How to moisturise your skin when moisturisers aren’t enough

If you have dry, parched skin, consider incorporating a serum in your skincare routine. Serums typically come in a gel or liquid form and are better able to penetrate skin due to their small molecular composition. Give thirsty skin a mega boost of moisture with a serum containing hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid. Apply a drop or two of serum to your face after cleansing and toning, but before moisturiser and sunscreen.

Think of a skin booster as the double shot to your espresso latte. A skin booster usually contains a high concentration of potent ingredients to target a specific skin concern. These boosters can be used alone or mixed with your daily moisturiser to make the product work harder for you.

Perhaps one of the most overlooked steps in combating dry skin is to layer facial oil over moisturiser. After your moisturiser, follow up with a facial oil of choice for a double dose of moisture. For maximum glow, mix three to five drops of oil in your moisturiser and smooth it over your face and neck.  It’s important to note that not all oils are created equal. Some oils are more astringent than others, so you want to look for an oil that is rich in fatty acids such as oleic acid to condition skin, lock in moisture and prevent irritation caused by dryness. Examples include almond oil and marula oil.

A build-up of dead skin cells can inhibit skin’s ability to absorb products like moisturiser. Opt for an exfoliating product formulated with glycolic or lactic acid to gently slough off dead skin. Alternatively, if your skin is more sensitive, skip the exfoliator and gently whisk away dead skin cells with a wet washcloth or damp textured cotton round. Now that skin is lightly buffed, hydrators can penetrate skin and really do their job.

A face mist is a hardworking beauty essential that fights dryness, revives dull complexion and rejuvenates tired skin. If you have dry or dehydrated skin, look for mists with moisture boosting and skin plumping ingredients such as hyaluronic acid or squalene to lock in moisture and repair the damaged skin barrier. Pro tip: always follow up with an oil-based moisturiser or serum over the mist to seal in the moisture.

Read Next

What you need to know about gua sha and its skin benefits

How to layer your skincare under your mask, according to experts

7 women in Singapore show us what's in their beauty cabinet