Some of the most effective (and least expensive) are petroleum jelly and moisturizing oils (such as mineral oil). Because they contain no water, they're best used while the skin is still damp from bathing, to seal in the moisture. Other moisturizers contain water as well as oil, in varying proportions.
Research shows that this can lead to excessively dry skin. Vitamin or mineral deficiency: Skin requires nutrients to keep it healthy. If you're not getting enough vitamin D, vitamin A, niacin, zinc, or iron, you can develop excessively dry skin.
Vitamin E. Getting enough vitamin E is vital if you want to achieve healthy, moisture-packed skin. A common ingredient in skincare products, vitamin E is an antioxidant, and as well as being widely available as a supplement, it is also commonly found in foods such as: Sunflower seeds.
You're deficient in certain nutrients
Stubborn dryness may occur if your body is low in vitamin A, vitamin D, iron, niacin or zinc, all of which are a must for healthy skin. Talk to your doctor about whether you might be deficient in one of these nutrients, and if you are, whether or not to take supplements.
Pure petroleum jelly is very gentle on skin, making it perfect to soothe dry skin on all areas of the body and keep it hydrated at the same time. Choosing a good moisturizing lotion containing micro droplets of Vaseline® Jelly will help heal dry skin deep down for fast relief from itchy dryness.
Taking medications: For extremely dry skin that's itchy or prone to cracking, your healthcare provider may prescribe a topical steroid, which acts to decrease the swelling (inflammation) in your skin that causes a rash and itching. In severe cases, oral or injectable medication may be appropriate.
The researchers found that while water — both still and sparkling — does a pretty good job of quickly hydrating the body, beverages with a little bit of sugar, fat or protein do an even better job of keeping us hydrated for longer.
Use toners, boosters, serums, and moisturisers that are loaded with antioxidants, hydration-replenishing ingredients such as ceramides, and skin-restoring ingredients. These give your skin what it desperately needs to appear healthy, radiant and smooth.
If nonfacial skin is very dry, you might want to use a thicker moisturizer (Eucerin, Cetaphil, others) or an oil, such as baby oil. Oil has more staying power than do lotions and prevents the evaporation of water from the skin's surface. Another possibility is a petrolatum-based product (Vaseline, Aquaphor, others).
Green tea. Green tea may also help with photoaging, which can lead to hyperpigmentation, skin dryness, and other signs of UV damage. Green tea can increase the collagen and elastin fiber content in the skin and reduce oxidative stress. This may lead to smoother, more moisturized skin.
Aquaphor combines petrolatum with several moisturizing and skin-healing ingredients. Vaseline is 100% petrolatum. Aquaphor is the better choice to use on very dry skin, chapped lips, and eczema.
Slugging is basically the process of slathering your face (or, in some cases, your nails) with petroleum jelly overnight. Social media skin care gurus claim it has given them a gorgeous glow. So, how does it work? “Petroleum jelly is a simple and very occlusive ointment,” Dr. Kassouf says.
While Vaseline helps seal moisture into the skin, some experts have suggested that it may also trap in oil and dirt. As such, the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) warn that people who are prone to acne may experience breakouts after applying Vaseline to the face.
Use an ointment or cream rather than a lotion.
Ointments and creams are more effective and less irritating than lotions. Look for a cream or ointment that contains one or more of the following ingredients: Jojoba oil. Dimethicone.
Choosing the right moisturizers for your dry skin. Using the right moisturizer can keep your skin healthy by hydrating that all-important layer of armor. Moisturizers for dry skin from brands like CeraVe®, Aveeno®, Avène®, La Roche-Posay®, Eucerin® and Cetaphil® are among those that Dr. Estemalik recommends most.
The Benefits of Coconut Oil
Hadley King, MD, a New York City–based board-certified dermatologist, says that it makes an excellent moisturizer because it is rich in fatty acids called triglycerides, and has emollient properties to soothe dry skin and act as an occlusive to lock in moisture.
Argan oil is renowned for its moisturizing and anti-aging properties. It helps restore the skin's natural barrier, making it effective in combating dryness, flakiness, and reducing the appearance of fine lines. To use: Warm a few drops of argan oil between your palms and gently press it onto your face and neck.