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.
When skin loses water too quickly, it becomes dry. This can happen for many reasons. Everyday things, such as using deodorant soaps and harsh cleaning products, can strip oils and fats from our skin. Taking long, hot showers can also dry your 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.
The Best Vitamins for Dry Skin
There are a variety of vitamins that can help to improve dry skin, including vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin E. These nutrients are thought to help increase the moisture content in your skin, as well as repair damaged skin cells and promote new cell growth.
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.
CeraVe offers more specialised products to target concerns like acne, eczema, and very dry skin, while Cetaphil sticks to basics for sensitive skin. Cetaphil is generally more affordable and widely available in stores and online compared to CeraVe.
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.
Dry skin occurs when skin doesn't retain sufficient moisture. This can happen as a result of frequent bathing, use of harsh soaps, aging, or certain medical conditions. And for those in colder climates, it can stem from cold, dry winter air.
“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.
You need to exfoliate
The solution to your dry skin could be as simple as regularly sloughing off those dead cells with a mild chemical exfoliant. Look for an exfoliating face wash or body wash that contains salicylic acid, glycolic acid or lactic acid and use it once or twice a week.
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.
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.
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.
CeraVe Intensive Moisturizing Lotion is formulated with beneficial ingredients that help address five key signs of dryness: tightness, flaking/scaling, itching, roughness, and redness or discoloration due to dryness.
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.
Having a specific vitamin deficiency can cause dry skin. For example, if you are deficient in zinc, iron, niacin, vitamin D, or vitamin A, your skin may get dry.
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.