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.
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.
Look for moisturizers that contain humectants such as glycerin or hyaluronic acid, as they help to attract moisture to the skin. Additionally, occlusive ingredients like Provitamin B5, squalane, or kokum butter can help to lock in moisture and prevent water loss from the skin.
Our Top Picks. Best Overall Moisturizer: La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer at Amazon $24. Best Budget Moisturizer: Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel with Hyaluronic Acid at Amazon $19.
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.
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.
In general, the thicker and greasier a product, the more effectively it will moisturize your skin. Some of the most effective and least expensive are petroleum jelly and its vegetable-based alternatives, and moisturizing oils, including vegetable oils.
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.
Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream is best used as part of your daily skincare routine. Gently massage the cream into your skin until it is fully absorbed. It will hydrate and nourish your whole body, since it is ideal for very dry areas of skin, especially on the hands, feet, elbows, and knees.
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.
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.
While neither brand is necessarily superior, you're probably better off with CeraVe if you're dealing with dry, sensitive skin, whereas Cetaphil is fab for sensitive, oily, and acne-prone skin. And remember—you don't have to exclusively use one brand.
Alcohol-based products
Dr. Shamban suggests steering clear of products with denatured alcohol like ethyl alcohol, which can deplete the skin. In mature skin, this can cause excessive dryness, inflammation and a disrupted skin barrier. Denatured alcohol is often used in skin care for its quick-drying effect, says Dr.
Are CeraVe products suitable for mature skin? CeraVe offers a range of anti-aging skincare products to support the needs of mature skin. Our gentle, yet effective anti-aging products are fragrance-free and offer a variety of benefits for common aging concerns.