Choose either Cetaphil, Moisturel, CeraVe or Eucerin Cream. If you have severely dry skin, apply an oil to the still moist skin such as Neutrogena Light Sesame Oil, Hermal Body Oil, Alpha-Keri Oil or Robathol, then apply a moisturizing cream and also apply the moisturizer at bedtime.
Moisturizer: Your dermatologist will select a moisturizer that contains the right amount of active ingredients, such as urea, ceramides, lactic acid, or glycerol, to heal your skin. The right mix will hydrate your skin and restore its outer layer. Some patients need a prescription moisturizer.
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).
As cosmetic dermatologist Michele Green sums it up: “CeraVe is the best overall body lotion. It is safe for all skin types and packed with hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and humectants to keep the most sensitive skin hydrated.”
Vaseline is a very good moisturizer for dry skin. Applying a layer of Vaseline to dry skin helps lock in moisture. Vaseline is great for treating all the usual dry areas, such as the: heels.
Choose either Cetaphil, Moisturel, CeraVe or Eucerin Cream. If you have severely dry skin, apply an oil to the still moist skin such as Neutrogena Light Sesame Oil, Hermal Body Oil, Alpha-Keri Oil or Robathol, then apply a moisturizing cream and also apply the moisturizer at bedtime.
In general, anything that causes loss of water and reduces barrier function of the top layer of skin, or stratum corneum, can lead to the feeling of dry skin. Exposure to outside irritants such as chemicals, solvents, detergents, and excessive water can make skin dry.
A 2019 review of 11 studies concluded that taking 2.5–10 grams of oral collagen supplements per day for 4–24 weeks increased skin hydration and treated xerosis, a medical term for dry skin ( 7 ).
Ichthyosis vulgaris (ik-thee-O-sis vul-GAY-ris) is an inherited skin disorder in which dead skin cells accumulate in thick, dry scales on your skin's surface.
Dry skin on legs can be caused by many factors including hot baths or showers, weather conditions, and shaving - anything that strips the skin of its natural moisturizers and oils. So having dry legs isn't always something we can prevent, but it is treatable with the right methods and products.
Apply a Lightweight Moisturizer Every Day
The most effective way to alleviate dryness is to restore your skin's natural moisture. Thankfully, you don't need a specific product—any body lotion or cream will work well as a leg moisturizer. Try a lightweight lotion, like our cult-classic Creme de Corps.
Choose a moisturizer with urea or propylene glycol — chemicals that help keep skin moist. Petroleum jelly is another good choice. Apply an over-the-counter product that contains urea, lactic acid or a low concentration of salicylic acid twice daily. Mild acidic compounds help skin shed its dead skin cells.
Having some water on your skin when you apply moisturizer (next step) helps hydrate your skin. Apply a creamy, fragrance-free moisturizer formulated for dry skin within 3 minutes of bathing and throughout the day. Moisturizing helps ease the dryness and restore your skin's protective barrier.
Chronic Dryness
If you have chronically dry skin, but it feels especially uncomfortable in the winter, a dermatologist visit could help mitigate symptoms.
Xerosis is the medical name for dry skin. It comes from Greek: 'xero' means 'dry' and 'osis' means 'disease' or 'medical disorder'. Xerosis is caused by a lack of moisture in the skin, which may be the result of ageing (senile Xerosis) or due to underlying diseases such as Diabetes.
The brand: For over two decades, SkinCeuticals has been a go-to, dermatologist-recommended brand. They're all about science-backed skincare (which is why it's such a hit in the medical community), and have a wide array of products that can both prevent, protect, and correct signs of aging.
An easy-to-follow daily regimen using CeraVe cleansers, moisturizers, serums and creams can be a gentle, yet effective method for hydrating skin and protecting the skin's barrier – soothing the dryness and revealing a softer and heathier-looking complexion.
B7 (Biotin)
Some signs of a deficiency are brittle, dry hair, brittle nails, and dry, flaky skin. Severe cases result in red and scaly skin. B7 also fights inflammation and protects against acne, fungal infections, and rashes.
Problem: The lotion doesn't absorb quickly.
This common complaint is usually the result of using too much of a lotion that contains high levels of emollients — ingredients meant to stop water from evaporating from your skin.