Body Lotions For Dry Skin: The Ultimate Guide

Skin health is dependent on the regular use of moisturizers. Even while dry skin is more common in colder climates, moisturizing your skin is important all year round. A failure to do so may lead to rough and scaly spots that are difficult to remove. Dermatologist Dr. Sapna Palep, the founder of Spring Street Dermatology in New York City, warns that "alligator skin" is something to avoid.

This is when eczema and other skin conditions begin to develop; simply applying moisturizer won't be enough, so you'll need to take all the necessary precautions. Dermatologists throughout the country weigh in on the best body lotions for various skin conditions, from sensitive to irritated and inflamed.

CeraVe Moisturizing Cream

Almost every doctor we spoke to suggested this highly praised, fragrance-free lotion as an efficient, all-around moisturizing therapy for dry skin. Dr. Debra Jaliman, a dermatologist, believes it's a tried-and-true treatment.

Dr. Shari Marchbein, a dermatologist, says the solution contains ceramides and hyaluronic acid. Dr. Melissa K. Levin, the founder of Entière Dermatology in New York City, describes hyaluronic acid as "an extraordinarily efficient humectant." According to Levin, the CeraVe cream's thick, cooling texture soothes sensitive skin instantly upon application. Hirsch also likes the moisturizer's "soothing, creamy feel." "What's not to love?" asks Palep.

XeraCalm Lipid-Replenishing Cream by Avène

Four doctors advocate using this thick lotion to keep excessively dry skin from cracking or splitting. Dr. Shereene Idriss, a cosmetic physician, says the fragrance-free solution contains vitamin E and ceramides, making it "very moisturizing."

Hirsch claims that although this cream is rather thick, it doesn't feel greasy on the skin, which is a common problem with creams made for extremely dry skin. Those with excessively dry skin should avoid "lotions intended for rough and bumpy skin, because they involve peeling agents, and these are not healthy," says MacGregor who also suggests the Avène cream.

Eucerin Advanced Repair Lotion for Dry Skin

Paleo suggests this lotion if you don't want to use a heavy cream on your extremely dry skin because it is lighter than many other formulas for extreme dryness yet promises to keep moisture locked in for up to 48 hours. Previously, several dermatologists have recommended this lotion as a highly moisturizing solution for dry skin. According to Palep, it has been used to remove alligator skin, which is difficult.

Even though this formula contains lactic acid, it should be used to prevent severely dry skin from developing rather than cure existing cracks or splits. A light peeling agent smooths rough follicles. Thus it's best used as a prophylactic measure. For people with "existing cracks" on their skin, Hirsch advises against using this lotion since it might sting. The humectant and mild exfoliant properties of lactic acid make it an "often ignored yet amazing" substance for dry skin, according to the dermatologist.

Vaseline-based Moisturizing Cream

"The time" to figure out what their skin may be responding to, rather than just "blindly claiming, "I have sensitive skin," is something Idriss constantly wants her patients to do instead of just "blindly saying" Her final words: "If you're too busy to figure it out or have a really sensitive skin, then this is certainly a fantastic go-to product."

That which isn't there, Hirsch continues, "is the beauty of this, because it's free of practically all the primary things that might cause problems." But Jaliman points out that the restricted ingredient list includes petroleum and glycerin, which are useful moisturizers and other ingredients. Mitchell states that it has been "approved by the National Eczema Association for individuals with eczema."

Moisture-rich body creme from EltaMD (2 oz.)

Paleo and Levin recommend this product partly because they've tried it and can attest to its effectiveness in treating dry skin irritation. Aside from the usual suspects like dimethicone, ceramides, and hyaluronic acid, Levin notes that this EltaMD cream also contains "squalane oil," "mango-seed butter," and "niacin acid," all of which work to reduce inflammation. One of Mitchell's favorite features is it's long-lasting, reducing the need to reapply.

Moisturizing Cream Cetaphil

A lotion containing an exfoliator can help remove rough spots while moisturizing at the same time. Mitchell and Levin recommend this Cetaphil lactic acid lotion if that sounds like you. "It's a mild exfoliant component," Levin explains. Almond oil acts as a "Saran Wrap" and "basically seals moisture in," according to her, as well as helping to hydrate. Aside from the fact that it's "clinically proven," Mitchell says it's "quickly absorbed and leaves the skin feeling smooth, supple, and well protected," in case there are any doubters out there.