration for severe cases.
Ceramide-dominant moisturizers improve barrier function within 24 hours
