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Relieve Dry Skin with These High-Performing Moisturizers
Shop options for face and body.
At some point, you'll likely deal with dry skin and all the itchiness, flakiness, and discomfort that usually comes with it. Unfortunately, treating dry skin is complicated. The best way to target this common concern is getting to the root issue and hunting down a moisturizer that works for you. Ahead, discover what causes dry skin and what's the best moisturizer to fix it, according to dermatologists.
What causes dry skin?
Dry skin is "caused by an ineffective skin barrier that allows water to evaporate off of the surface of the skin," says Joshua Zeichner, MD, director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital.
Your skin uses water and naturally producing oils to stay hydrated, soft, and elastic, explains board-certified dermatologist Ife J. Rodney, MD, founding director of Eternal Dermatology + Aesthetics. "The water comes from the skin’s ability to acquire it from the environment's moisture and the body’s hydration levels," she says.
Your body also supplies moisture to your dermis, the inner layer of your skin, which then goes to the epidermis (the outer layer) and out to the atmosphere, Rodney says. Oils your body produces help protect your skin and retain moisture, she continues, and your body's production relies on hormones and other factors.
Rodney says these are the most common causes of dry skin:
- Dehydration. Meaning, you're not taking in enough water and liquids. (FYI: The U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine recommends that men take in 15.5 cups of fluids a day and that women aim to have 11.5 cups.)
- Underlying medical issues. Thyroid problems, liver issues, kidney issues, and diabetes can all lead to dry skin. "Psoriasis and eczema also lead to severely dry skin," Rodney says.
- Environmental issues. Extremely cold weather, harsh soaps, and skincare products, along with smoking and alcohol use can cause dry skin.
- Medication. Some medications, like diuretics, antihistamines, and statins, can cause dryness.
- Poor skincare habits. "People who do not use moisturizers or other skincare products are likely to acquire dry skin, especially with age," Rodney says.
What to look for in a moisturizer for dry skin
There are a few different things you can look for when it comes to a moisturizer for dry skin. "I usually recommend a fragrance-free product with ceramides that can help repair the skin barrier function," says board-certified dermatologist Gary Goldenberg, MD, founder of Goldenberg Dermatology. "In some instances, lactic or salicylic acid can help get rid of the scaling and help dry skin." With that in mind, keep reading for the best moisturizers for dry skin.
Youth to the People Polypeptide-121 Future Cream
Youth to the People Polypeptide-121 Future Cream
Pros
- Targets signs of aging
Cons
- It's a splurge compared to other options
Filled with peptides, plant proteins, and ceramides, this moisturizer hydrates dry skin while working to reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles.
SkinCeuticals Renew Overnight Dry
SkinCeuticals Renew Overnight Dry
Pros
- Gently exfoliates
Cons
- It's pricey compared to other options
For those who experience dryness and textured skin, try this option. The hydroxy acid blend gently exfoliates dull skin for a smoother, more radiant appearance, and the aloe, chamomile, and evening primrose extracts nourish and soothe.
Lipikar Balm AP+ Intense Repair Body Lotion
Lipikar Balm AP+ Intense Repair Body Lotion
Pros
- Boosts softness
- Even out skin tone
Cons
- Some buyers say it's greasy
This cream has been clinically shown to reduce dry skin while giving you 48-hour hydration. It's packed with ingredients like prebiotic thermal water, ceramide-3, shea butter, glycerin, and niacinamide to help moisturize and even out skin tone.
Tatcha The Dewy Skin Cream Plumping & Hydrating Moisturizer
Tatcha The Dewy Skin Cream Plumping & Hydrating Moisturizer
Pros
- Increases radiance
Cons
- It's pricey compared to other options
Get glazed-doughnut skin with this luxurious moisturizer. It's packed with Japanese purple rice, a powerful antioxidant that protects the skin, hydrating hyaluronic acid, and botanical extracts that offer a beautiful glow.
Biossance Squalane + Omega Repair Cream
Biossance Squalane + Omega Repair Cream
Pros
- Rich texture but not greasy
Cons
- Some buyers say there's a smell
Squalane is an ingredient that comes from sugar cane and helps to nourish dry, flaky skin. The formula also contains hydrating hyaluronic acid and ceramides to repair the skin barrier.
Estée Lauder Revitalizing Supreme+ Global Anti-Aging Cell Power Creme SPF 15
Estée Lauder Revitalizing Supreme+ Global Anti-Aging Cell Power Creme SPF 15
Pros
- Offers SPF protection
Cons
- It's a splurge
Achieve smooth, radiant, and moisturized skin with this formula. It includes collagen, elastin, and SPF to keep skin protected and ward off signs of aging.
Moisturizing Cream
Pros
- Gentle formula for sensitive skin
Cons
- If you don't like thick textures, you may not like this formula
CeraVe's moisturizing cream is a favorite of dermatologists, who give it high marks for its ability to moisturize and protect the skin barrier. The lotion goes on thick and contains three essential ceramides to keep fluid in the skin. While this cream is thick, it's not so dense that it doesn't blend into the skin.
Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré
Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré
Pros
- Rich but absorbs quickly
Cons
- Can be tricky to get every last drop because of the aluminum bottle
You can use this rich, hydrating formula as a moisturizer, makeup primer, or face mask. Whatever you choose, it'll nourish your skin without feeling too heavy.
Moisturizing Cream
Moisturizing Cream
Pros
- Good for sensitive skin
- Affordable
Cons
- Some buyers don't like the reformulation
Got a leathery skin situation going on? Reach for this cream. It's formulated with glycerin, panthenol, and niacinamide. Once you slather it on, it works to replenish and soothe dry, irritated skin. It can even restore your skin's moisture barrier in a week.
olay Hyaluronic + Peptide 24 Hydrating Gel Cream
olay Hyaluronic + Peptide 24 Hydrating Gel Cream
Pros
- Moisturizing but not tacky or sticky
Cons
- Not suited for very dry skin
If you have dry combination skin, you'll love this formula. It effectively hydrates those dry areas without weighing down other parts of your face that produce more oil. It contains hyaluronic acid to hydrate, amino peptides to firm, and niacinamide to retain moisture.
Daily Facial Moisturizer
Pros
- Lightweight
Cons
- Some buyers don't like the smell
Perfect for when your face feels dry and taut, this lightweight facial moisturizer is made with five ceramides, hyaluronic acid, squalane, and glycerin. It also won't clog your pores and cause breakouts.
Pros
- Can use it on face and body
Cons
- Some buyers say it's pricey for the size
Lano Everywhere delivers some serious moisture where you need it most. It contains lanolin, a natural fat that protects and hydrates your skin and tends to be a good option for people who prefer a rich, creamy moisturizer.
Curel Ultra Healing Lotion, Hand and Body Moisturizer
Curel Ultra Healing Lotion, Hand and Body Moisturizer
Pros
- Very moisturizing
- Retains moisture
Cons
- Some reviewers don't like the smell
Relieve dry, tight, and itchy skin with this formula. The texture is rich but easy to spread and absorbs quickly, so it doesn't feel heavy. It contains and replenishes ceramides to help skin retain moisture, and prevent dry skin from coming back.
Eczema Honey Skin-Soothing Cream
Eczema Honey Skin-Soothing Cream
Pros
- Relieves eczema and rashes
- Soothing
Cons
- Some reviewers say it's a bit heavy
Having eczema can both raise your risk of dry skin and make it more likely that you'll be irritated by certain lotions. This cream is designed for sensitive and eczema-prone skin. It contains colloidal oatmeal and organic honey to soothe and moisturize.
Vaseline Intensive Care Advanced Repair Body Lotion
Vaseline Intensive Care Advanced Repair Body Lotion
Pros
- Great for dry, flaky patches
Cons
- Some buyers find the texture heavy
This unscented formula contains Vaseline jelly, which is an occlusive ingredient that forms a protective barrier on the skin to keep moisture locked in.
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