From flaking patches to eczema, I have experienced all kinds of dry skin symptoms, so it is no surprise that I have searched extensively to find the best remedies. My skin type sits somewhere between dry and sensitive, so I tend to avoid harsh active ingredients and essential oils, instead leaning towards hydrating heroes.
Think hyaluronic acid, niacinamide and ceramides — these are the ingredients you will want to look for if you have dry skin. Not only do they keep skin feeling soft and supple, but they also strengthen the skin barrier, which is often where the first signs of dryness appear. A healthy skin barrier equals a radiant complexion.
After years of trialling and testing different skincare and bodycare products, I believe I have finally found my go-to selection that I can rely on year-round. Here are my top picks:
Aestura Atobarrier Cream Mist, $33 at Sephora
Every time I splash my face with water, I immediately follow with a spritz of this mist from Aestura. It is lightweight, fragrance-free and packed with ceramides. Perfect for rushed mornings, it stops my skin from feeling tight before I layer on the rest of my skincare saviours.
Arbonne Intelligence NAD+ Cellular Skin Booster, $133 at Arbonne
This is a new addition to my routine, and I am already loving it. After trying it during an Arbonne facial, the results were immediate: radiant, plumped skin. While it is more hard-working than some other formulas, the PHA and NAD+ ingredients remain super gentle.
Bioderma Hydrabio Hyalu+ Plumping Hydrating Serum, $71.99 at Myer
Bioderma has long been a staple in my beauty regime, and I have always sworn by its French formulas whenever my skin needs extra support. The new Hydrabio range immediately caught my attention because it is designed specifically for dry skin types, and my skin happily laps up this lightweight, non-sticky serum.
Bubble Skincare Power Wave Super Hydrating Moisturiser, $28 at Sephora
The first time I tried this rich-but-not-too-rich formula from Bubble Skincare, I knew I was never going back. I have dubbed it the perfect night cream because it has the right consistency to lather on in the evening without going to bed feeling sticky.
essano Hydration + Cica Repair Milk Toner, $20 at Big W
Milky toners may be all the rage right now, but those with dry skin know they are a genuine game-changer in any skincare routine. Perfect for applying after cleansing, essano's formula creates a smooth base for the rest of my products to sink into, while helping makeup apply more evenly.
Grown Alchemist Rich Restorative Body Cream, $35.63 at Myer
As soon as I step out of the shower, I lather on this rich body cream from Grown Alchemist while my skin is still damp to help it sink in properly. It feels seriously luxe, smells divine and keeps my limbs soft and supple, free from any signs of dehydration, especially during the winter months.
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Caring Wash Cleanser, $27.96 at Amazon Australia
Cleansers should remove makeup and impurities without stripping the skin, and that is exactly why I love this La Roche-Posay staple. It is gentle, perfect for everyday use and creates a satisfyingly soft foam when mixed with water.
MECCA COSMETICA To Save Face SPF50+ Superscreen, $46 at Mecca
SPF is non-negotiable year-round, and I always start the day with MECCA's ever-popular SPF50+, which sits beautifully under makeup. Always read the label and follow the directions for use. Sunscreen is only one form of sun protection. Avoid prolonged sun exposure and reapply as directed.
Naturium The Booster Hyaluronic Acid Body Wash, $32 at Sephora
Speaking of shower routines, I have ditched all other body washes in favour of Naturium's best-selling formula. The brand is home to dozens of bodycare favourites, including one loved by Hailey Bieber, but this hyaluronic acid-boosting wash is gentle on my skin while still leaving me feeling squeaky clean.
Synergie Skin DermaCalm, $155 at Synergie Skin
Whenever my skin is showing signs of extreme dryness, I reach for this hard-working moisturiser from Synergie. It is definitely on the expensive side, but the results make it worth it: it calms redness almost immediately and gives my skin a serious hydration boost.
The Ordinary Rice Lipids + Ectoin Microemulsion, $22 at Sephora
At first glance, I could not tell whether this The Ordinary formula was a serum or a toner, but it is actually a super lightweight moisturiser. Rich in rice lipids, it delivers up to 24 hours of hydration, so I regularly rely on it to bring my skin back to life.
