Skin care
glossary: Dry skin terms you need to know
Visit our Dry (Skin) January homepage for more dry skin essentials. Whether you’re a skin care pro or a curious beginner, you’ve probably scanned the ingredients list of your favorite creams, cleansers and sheet masks wondering what it all means — and what it can do for your skin. Or, perhaps, you’ve stumbled upon a new “It” ingredient on social media and wondered if it’s worth the money.] To help you navigate the world of complex skin care terms, we created a glossary of ingredients we think you should know about, guided by board-certified dermatologists and our extensive past coverage.
Bookmark this page: For now, we’re focusing on ingredients most beneficial to dry skin during the colder months, but we’ll be updating this throughout the year with more tried-and-true skin care terms. Browse below to learn more about what each ingredient does and how to incorporate it into your daily routine. Aloe vera is a natural moisturizer and anti-inflammatory, typically found within creams, gels and sometimes serums. It has also been found to decrease the effects of sunburns, improve wound healing and decrease acne blemishes. Best for: Sunburns, minor burns and superficial wounds like scrapes or cuts. How to use it: Aloe is unnecessary to incorporate into your daily skin care routine unless you have a specific reason to.
Proceed with caution if: it’s combined with ingredients that may irritate your skin (though topical aloe vera is generally well-tolerated on its own). Ceramides are one of the three key lipids in our skin (in addition to cholesterol and free fatty acids). Simply put, ceramides are the glue that holds our skin cells together. They provide a tough water-impermeable outer barrier, avoiding water loss and helping to keep the skin barrier intact. Ceramides are bio-identical to what the skin naturally produces. Best for: all skin types because they are naturally occurring in the skin. How to use it: Ceramides are typically found in moisturizers, skin barrier creams and cleansers and are almost identical to the naturally-occurring ones in your skin.
So, you can use a ceramide-containing product daily, both morning and night. Proceed with caution if: you are allergic to other common ingredients found in ceramide-containing products. However, because ceramides are naturally occuring, there is rarely an intolerance, even in the most sensitive skin. Derm tip: Ceramides are most effective when applied while the skin is slightly damp (particularly after bathing or washing hands). Emollients are ingredients in moisturizers that soothe, soften and lubricate the skin. Typically thicker than humectants, emollients help form a protective barrier, lock in moisture and prevent water loss. Common emollients are squalene/squalane, lipids (triglycerides), shea butter, colloidal oatmeal and cocoa butter. Best for: those with dry skin, a damaged skin barrier or fine lines and wrinkles, though anyone can benefit from using an emollient in their routine. How to use it: Typically found in cream, balms, ointments and lotions, you can use emollients daily, both day and night. Proceed with caution if: you have acne-prone skin because some emollients are occlusive, meaning they might clog pores.
Glycerin strengthens the skin barrier and acts as a natural humectant, drawing moisture from the air into the skin. Primarily, the ingredient helps moisturize and heal dry skin. Best for: dry skin, but well-tolerated by all skin types and doesn’t typically cause skin sensitivities. How to use it: Chances are, you’re already applying at least one product that has glycerin in it. Typically found in lotion, serums and even hair care products, as well as pure glycerin in the form of tablets, you can use glycerin both morning and night on the face, hands and body. Proceed with caution if: you’re acne-prone because some glycerin-containing products may have oils or other irritating ingredients.
How to use it: You can apply low concentrations of hyaluronic acid — typically anywhere from 1% to 2% in creams, ointments, serums and lotions — directly on the skin at any time, once or twice a day. Proceed with caution if: you have very sensitive skin because high concentrations can cause irritation and inflammation. Derm tip: Hyaluronic acid is compatible with other active ingredients, including retinol, benzoyl peroxide and alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), and can prevent your skin from drying out or getting irritated. Niacinamide is a type of vitamin B3 that hydrates the skin by preventing water loss and regulating oil production. It helps to support the skin barrier by building keratin (a protein that maintains skin health), easing inflammation and redness associated with skin conditions like acne, rosacea and eczema, and managing hyperpigmentation.
Best for: all skin types, especially dry skin that needs help retaining moisture, sensitive or inflamed skin, or oily skin with excess sebum and oil production. How to use it: Most commonly found in serums and moisturizers, you can apply it morning and night to the entire face. You can pair it with most common active ingredients, including retinol, peptides, hyaluronic acid, hydroxy acids (AHA and BHA), growth factors and peptides. Proceed with caution if: you are allergic to other common ingredients found in moisturizers and serums that may cause redness or irritation. However, there is rarely an intolerance to niacinamide, even in the most sensitive skin.
Derm tip: It often comes in one of two strengths: 2% or 5%. Start at a lower percentage if your skin is sensitive, and build up to 5% strength if you can tolerate it to get the best results. Occlusives create a protective layer on top of the skin to prevent water loss, which helps prevent irritants and allergens from entering the skin. Some of the most common occlusives include petrolatum, lanolin, mineral oil, beeswax and dimethicone.
Best for: those with dry skin, though anyone can benefit from using occlusives in their routine. How to use it: You’ll commonly see occlusive ingredients in the moisturizer step of your daytime and nighttime skin care routine, alongside humectants like hyaluronic acid and emollients like squalane. Proceed with caution if: you have acne-prone skin because some occlusives can clog pores, potentially causing breakouts. (Ensure your occlusive product is noncomedogenic, making it less likely to clog pores.) Retinoids are a class of chemicals derived from vitamin A.
Topical retinoids also have potent anti-inflammatory effects (which help improve acne) and reduce hyperpigmentation by stimulating cell turnover. They also help stimulate the production of new collagen and elastin, thickening the skin and resulting in less noticeable fine lines and wrinkles over time. Best for: those with acne, fine lines and wrinkles, collagen loss and hyperpigmentation. How to use it: You can use a retinoid every evening (at most) on clean, dry skin, but the frequency for most skin types should begin at 1-2 nights per week, working up gradually to nightly if tolerated. Popular retinoids like tretinoin and tazarotene are available by prescription only, while adapalene is an acne treatment available over the counter.
When it comes to squalane (with an “a”), however, there’s no need to worry — it is generally very well tolerated with a low risk of irritation. Derm tip: Squalane-containing products are especially effective on clean, slightly damp skin to help lock in moisture. Vitamin E is an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory ingredient, so it soothes irritated skin and protects it from stressors like UV rays and pollution. It’s most commonly found in moisturizers, serums and oils, and it’s usually combined with other antioxidants like vitamin C.
Best for: those with dry skin and/or prone to free radical damage. How to use it: Apply in the morning after cleansing your skin. Experts recommend combining vitamin E with potent antioxidants like vitamin C to protect against free radicals and UV rays.
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The best
skin care products to use if you’re on Accutane
Mostly coctors recomended these products
Select independently determines what we cover and recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more. Visit our Dry (Skin) January homepage for more dry skin essentials. Accutane can be an effective solution for combating moderate to severe acne, but it comes with a unique set of instructions and some uncomfortable side effects.
One reaction many Accutane users notice is dry, flaky skin, making the skin care products you use while taking Accutane important when it comes to keeping skin moisturized. “Accutane reduces sebum production, which can lead to dryness across the body,” says New York City-based board-certified dermatologist Dr. Michele Green. “While this dryness can be very uncomfortable, it is harmless and can be managed with over-the-counter moisturizers.” We spoke to experts about what to look for when shopping for skin care products to use while on Accutane. We also put together a list of what to shop based on their recommendations and guidance. SKIP AHEAD How we picked the best products for Accutane users | The best products for Accutane users in 2024 How we picked the best products for Accutane users Shortly after starting Accutane, most patients develop dry skin, which can persist throughout the treatment course, according to our experts.
When shopping for skin care products to use alongside Accutane, experts recommended considering the following factors: Ingredients: While on Accutane, the skin care ingredients you choose should address the inevitable dryness with moisture-rich ingredients. “It is important to focus on skin care ingredients that support hydration and barrier repair,” says board-certified dermatologist Shoshana Marmon. Look for products that include a variety of moisturizers like humectants to draw water to the skin, occlusives to trap moisture in and emollients to soften and restore the skin barrier. Likewise, the skin care products you use should be gentle so as not to irritate the skin or cause further dryness. This means avoiding harsh formulas including those with acids, retinol and fragrances, as they can aggravate skin sensitivity and increase dryness, says Marmon. Product type: Accutane-related dryness can affect all parts of the body including the lips, hands and feet, scalp and face. Therefore, it’s important to seek soothing, hydrating products for your entire routine, from head to toe. This includes cleansers, which are oftentimes stripping as well as serums, moisturizers, lip balms, scalp serums and hand and foot creams. The best products for Accutane users in 2024
moisturized for up to 24 hours, according to the brand. It’ll also help cleanse away dirt, oil and makeup sitting on top of the skin, which can clog pores. You can also use it as a body or hand wash. Key ingredients: Ceramides, hyaluronic acid | Fragrance-free: Yes Kiehl’s Ultra Pure High-Potency 1.5% Hyaluronic Acid Serum Kiehl's Ultra Pure High-Potency 1.5% Hyaluronic Acid Serum Kiehl's Ultra Pure High-Potency 1.5% Hyaluronic Acid Serum $ at Kiehl's Kiehl's Ultra Pure High-Potency 1.5% Hyaluronic Acid Serum $ at Sephora Serums deliver a higher concentration of active ingredients to the skin and are a good option if you’re looking for potent products. For those struggling with dryness, Green is a fan of this serum from Kiehl’s, which has hyaluronic acid.
Beauty. It has colloidal oatmeal to calm itching, shea butter to maintain the skin’s moisture barrier and allantoin to hydrate. “My skin was severely dry during my time on Accutane and this was my go-to moisturizer since my skin was extra dry and sensitive while on it,” she says. “I used this on my face and neck morning and night and couldn’t go a day without it.” Key ingredients: Colloidal oatmeal, shea butter, allantoin | Fragrance-free: Yes Aveeno Protect & Hydrate Sunscreen Face Lotion Aveeno Protect & Hydrate Sunscreen Face Lotion AMAZON Aveeno Protect & Hydrate Sunscreen Face Lotion $ at Amazon Aveeno Protect &
He recommends this repair balm from Aquaphor, which has two types of moisturizers: shea butter, an emollient, and panthenol, a humectant. It also has chamomile essence, which helps soothe skin and is particularly helpful if your lips feel chapped or raw from picking, according to Aquaphor. Key ingredients: Shea butter, chamomile essence, vitamin C, vitamin E, panthenol | Fragrance-free: Yes Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel Clinique Dramatically Different Face Moisturizing Gel DIFFBOT Clinique Dramatically Different Face Moisturizing Gel $ at Amazon Clinique Dramatically Different Face Moisturizing Gel $ at Ulta Clinique Dramatically Different Face Moisturizing Gel $ at Sephora Marmon says this moisturizing gel from Clinique helps combat dryness and irritation during the treatment course. Though it has a gel consistency, which is more suited for those with oily skin or combination skin types, it’s gentle, noncomedogenic and has moisture-attracting ingredients like hyaluronic acid, says Marmon. The formula is also free of any harsh ingredients like fragrance, acids or exfoliants.
Glycerin, niacinamide, panthenol, avocado oil | Fragrance-free: Yes Eczema Honey Soothing Scalp Oil Eczema Honey Soothing Scalp Oil DIFFBOT Eczema Honey Soothing Scalp Oil $ at Ulta Eczema Honey Soothing Scalp Oil $ at Eczema Honey This scalp oil is primarily for those struggling with scalp conditions like eczema, psoriasis or dermatitis, but because it helps alleviate itchiness and dryness, it makes for a great treatment for Accutane-related dryness. It has tea tree leaf oil to clarify buildup on the scalp, and to keep the scalp moisturized, it has aloe vera juice as well as olive and jojoba oil, according to the brand. I love using this scalp oil on the day or two before I’m about to wash my hair, which is when my scalp tends to get dry, itchy and flaky.
There are a few different ways to use this oil. You can apply one to three drops onto your fingers, work it into your scalp and style as needed. Or, you can use it as a pre-shampoo treatment by applying it to your scalp for 15 to 20 minutes before rinsing out. Key ingredients: Tea tree leaf oil, lavender oil, olive and jojoba oil, aloe vera juice, vitamin E | Fragrance-free: Yes How to shop for skin care while on Accutane
