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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Ammonium lactate is used to treat xerosis (dry or scaly skin) and ichthyosis vulgaris (an inherited dry skin condition) in adults and children. Ammonium lactate is in a class of medications called alpha-hydroxy acids. It works by increasing skin hydration.
Vitamin E. Vitamin E can be beneficial for dry skin when taken orally or applied topically. When taken orally, vitamin E provides powerful antioxidant properties that can soothe inflammation and prevent further damage. Topical use of Vitamin E can also effectively prevent water loss in the skin and reduce dryness.
Alcohol derivatives, substances to avoid when one has dry skin. These ingredients can appear in various forms in a cosmetic product: Alcohol Denat, SD Alcohol 40-B, SD Alcohol 40-A, SD Alcohol 40, SD Alcohol 39-B, SD Alcohol 38-B, SD Alcohol 3-B, Polyvinyl Alcohol or isopropyl alcohol.
For example, glycerin is one of the most commonly-used moisturizing ingredients, and that tells you something. It's known for its ability to improve skin hydration, as well as its barrier repair effects.
CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion
Made with hyaluronic acid and ceramides, it's a dependable option for anyone, whether you need a boost of moisture in cold, dry months or are prone to eczema (since it has the National Eczema Association's Seal of Acceptance).
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.
Start with a gentle, hydrating cleanser, then apply a hyaluronic acid serum. Follow up with a rich moisturizer to seal in hydration and consider adding a hydrating face mist or overnight mask for extra care. Drinking plenty of water and using a humidifier can also support skin hydration.
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.
Using ointments, lotions, or creams that keep the moisture in also helps. Apply moisturizers right away after bathing or showering. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends using a product that contains petroleum jelly or lanolin.
Staying hydrated is great, but is not necessarily the cure-all for dry skin, since it's more of an issue of water escaping through the skin.” However, if you are chronically dehydrated, drinking the right amount of water can help hydrate your 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.
Avoid harsh skin care products. This isn't a time for rough exfoliating scrubs or cleansers that strip skin of moisture. Gentle products are best to help your skin look and feel hydrated and moisturized. Skip the use of exfoliating brushes or tools.
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.