Dry and dehydrated skin often feels tight, especially right after cleansing. With dry skin, you might notice itchiness, flaking, and rough patches, and your skin may be more sensitive to certain exfoliating acids or acne treatments. Look for products with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and ceramides, which help restore the skin's protective barrier. If you're going to splurge on one item in your routine, consider a rich moisturizer that'll make even the driest skin feel dewy. Read on for some of our favorite dermatologist-approved products for boosting moisture and managing dryness. We shouldn't have to remind you that a full-spectrum sunscreen is a year-round essential for all skin types to prevent burning and long-term sun damage .
What Do Dermatologists Recommend For Dry Skin But for dry skin, dermatologist Marnie Nussbaum recommends this Coola lotion that combines sun protection with hydration. "It has a lot of antioxidants" — including aloe juice, grape-seed oil, and other plant-based moisturizers — "so it helps the skin repair itself," she says. "If your skin is dry, find an oil-based cream or lotion," says Dr. Sandra Kopp from Schweiger Dermatology Group in Whiting, New Jersey.
Heal and prevent dry skin with my dermatologist's treatment tips developed from over 30 years of dermatology practice. It is important to treat dry skin by using a skin care routine that does not damage your skin's barrier and that also helps to strengthen it. Skin with healthy barrier will hold water and resist dryness. It's simple with the right skin care routine and products. Use moisturizers at least once daily, whether it's part of your morning routine or evening; regular moisturization with the right product is an essential part of winter skin care. While routine hand washing and sanitization is a daily challenge at the moment, using a moisturizing cream or oil-based cream can help to reduce flare-ups of skin conditions after you've done so can help to relieve dryness.
When shopping for body lotions, you'll want to look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, glycerin, shea butter, and ceramides, which are all recommended by dermatologists for hydrating dry skin. And if you're wondering what the difference is between lotions and creams, know that it's all about the consistency. "My skin-care routine starts in the shower with a moisturizing body wash," Dr. Nussbaum tells Allure. In 2005, CeraVe's dermatologists developed a line of skin care products enriched with a blend of three essential ceramides to help restore the skin's natural barrier.
Additionally, we are committed to the continued development of safe, effective skincare products informed by expertise of dermatologists. While oily skin types are more prone to acne, it's still possible to have pimples if your skin is dry. If that describes you, look for cleansers that mildly exfoliate the skin to get deep into the pore but are still gentle enough that they won't be irritating. This foaming cleanser from EltaMD ticks both boxes, according to dermatologist Jessie Cheung of Cheung Aesthetics. "I like how it bubbles while it's working to draw impurities out of my skin, and how it leaves my skin soft and moist," she says. Unlike other products that use harsh acids for exfoliation, this one contains the much more mild bromelain, an enzyme derived from pineapples, so it's safe for everyday use even if you have dry skin.
We recommend daily showers with warm water and a gentle fragrance free soap. A gentle moisturizer should be applied afterwards and throughout the day. Lotions and creams with an ingredient called ceramides help restore the skins natural lipids and pH to allow the skin to function more optimally as a barrier.
Ingredients petrolatum or lanolin help seal moisture into the skin. Urea and lactic acid help the skin hold water, but these ingredients may be irritating to some. We recommend gentle moisturizers such as Cetaphil cream, Cerave cream, and Vanicream for especially sensitive skin. One way to avoid drying your skin out further in winter is to take shorter showers than you might usually. While a long, hot shower can feel incredibly relaxing, standing under hot water for an overly long length of time can contribute to dry skin. You might not be aware, but hot showers, in fact, play a large role in stripping away the natural oil barriers that keep your skin moisturized.
Don't be surprised when your dermatologist recommends changing your shower routine! Long showers and baths can increase the dryness and itchiness of the skin, so it's best to avoid them in winter if you can. Keeping the door closed to trap humidity in the bathroom while you towel dry your skin and then immediately apply your chosen moisturizer can aid rehydration. While many dermatologists already recommend applying body lotions immediately after bathing, this Jergens moisturizer was specifically designed to be used on wet skin. It contains shea butter and hyaluronic acid (two expert-approved ingredients) that start hydrating skin as soon as you hop out of the shower. "I'm one of those people that always buys lotion and says that I'll put it on after the shower, but somehow always end up forgetting," wrote one shopper.
"Having this stuff right in the shower with me and not needing to dry off before using it makes it so easy to incorporate into my routine." This drugstore body lotion from Aveeno uses a combination of super hydrating glycerin and oatmeal, which soothes irritated skin. "Glycerin works to moisturize the skin by drawing water from the air into the skin's outer layer. It generates a protective layer that helps prevent moisture loss," explains Dr. Jaliman.
It's non-greasy and fragrance-free, making it a great gentle, everyday lotion for dry skin. You can also purchase a budget-friendly bundlethat comes with the lotion and a moisturizing body wash. Perhaps one of the most important and commonly overlooked steps in the dry skin game is changing to a seriously hydrating moisturizer. "Look for creams, rather than lotions, that are made with ceramides and hyaluronic acid," Marchbein says. Ceramides aid in the prevention of the skin's barrier, which is "easily broken down during the winter." For patients with severely chapped faces, pack on a hefty amount of product, she says, morning and night. Choose something that's easy to apply and leaves no visible residue.
If you are acne-prone, avoid products on your face that contain petroleum jelly, cocoa butter or coconut oil. If you skin is very oily, try using a sunscreen instead of a moisturizer. If you have mature skin, you might prevent scaly, flaky skin by using products that contain antioxidants or alpha hydroxy acid.
Moisturizers often form the basis for wrinkle creams, with added retinoids, antioxidants, peptides and other ingredients. Retinol is another all-star ingredient that deserves a place in your routine. A form of vitamin A, it's considered the gold standard for treating wrinkles and acne by speeding up skin-cell turnover and stimulating the production of collagen.
Some retinol creams can be irritating, though, so you'll have to be careful in choosing the right one. Dermatologist Elizabeth Bahar Houshmand, owner of Dallas-based practice Houshmand Dermatology, recommends this Avène cream that also contains hydrating thermal spring water. "It is a pro-elastin peptide that helps with fine lines to firm and has vitamin E, which helps with free-radical damage and protects against damaging sun rays," she says.
A face mask can offer a concentrated boost of hydration to your skin (plus, they work perfectly for a self-care sesh). Coppola says to look for ones with moisturizing properties. "The key ingredients to look for are those that will draw in and bind water to the skin, like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, vitamin C, glycerin, and almond oil," she tells Bustle. Oil-based moisturizers are also suitable for naturally dry skin. Heavier oil-based moisturizers can rejuvenate dry skin, especially if they are petroleum-based, as these are designed to prevent water from evaporating from your pores.
Most often, a dermatologist will recommend heavier creams and ointments for night-time use rather than daytime. You may find that products that contain mineral oils and lanolin particularly soothing. Not only are our products developed with dermatologists, but CeraVe is the #1 dermatologist recommended skincare brand1. Containing three essential ceramides to help restore the skin's natural barrier with continuous release technology for all day hydration, CeraVe offers effective, dermatologic skin care products for all skin types.
CeraVe has been widely endorsed worldwide by skincare organizations, including being awarded more Seal of AcceptanceTM awards from the National Eczema Association than any other brand. Even though thick creams are typically more hydrating than milky lotions, Dr. Zalka says the latter is still great because they're easier to apply on your skin. One of her recommendations is this skin-smoothing lotion from AmLactin. It contains lactic acid , which "helps microscopically slough dead skin cells while leaving a layer of protection on the skin surface," according to Dr. Zalka. That's what makes this lotion a great choice for anyone with rough or bumpy skin. Because the lotion's active ingredients can make your skin more sensitive, remember to wear sunscreen while using it.
The cocoa butter and vitamin E in this affordable Nivea creammake it a dermatologist-favorite for lasting hydrating on very dry skin. You can use the cream all over your body, but the thick consistency makes it especially great for slathering on cracked hands and feet. If you have dry skin, regular moisturization is crucially important, according to Craig Kraffert, M.D., board certified dermatologist and founder of Dermstore. But it has to be the right moisturizer to actually heal severely dry skin. Dr. Kraffert says richer products — like thicker body creams in place of thinner body lotions — is key for quenching extreme dryness.
Vaseline is a favorite among dermatologists because it's exceptionally moisturizing and has a very simple ingredient profile that makes it safe for even the most sensitive skin types. Anyone can use it to help prevent chapped lips, soothe irritated skin, and treat wounds, and people with super-dry skin can even use it as a daily moisturizer. There are few skin-care ingredients that do quite as much as vitamin C. It can reduce inflammation, fight free-radical damage, brighten skin, diminish fine lines and wrinkles, and minimize the appearance of discoloration and dark spots, according to dermatologists we've interviewed. No matter your skin type, a good cleanser is a vital first step for washing away makeup and dirt — but if you have dry skin, it's important to find one that's not too stripping. Buy moisturizer -- it seems easy enough when you jot it down on your to-do list.
But wander the skin care aisles and you quickly learn that the choices can be confounding. There are face creams, body and facial moisturizers, and lotions or ointments for dry, sensitive, light, or dark skin. Add in anti-aging ingredients and sunscreens and the confusion just grows.
It may seem an odd recommendation, but wearing sunscreen on your hands, face, and any other areas of your body that are exposed while you're outdoors is one way that you can go about preventing excessive irritation and dryness. Dry, chapped lips are also something you're incredibly familiar with; a simple application of petroleum jelly may help lock in moisture. Wearing gloves is not just great for keeping your hands warm; they can also keep your skin from drying out. Removing wet clothing, such as gloves and socks, once you get back indoors after being out in the rain will also prevent dry skin on your hands and feet from becoming unnecessarily worse. It's pretty easy to remember to apply your daily facial moisturizer each morning, especially if it's got built-in 'block that will help shield your skin from harmful UV rays. However, it's definitely safe to say that we often forget to give the skin on our body the same attention and care as our face.
While that deeply moisturizing body wash can definitely keep your skin feeling smooth with each wash, it may not be enough to stand tall against those rough spots and dry patches. With that in mind, we tapped the skin-care pros to break down the best body lotions of all time. Developed with dermatologists, CeraVe is the #1 dermatologist recommended skincare brand1. Yes, dry skin is often seasonal—but you don't have to move to a warmer climate to find relief. Instead, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Hadley King notes that taking a preventative approach and adding as much moisture back into our skin and immediate environment is key.
In addition to choosing a cream with the right ingredients, Dr. King says it's extremely beneficial to apply it at the right time. Every night before bed, Marchbein recommends sticking to a routine that will ensure healthy skin come morning. After your face serum and moisturizer, apply a gentle eye cream to the under eyes and lids, like Kiehl's avocado treatment. "The product will seal in the cream and prevent against redness and eczema," both of which are common during this time of year. I combine the right easy-rinse hand soap with my favorite humectant containing hand moisturizer, which is Dry Skin Hand Cream. This non-greasy cream contains the right humectants and skin barrier enhancers to keep hand skin healthy but never greasy.
I keep a tube at every sink and in my lab coat pocket so that I can apply it numerous times a day to prevent dry skin from frequent hand washing. Has everything you need to resist dry facial skin including the right sunscreen and green tea antioxidants to fight skin redness, irritation and to load skin with the right health promoting antioxidants. This soothing routine is perfect for even the most sensitive skin. It also integrates well with any of your favorite facial skin care products such as makeup, acne care products, wrinkle treating products etc. When tap water contains a high concentration of minerals like magnesium and calcium, it's known as hard water, according to the U.S. Those minerals can leave a film on skin that causes dryness.
Investing in a home filtration system, whether a whole-house treatment or one that attaches to the faucet, can help, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Dr. Gross also recommends adding skin-care products that contain vitamins A and C to your routine because they counteract the coating deposited by hard water. If you have a little bit more in your budget for skin care products, Chiu recommended Skinbetter's Trio Rebalancing Moisture Treatment for dry skin repair. " has urea and provides deep moisture without the heaviness," she explained.
According to the brand, it's also formulated with hyaluronic acid to hydrate the skin and ceramides and squalane to lock in moisture. Next up, you'll want a nice, thick moisturizer to lock in your hydrating serum and protect the skin from drying out. Dermatologist Rachel Nazarian says it's "incredibly lightweight and comfortable for daily use throughout the year" and free of any "irritating fragrances or perfumes. Plus, as Rita Linkner, of Spring Street Dermatology, points out, "The price point on this line of moisturizers makes it a no-brainer," so you won't feel guilty for generously slathering it on.
Here's a product you might not need or want to apply every day. If you have dry skin, including winter-air-induced dry skin, you may exfoliate more than usual, but you should still keep it to once or twice a week – max. Exfoliation can be used after cleanser but before moisturizer, as it helps to removes flaky skin by increasing skin cell turnover.
The benefits are real – removing dead skin and buildup for smoother skin and clearer pores – but most dermatologists will recommend chemical exfoliants over scrubs to prevent damage to the protective barrier of your skin. When skin becomes very dry and cracked, germs can get into the skin. Uncontrollable dryness, itch, or breakdown of the skin may be a sign of a more persistent dermatitis or other skin disease.
My Dermatologist can help as prescription creams such as steroids may be needed to break the cycle in these cases. We can also help with recommending a skin care regimen and other treatments as necessary to get you to feeling your best. Remember to keep your skin hydrated and don't forget to wear daily moisturizers for your face with at least an SPF of 30. Make an appointment today if you are concerned about your dry winter skin.
Kopari's Coconut Melt contains just one ingredient—organic coconut oil—but has eight different uses, including as a body lotion, hair mask, and makeup remover. "This is one of my favorite products to recommend to patients with very dry body skin to add to their bathing regimen," says Dr. Mauricio. If your dry skin is super itchy and eczema-prone, try this soothing cream from La Roche-Posay, which is meant to provide both instant relief and long-term hydration. It comes recommended by Kellie Reed, MD, a Texas-based dermatologist who appreciates that it "has colloidal oatmeal, shea butter, and niacinamide" to improve the skin's texture. Its ingredients are gentle enough for sensitive skin yet hydrating enough to get rid of rough, dry patches, according to reviewers. Plus, it's accepted by the National Eczema Association to treat the condition.
While the heat from an evening shower may feel phenomenal on a chilly day, Marchbein advises to limit rinse time to five minutes or less and to use warm—not hot—water, which only adds to surface dehydration. And instead of irritating soap bars or harsh body washes, pick up a creamy cleanser, like Dove's gentle formula. "Within 60 seconds of ," she says, apply a thick body moisturizer. "Look for something with mineral oil, lanolin, or ceramides," she explains, to help skin hold on to moisture throughout the night. While most summertime products get swapped out come winter, serums are the one exception to that rule. "As long as it's alcohol-free, an antioxidant serum is perfect for year-round usage," says Marchbein.
