A “Thicker” Moisturiser

When you have dry, itch-prone skin, a lightweight face or body moisturiser that sinks in is not what you need. What you do: a substantial hydrator that leaves a non-greasy film to lessen moisture loss.

Portrait of Tammy Strobel

When you have dry, itch-prone skin, a lightweight face or body moisturiser that sinks in is not what you need. What you do: a substantial hydrator that leaves a non-greasy film to lessen moisture loss.

Dry, itchy, sensitive, or easily irritated skin is compromised skin. A lightweight moisturiser isn’t made for it. “The skin barrier is imbalanced due to a lack of lipids in the hydro-lipid film,” says Doreen Chia, brand general manager of Korean beauty label Hera. “This film protects the skin surface, which is vital for keeping bacteria and pollutants out and keeping moisture in.” That’s why it’s crucial to rebuild the skin barrier “by using a more emollient product that will help restore lipids, lock in moisture and prevent skin inflammation”, says Chia. Sensitive-skin specialist Aveeno has the same take. The brand’s country director for Malaysia and Singapore, Prashant Mahalingam, says keeping dry or eczema-prone skin comfortable and hydrated often requires rich moisturisers with a higher proportion of oil to water than those for normal skin. These leave a protective barrier on skin, ensuring that moisture is sealed in. – GYH

Balm-like, but light
They’re thick but feel surprisingly lightweight, almost “fluffy”, when applied.
1 Aveeno Dermexa Moisturizing Cream, $16.90. This body moisturiser’s non-greasy finish means you can keep reapplying it if necessary.
 
 
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2 Medicube Red Cream Plus, $65.  Made for acne-prone faces, its thick formula prevents skin from producing more sebum to compensate for dryness.

 
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7 The Body Shop Japanese Cherry Blossom Strawberry Kiss Body Cream, $32.90. Exactly the kind of thing to have on flights and winter holidays.
 
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Looks like cream, feels like butter
They leave a cocooning layer on your skin.
3 Mamonde Moisture Ceramide Intense Cream, $45. An antiageing face moisturiser that strengthens the moisture barrier.
 
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5 Eucerin Hyaluronfiller + Elasticity Night Cream, $85. Made to address deep wrinkles and sagging in dry, mature skin.
 
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6 Hera Rosy-satin Cream, $120. A skin-refining face cream that helps makeup go on smoothly.
 
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Hybrid formula  with cream in a gel

4 Boscia Tsubaki Swirl, $56. Literally a cream in a gel, this face hydrator has the 4 comforting feel of cream and the fresh finish of gel.

PHOTOGRAPHY ZAPHS ZHANG
ART DIRECTION SHERLI CHONG