Say Goodbye To Dryness With These Hydrating Face Washes

Dry skin can feel stretchy, tight and flaky in patches as well. It is essential to choose a face wash that hydrates and retains the moisture without stripping away the skin's natural oils. A suitable face wash for dry skin in summer and winter is one that helps remove dead skin cells and gently exfoliate the skin, promoting a smoother and softer texture. The best face washes for women with dry skin and men will help prepare the skin for the application of other skincare products like moisturisers and serums. Cleansing the skin thoroughly helps these products deeply penetrate the skin to effectively deliver their benefits. Let's understand the causes of dry skin and look at some of the best face wash for dry skin in India.

Summer's excessive heat and low humidity can dehydrate the skin. Lack of moisture in the air can evaporate the skin's natural moisture, leaving the skin dull and dry. Overexposure to the sun's UV rays also damages the skin's natural barrier. A weakened skin barrier increases in moisture loss, leading to dryness. The cold and dry air prevalent during winters can also strip the skin of its natural moisture, leading to tightness, dryness and flakiness.

Simple Kind to Skin Moisturising Facial Wash is a perfect moisture-balancing, gentle formula that doesn't dry out the skin. It is enriched with pro-vitamin B5, vitamin E and bisabolol. Vitamin E softens and smoothens the skin, pro vitamin B5 strengthens the skin and bisabolol moisturises the skin. This soap-free, gentle cleanser helps support a healthy skin barrier.

Certain individuals inherit having a dry skin type. Genetic factors can influence the amount of sebum produced by the sebaceous glands. People with genetically low sebum may have naturally drier skin. Genetic tendency for dry skin can effectively be managed with healthy skincare practices, gentle cleansers and daily moisturising. One of the best face washes for dry skin is Simple Water Boost Micellar Facial Wash. It contains plant-derived Pentavitin that locks in moisture and hydrates the skin. It also contains vital vitamin E and pro-vitamin B5 that cleanses the skin without making it dry.

It is easy to get lazy and skip steps of our skincare routine, leading to skin problems. Or repeat unhealthy habits out of routine. Over-cleansing or using harsh face wash can strip away the natural oils. Do not cleanse your face more than twice a day and make sure to use a face wash for dry sensitive skin. Avoid taking long hot showers as prolonged exposure to hot water can disrupt the skin's moisture barrier. Instead, opt for lukewarm or cold showers. Harsh and abrasive exfoliation can cause irritation and further dry out the skin so use gentle exfoliators sparingly. Lastly, moisturising is crucial for dry skin as it helps in replenish and lock in moisture. A rich, hydrating moisturiser is the best choice for dry skin.

As people get older, skin tends to produce less oil which decreases the overall skin moisture. Ageing can cause the skin to become thinner as it reduces in collagen and elastin production. Thinner skin is susceptible to dryness and moisture loss. Hormonal changes such as adolescence, menopause and pregnancy can also cause skin dryness.

Certain medical conditions such as eczema, psoriasis and hypothyroidism can cause dry skin. Common symptom of hypothyroidism is dry skin as the reduced hormone levels can affect the skin's moisture retention and natural oil production. Eczema is a chronic inflammatory skin condition characterised by dry, itchy and inflamed patches of the skin. These skin conditions can be managed with topical medications, lifestyle modifications and understanding the underlying factors contributing to dryness.

Lightweight and non-greasy, hyaluronic acid is a natural humectant, meaning it attracts and retains moisture. When applied topically, hyaluronic acid forms a hydrating layer on the skin, combatting dryness and maintaining a healthy skin barrier. It restores moisture balance by providing hydration to the skin's deep layers, leaving the skin supple, plump and soft. It also improves skin's elasticity by promoting the production of elastin and collagen. Hence, best face wash for dry skin in summer is the one that has hyaluronic acid as one of its ingredients.

Hydrating and non-comedogenic (meaning it doesn't cause blocked pores), glycerin is also a natural humectant – it draws water in to the skin. It helps strengthen and repair the skin barrier by creating a protective layer on the skin's surface. It is easily absorbed by the skin without leaving a heavy or sticky residue. It also has soothing and calming properties that can help reduce redness, itching and inflammation, providing relief to dry and irritated skin.

Our recommendation is St. Ives Hydrating Watermelon Daily Cleanser which contains glycerin as one of its ingredients. This oil-free, non-comedogenic face wash is made with 100% watermelon extract that helps in removing, dirt, oil and impurities from the skin's surface.

Ceramides are fats that are naturally present in high concentrations on the outer layers of the skin. They play a vital role in maintaining the skin's barrier function and hydration. They have a unique ability to attract and bind moisture. Lower ceramide content can also lead to acne breakouts. Ceramides also have soothing anti-inflammatory properties that help to calm and alleviate dry, irritated skin.

Choose a mild, gentle face wash that is fragrance-free, alcohol-free, paraben and silicone-free. If you're looking for a face wash that is harsh on the dirt but gentle on the skin, we recommend Pond's Bright Beauty Foaming Facewash. Packed with vitamin B3, this creamy foam face wash helps in deep cleaning pores and removing dead cells from within. Take a coin-sized amount of face wash and gently massage on the damp skin with asilicone brush in circular motions for two minutes. Rinse thoroughly.

Avoid harsh ingredients like salicylic or glycolic acid as it can strip away the natural moisturising oil in your skin. Use lukewarm water to cleanse your face. It helps to open up the pores and allows the face wash to work effectively without drying the skin. Skip using face scrubs as it can irritate your skin. Always pat the skin dry with a soft towel or cloth, and do not rub your face. Rubbing can cause abrasion and lead to irritation and inflammation.

Q1. Can hydrating face wash alone treat dry skin?

A. While hydrating face wash is an essential part of a skincare routine for dry skin type, you must incorporate other hydrating and moisturising products. Serums and moisturisers with hydrating ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and glycerin should be used to tackle dry skin.

Q2. Can hydrating face wash with exfoliating beads be used on dry skin?

A. Exfoliating face wash can be too harsh on skin. It is best to use gentle exfoliators specially formulated for dry skin. We recommend using Lakme Blush and Glow Strawberry Gel Face Wash. Enriched with goodness of rich strawberry extracts, this face wash has fruit anti-oxidants and beads that cleanse your skin by washing away dirt and other impurities. Take a small amount of face wash and gently massage onto wet face. Rinse thoroughly and pat dry.

Q3. How often can a hydrating face wash be used on dry skin?

A. It is recommended to use a hydrating face wash for dry skin twice a day. To keep the skin hydrated and moisturised, wash your face in the morning and before sleeping in the night. Lock in the moisture at night with a hydrating moisturiser.

Dry skin can also be a hassle for makeup lovers as makeup can look patchy and flaky on dry skin. To combat the dryness from its roots, a face wash suitable for dry skin is a must. As everyone's skin is unique, find the right face wash that works best for your skin. A dry skin face wash provides gentle cleansing while hydrating and nourishing the skin and promotes a smoother and radiant complexion.