Learn skin and product tips from Curél® Skincare Consultant Dr. Diane Berson, who is board certified by the American Board of Dermatology and works in coordination with the experts at Curél® Skincare to provide professional advice about caring for dry skin. Watch video >

General Skin Health

Dry Skin: What Causes It?

Dry skin is the result of reduced water content in skin's outermost layer. Your skin's outer layer, the epidermis, produces lipids, which keep moisture in or out of the skin. If your body is deficient in lipids, moisture will either escape or evaporate from your skin, causing it to become dry.

Moisturizer Ingredients

The best moisturizers contain a combination of humectants, such as glycerin, which bind water molecules in the skin to help keep it plump and hydrated, and occlusives, such as petrolatum, which seal in the moisture and form a protective barrier. This combination will help keep skin moist, smooth and soft. Other ingredients that can be used include lipids, shea butter and even milk, which are known to soothe the skin. Ingredient lists are accessible from all Curél^® product pages.

Are there nuts, gluten, or salicylates present in Curél^® lotions?

We do not intentionally add these ingredients but we cannot guarantee that Curél^® Ultra Healing^® Intensive lotion is free of them.

Why is there alcohol in Curél^® lotions; doesn't it dry out skin?

There are many different kinds of alcohol. Curél^® lotions do not contain ethanol or isopropanol (i.e. rubbing alcohol) which can cause dry skin. The alcohol used in Curél^® lotions, Cetearyl Alcohol, is based on large molecules and is actually helpful in protecting the skin from becoming dry.

What is the difference between alpha hydroxy and beta hydroxy?

Alpha hydroxy is sodium lactate or lactic acid, which promotes rapid exfoliating of flaky, dry skin. The most commonly used beta hydroxy is salicylic acid which promotes the removal of dry skin cells over time. When combined, exfoliation occurs with less irritation.

What are humectants and skin hydrators?

Humectants and skin hydrators are ingredients that moisturize skin by attracting water to it. In Curél^® Ultra Healing^® Intensive lotion, glycerin is the natural humectant. In fact, this lotion contains an unusually high level of glycerin – higher than any advanced healing lotion on the market.

Optimal Lotion Application

It is best to pat dry, not rub, after bathing, and then, while the skin still feels damp to the touch, to immediately apply moisturizer. This will seal in the moisture, which is the best way to hydrate the skin. It is best to use rich emollients, such as Curél^® Natural Healing™ Lotion, to improve the skin's lipid rich barrier and make it feel smoother and suppler.