In general, the thicker and greasier a moisturizer, the more effective it will be. 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.
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.
People with skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis (eczema) or psoriasis are more likely to have dry skin. Medical treatments. Some people develop dry, thick skin after undergoing treatment for cancer, receiving dialysis or taking certain medications. Aging.
Consuming foods that are high in vitamins A, C, D, and E, as well as foods that are good sources of zinc and selenium, may help prevent or improve dry skin. Omega-3, green tea antioxidants, and turmeric also have benefits for the skin.
If you have very dry skin, your doctor may recommend a moisturizing product formulated for your needs. If you have a serious skin disease, a doctor may want to treat it with a prescription cream or ointment. If your dry skin becomes itchy, you may use a lotion with hydrocortisone in it.
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.
“The best practice is to avoid over-scrubbing because you want to maintain a healthy and intact skin barrier,” Dr. Khalifian notes. Going too hard can leave your skin red and irritated. Use it after cleansing, and always follow with moisturizer to lock in hydration.
Hydrate skin with lotion, ointments, or face creams.
Look for lotions containing lipids, ceramides, glycerin, or hyaluronic acid to help reinforce the skin's protective barrier. If you have an oily skin type, consider using an oil-free moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated without contributing to the oiliness.
CeraVe offers a range of cream and ointment options, including CeraVe Healing Ointment. Formulated with petrolatum, ceramides, and hyaluronic acid, our Healing Ointment helps to temporarily protect, soothe, and hydrate skin as it recovers from cracking, chafing, and extreme 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.
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.
Coconut Water
The drink is full of vitamin C, calcium, and potassium that moisturize your skin and help shield it from sun damage. It's also rich in B vitamins and magnesium, which will make your skin look younger, keep your blood sugar levels stable, and help you build lean muscle tissue.
The best budget way to seal moisture into your skin may just be petrolatum, the thick, gunky stuff made from petroleum. Look for it in a cream or lotion, or use petroleum jelly. Because it can be messy, add petrolatum to patches of dry skin, not your entire body. (It will work best if you apply to damp, not dry, skin.)
For dry skin
Whether it's simply that you've forgotten to use your daily moisturiser or you have patches of dry skin on the body (such as with Eczema), aloe vera can quickly help remedy the issue. To prevent dry skin from appearing in the first place, it's best to keep the body moisturised daily.