3 Hydrating Cleansers For Dry Skin

My skin is dry all year round, let alone in winter. Thanks to the bitter winds and the constant movement between central heating and frosty temperatures, my face really feels the effects even more from November onwards. To keep my skin looking radiant and free from rough patches, I always amp up my entire skincare routine, starting with cleansers. During the colder months, this trio take pride of place on my skincare shelf and help my skin to stay healthy and hydrated.

First up, is my favourite cleanser of all-time - Oskia's Perfect Cleanser. For me, the name says it all. The brand's Renaissance Cleansing Gel gets a lot of coverage and is loved by many, including myself, but the Perfect Cleanser is a much better match for dry skin, especially in winter. This is a product that I must have in my stash at all times and I panic when I'm running low. From first use, this transformed my skin, to leave it clearer, softer and smoother than ever and, after recommending it to my Mum, she's now hooked on it too!

Enriched with a plethora of omegas, vitamins, prebiotics and natural oils, this cleanser is packed full of nutri-active ingredients which work to restore the skin's lipid barrier and protect. A seriously rich balm, this has a nourishing, comforting formula, ideal for dry and mature skin-types that crave some TLC. Initially, it feels slightly gritty, but it melts into a thick oil as you rub it in. Once you add water into the mix, the oil transforms into a light milk that lifts away any grime, without disrupting the natural balance of oils. Immediately after use, skin is left feeling soothed, plumped and moisturized. Although it doesn't give that squeaky-clean result (which I actually hate), this cleanser never clogs my skin or causes break-outs, as long as it's removed thoroughly. Dissolving even the most waterproof eye products in no time, the balm makes light work of makeup. Saying that, I prefer to use a micellar water to take off my makeup prior to using this, as it feels wasteful to double cleanse with such a luxurious product.

I don't always need to use such an intense formula in the morning, so I'll often reach for the Nude Perfect Cleanse Omega Cleansing Jelly when I wake up. An all-natural brand, Nude use the best of nature's bounty to create products that include only ingredients the skin needs to be healthy. This particular cleanser is even vegan and gluten-free.

Containing omegas 6 and 9 to hydrate, bitter orange to soothe and annatto seed extract to purify, the Omega Cleansing Jelly has a mild formula that gently cleanses and calms sensitive skin. Jelly really isn't the right word for the texture of this product, so don't let the name put you off. It isn't lumpy and it doesn't wobble. Starting off as a thick gel, it then turns into a light oil as you work it in, before finishing off as a milk when emulsified and rinsed off. Once removed, there's no residue left behind, just a clean, soft feel. Skin is hydrated, but not overloaded, making it a great option for all skin-types to balance oil production. Annoyingly, I do find I need a bigger blob of this per use, so I do get through a tube more quickly than the others and, although this cleanser works well at removing the majority of makeup, it can fall a bit short when tackling heavy mascara. For those reasons, and because you only get 100ml for £30, I prefer to use this as a second cleanse in the evenings, after removing my makeup. It remains one of my favourites, though!

Another cleanser that is perfect for dry, dehydrated skin is the Radical Skincare Hydrating Cleanser. Radical's brand focuses on creating anti-aging skincare that is kind to skin and full of anti-oxidants. I'm not quite at the stage where lines and wrinkles are a concern yet, but nourishing products targeted at anti-aging usually go hand in hand with my drier skin. Apparently, after two weeks of using this product, moisture levels in the skin are increased by 30%, which I can well believe as it works wonders.

Combining anti-bacterial aloe and grape seed to heal and soothe, almond milk to cleanse without stripping the skin, anti-inflammatory green tea to calm and tangerine oil to balance, this is another gentle formula. It does contain alcohol, which is known to be drying, but that certainly hasn't caused any issues for my skin. Again, this cleanser delivers a boost of moisture, but has more of a creamy consistency that feels light and refreshing. Radical describe this as a 3-in-1 formula which cleanses, tones and hydrates, but to be honest, I'd say that most hydrating cleansers do the same. As it's massaged into the skin, the cream sinks in completely and you can either wipe off any excess, or wash off with water to remove it, depending on your preference. After use, skin feels fresh, soft and smooth. As it doesn't have to be washed off, this is a great cleanser to keep on your bedside table for use on lazy mornings or nights. Although, if you use it straight over makeup, it's important to rinse with water rather than just tissue off the excess and to double cleanse, to get rid of every last scrap.

Which cleansers can't you be without in your skincare regime?

AGB X