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).
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.
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.
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.
Your moisturizer is too light
Frequently, the reason a moisturizer doesn't work is that it's the wrong product for your skin type. Light moisturizers and lotions typically contain a lot of water. That means they have less of the lipids (fats, oil) that lock in moisture.
“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.
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.
This could mean that your skin is actually crying out for oil, not water! However, it could also just mean you're using the wrong moisturiser (or, the wrong amount), and it's too heavy for your skin. If you use active skincare products like retinol, this could also be the cause of your dry skin.
Use hypoallergenic soap or fragrance-free soap without alcohol. Apply moisturizers immediately after bathing or washing hands. Gently pat your skin dry with a towel so some moisture remains. Immediately moisturize your skin with an oil or cream to help trap water in the surface cells.
Use moisturizers such as lotions, creams, or ointments every day. Use mild soap and warm (not hot) water when bathing or showering. Don't add bath oil to your water — it can make the tub slippery and increase the risk of falling. Try using a humidifier, an appliance that adds moisture to a room.
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.
Petroleum jelly is an oil-based product that forms an oily film over the surface of the skin. This oily film seals in moisture, helping keep skin hydrated and soft. According to a 2016 review article, Vaseline prevents more than 98% of water loss from the outer layer of the skin.
Petrolatum is one of the most widely-used occlusive ingredients for dry skin. Also known as petroleum jelly, petrolatum is a rich-textured skin protectant that creates a physical barrier on top of your skin—effectively sealing in moisture.
If you are experiencing the dry and more sensitive skin that can come with aging, we suggest starting with an unscented goat milk soap. Purity Goat Milk Soap is an unscented soap with simple ingredients and is our first recommendation for mature skin.
A correlation was observed between vitamin D levels and skin moisture content, individuals with lower levels of vitamin D had lower average skin moisture.
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.