When your skin is parched, there’s just about nothing more critical than making sure you’re using the best moisturizer for dry skin. Moisturizing twice a day is non-negotiable if you want your skin to stop sporting a dull, lackluster-looking complexion, not to mention that uncomfortable, stiff feel. But not just any face moisturizer for dry skin will do. To point you in the right direction, we’re introducing you to five of our favorite face creams and lotions for dry skin.

What Should I Look for in a Moisturizer for Dry Skin?

As you’ve likely realized, it’s super easy for dry skin to sport a dull appearance when moisture is lost. While there are a myriad of causes for dry skin, including weather conditions, lack of exfoliation, and over-cleansing, using the right moisturizer for dry skin morning and night can help get your skin back in shape. When your skin is calling out for hydration, smoothing on a nourishing moisturizer isn’t only the easiest thing you can do, it’s also one of the best. Not sure what to look for in a moisturizer for dry skin? Here are three things to consider.

1. Texture 

Lightweight lotions and gel moisturizers may be preferred by those with oily skin, but dry skin tends to call for something heavier. A thicker face cream is typically the better choice if you have dry skin. Of course, that doesn’t mean the moisturizer has to feel heavy on your skin — look for one that absorbs quickly.

2. Ingredients

The right ingredients are key. A face moisturizer formulated with nourishing oils can go a long way in moisturizing your skin. Hyaluronic acid moisturizers are also popular for a good reason — it’s an amazing moisturizing ingredient.

3. Lasting Power

Your skin may feel amazing right after moisturizing, but that isn’t enough. Your face moisturizer for dry skin should lock in moisturizer for as long as possible. Look for moisturizers that offer all-day hydration.

What Is the Best Moisturizer for Dry Skin?

Want to add only the best moisturizer for dry skin to your routine? Have your pick from the following five options.

L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Micro Hyaluronic acid + Ceramides Line-Plumping Water Cream

Don’t let the lightweight feel of this moisturizer fool you — it’s deeply hydrating. While it’s a water-based cream, it also contains hyaluronic acid and ceramides in its formula, plumping all skin types with intense moisture. Use it morning and night as part of your dry skin care routine.

L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect Skin Care Rosy Tone Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Sunscreen

This daily moisturizer made for mature skin is a must-have if you also deal with dull tone on top of dryness. Formulated with lipo hydroxy acid to gently exfoliate the skin, it instantly hydrates and works to make skin appear healthier, more radiant and more youthful with a rosy tone.

L’Oréal Paris Wrinkle Expert 55+ Age Defense Lotion SPF

Even if you don’t already have wrinkles you can take advantage of the moisturizing and anti-aging power of this face lotion for dry skin. It contains calcium, an ingredient known for its skin-strengthening abilities, and broad-spectrum SPF 30 to protect your complexion against harmful UV rays. With this must-have, skin stays hydrated up to 24 hours without feeling greasy or smothered.  

L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect Skin Care Cell Renewal Midnight Cream, Antioxidants

For a lightweight, quick absorbing cream that leaves your visage feeling smooth and hydrated but not oily, reach for this pick. Perfect for your morning and nighttime routines (yup, it doesn’t just work at midnight), this moisturizer melts into the skin, infusing it with antioxidants and 24-hour hydration. With ingredients like shea butter, meadowfoam seed oil, vitamin E and glycerin, it’s no wonder it does such an amazing job at nourishing the complexion with moisture.

L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Triple Power Anti-Aging Overnight Mask

Masks and moisturizers are two separate skin care products, but overnight masks blur the lines a bit. After leaving it on your skin overnight, your complexion will sport a more radiant, moisturized, and refreshed appearance, which is just what dry skin needs. Simply apply it to your skin right before you head to bed so it can work its magic.

How Do You Hydrate Dry Skin?

Whichever moisturizer for dry skin you pick, you’ll want to make sure you’re using it the right way. Slapping a face cream onto your skin may do some good, but follow this step-by-step routine to reap all its benefits.

1. Cleanse Your Skin

No matter what skin type you’re working with, you’ll always want to kick things off with a round of cleansing. After all, dirt, oil, and pollution can also make your skin look even drier. Keep things simple by reaching for the L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect Skin Care Nourishing Cream Cleanser. This cleanser made with mature skin in mind is suitable for all ages and skin types. It cleanses with a gentle touch and without stripping or over-drying the skin.

2. Exfoliate Like a Pro

A quick exfoliation session can help polish away dry, dead skin cells to reveal smooth and radiant skin underneath. Get the job done with the help of the L’Oréal Paris Pure-Sugar Resurface & Energize Kona Coffee Scrub. Formulated with three pure-sugars, real Kona coffee grounds and peppermint oil, this scrub goes the extra mile to gently remove dull skin and soften and brighten skin for a healthy-looking glow. 

3. Apply Face Serum

Sometimes, one layer of moisture is not enough for dry skin. Instead of relying solely on your face moisturizer to get the job done, add a hydrating face serum into the mix to up the ante. Our favorite face serum for dry skin? The L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Derm Intensives 1.5% Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum is perfect for boosting hydration and prepping your skin for moisturizer. Layer it on while your face is still a little damp — hyaluronic acid and water play very well together.

4. Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize

After serum, smooth your face lotion or cream for dry skin over your damp face and neck. SImilar to the way you did in the previous step with water, don’t let your serum dry completely when you apply it to help lock in moisture — that’s all there is to it.

Next: The Best Moisturizers for Every Skin Type

Edited by: Shalwah Evans, Photographer: Chaunte Vaughn, Art Director: Hannah Packer, Associate Creative Producer: Becca Solovay, Digital Tech: Katy Andrascik, Photo Assistant: Sam Kang, Makeup Artist: Jonet Williamson, Hairstylist: Akihisa Yamaguchi, Wardrobe Stylist: Melina Kemph, Wardrobe Assistant: Kayla Martinez, Model: Juli Deng