This post will be sharing three must-have occlusives for dry winter skin.
I’ve spent the last six weeks or more looking for a good moisturizer to serve me during these winter months.
I typically use the Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors, but last year, I realized they are not moisturizing enough for the winter.
So, this year, I searched for a new moisturizer early enough. I’ve tried about five or so moisturizers and have narrowed down my options to these two:
While these moisturizers serve my dry, dehydrated skin to the best of their abilities, there’s only so much they can do.
This is where occlusives come in. Even if you have normal skin, everyone suffers from dry winter skin in one way or another.
It could be on your face, entire body or part of your body like your hands or feet.
It comes in different forms.
In my experience, sometimes moisturizers don’t cut it.
You need an extra layer of product that will trap the moisture and keep your skin moisturized until you follow your routine.
What are Occlusives?
You should know three terms regarding moisturisers: humectants, emollients and occlusive.
Understanding these terms will help you choose the moisturizer for your skin type.
Humectants are ingredients that draw moisture in from the atmosphere onto the skin’s surface.
They are formulated in your moisturizers to keep your skin moisturized.
The most common humectants on the market are Glycerin, Hyaluronic Acid, and, most recently, Beta Glucan.
If you have dry skin, look for these humectants in your products.
One of the reasons why the Neutrogena Hydroboost Water Gel Cleanser has been a staple in my routine for the past couple of years is the presence of Hyaluronic Acid that keeps my skin well hydrated after cleansing.
On the other hand, emollients are the ingredients that moisturize the skin and repair the skin’s barrier.
This can be easily damaged through harsh weather conditions and harmful skin care habits.
When you notice a change in your skin, your barrier is probably damaged.
While dry skin can be genetic, anybody with normal to oily skin can experience dry skin if they don’t take care of it.
When buying a moisturizer, you should look for emollients such as Ceramides, Cholesterol, Squalane, Oatmeal, and Shea Butter.
The Cerave Moisturizing Cream is a prime example of a moisturizer with Ceramides.
Occlusive ingredients are a physical barrier to prevent your skin from losing water while protecting it from external factors.
They usually come in ointments, balms, and waxes with common ingredients like Petrolatum, Mineral Oil, Beeswax and Lanolin Oil.
If you suffer from dry winter skin, one of the best things you can do to your skin is to layer an occlusive over your emollient moisturizer.
Here are three Occlusives you can use for your Dry Winter Skin
Sometimes, emollient moisturizers are simply not enough.
Even the ones targeted to those with dry to extra dry skin can still be underwhelming.
You can try layering three products over them to make all the difference.
Cerave Healing Ointment
Possibly the most popular drugstore occlusive right now is the Cerave Healing Ointment.
While some people still refer to it as a glorified Vaseline, there’s no doubt that it is a more elegant product.
It is formulated with 46.5% Petrolatum, Mineral Oil, Paraffin and Dimethicone, and added ingredients like Ceramides, Cholesterol and Panthenol.
Ointment: If you don’t feel comfortable slugging Vaseline on your face, try the Cerave Healing Ointment.
A pea-size applied at the end of your PM Routine is all you need to wake up to moisturise your skin.
If the dryness extends to your body, don’t hesitate to slather some over your moisturizer.
Aquaphor Healing Ointment
Next in line to Cerave is the Aquaphor Healing Ointment.
This is also formulated with similar ingredients to Cerave. It has 41% Petrolatum, Mineral Oil, Panthenol and Glycerin.
It doesn’t have any added ingredients.
Depending on your need, you can buy a massive tub for your entire body or individual sizes for different things.
You can get lip balm for your lip and travel sizes to keep in your car or handbag.
Eucerin Original Healing Creme
Like the two options above, the Eucerin Healing Creme is formulated with Petrolatum, Mineral Oil and Lanolin.
If you have dry skin, you would know that Eucerin is a fantastic brand that formulates products that heal and repair dry skin.
So, you know that this occlusive will also be top-notch.
In Conclusion,
As a Redditor said, the difference between all three occlusives is that Cerave has Ceramides which help repair the skin’s damaged barrier, Aquaphor has Lanolin which can be mildly comedogenic for some people while Eucerin is slightly waxy.
As always, before trying a new product, it’s essential to do a patch test just in case your skin reacts badly to it.
If your skin doesn’t react to them, use a thin layer at the last step of your PM Routine to avoid transferring it to your pillow.
Before you go to bed, most of it should have been absorbed into your skin.
What are your favourite occlusives to use for your dry winter skin? Share with me in the comments.
This is very helpful! My skin definitely gets dry in the winter. I usually have to load up on hydrating oils.
I love oils too but sometimes, thy’re simply not enough. Thanks for stopping by!